Could Alex O’Loughlin really leave ‘Hawaii Five-0’ after season 8?
This Friday, the 150th episode of “Hawaii Five-0” will be coming on the air over on CBS, but it may already be time to start looking more towards another milestone: The potential end of the road, at least for one of the main characters. Alex O’Loughlin gives everything to the role of Steve McGarrett, but he may be looking towards the end of his time on this series.
In a recent interview out of Australia, the actor suggested that he planned to exit the show after his contract is up following a potential eighth season. His reasoning for that was simple: This show is extremely demanding physically, and it is incredibly hard to sustain doing it. It’s hard to really blame him for feeling that way after watching the stunts this cast has to do every week. Do you want to watch a version of the show where Steve is just standing around eating at the shrimp truck?
O’Loughlin was asked about these comments again by TVLine this week, and he echoed much of what he said then:
“Absolutely [it’s still the plan]. I’m just trying to make it through the end of [Season] 7! [Five-0] is really, really wonderful, but it is an action show, I’m the main guy, and I defy anybody to do what I’ve done for as long I’ve done it and hold out the way I have. Dude, I was a fit, strong, healthy guy when I started the show, and I still am, but you sustain what you sustain. It’s part of the gig.”
If nothing else, cheers to Alex for giving production the time to figure out the right way to have him written out of the show if this really is the end of the road for him. He’s giving them a chance to either wrap up the show entirely, or at least his character, in a cool or interesting way. It’s a million times better than leaving at the last second or having the studio write you out for contractual reasons, given that just means everyone has to scramble and the closure is usually spotty at best.
We have to ask: Do you think that “Hawaii Five-0” can survive without Alex’s Steve McGarrett? Leave us a comment in the box below and tell us if you would watch the show without him. Want more news on the 150th episode? We’ve got some more details about it over here. (Photo: CBS.)
orel anavi
November 7, 2016 @ 11:22 am
i think thst the show would survive without alex but shes not going to be the same show. i started to watch H5O just because of him and i fell in love! so…i hope alex is not going to leave this show because he’s the one everyone is looking to see each week. xoxo from israel :)
KAD1228
November 2, 2016 @ 10:51 pm
It hurts me to see how much pain Alex is in. He needs to (a) get through s7 first and (b) if there is a s8, to physically get himself well enough to handle the season. This is such a physically demanding show that I don’t think he could sustain doing more than 8 seasons, 9 would be a miracle.
Alex is McGarrett and the heart and soul of Hawaii 5-0. Without Alex there is no McGarrett and no Hawaii 5-0. No one else could fill his shoes and bring the character to life the way he does. Wherever Alex winds up, I’ll definitely be following him.
Helma
November 2, 2016 @ 9:35 pm
If he leaves I won’t watch H5O anymore. I can understand his reasons, his healthproblems etc., but he is the main character of this show !!! Hoping for more seasons to come.
las
November 2, 2016 @ 1:31 pm
I think people are jumping gun here..first of all let’s get through season 7 and get RENEWED for season 8..and secondly Alex did not say he was leaving..he said he didn’t know…he never said I’m leaving after S8..he said his body is beat up and he needs to heal…so I honestly don’t know where people are getting he is def dne after s8…he may be he may not be….the man has stated he plans on still living in Hawaii…after show ends….if they want to continue on after 8 seasons..they give him enough money and lower his physical stress. My guess is he won’t go anywhere..butvkets just enjoy s7…and hopefully S8..and then worry about it…and thirdly..there is no H50 without Alex…he goes the show ends
Karin Yazzie
November 2, 2016 @ 5:18 am
This is insane; Steve McGarrett created 5-0! No…I will not watch the show if he leaves. I understand all the action scenes putting wear and tear on his body so he should exit “temporarily” for his recovery. If the series ends, I’ll accept that. Get well O’Loughlin.
Fatima Torres
November 2, 2016 @ 3:47 am
if he’s gone the show that no have the same filling… im no think can survive without him… i love all the good group they are tbe best…
Cassandra
November 2, 2016 @ 3:22 am
I’d watch it still
Eric H
November 1, 2016 @ 7:51 pm
I’m not sure there’s a show without McGarrett since he’s the character the show has been based around. This potential departure and/or ending of the show easily could have been avoided had the production staff and Alex been a bit smarter about the physicality of the show and toll it’d take on the actors.
Brenda_stlouismo
November 1, 2016 @ 6:52 pm
There is no show without McGarrett. I love these characters but no I would not watch a hybrid. ??
ImaGoNow
November 1, 2016 @ 6:25 pm
I don’t care if the show survives after Alex and I would wish it well but I sure wouldn’t watch it.
Matt Carter
November 2, 2016 @ 12:25 am
I’d probably give it a try, but as of right now I do think season 8 being the final season could work well. That’s a long time for any show to go.
alex fan
November 1, 2016 @ 5:54 pm
Survival without Alex O’Loughlin, at least for me is unthinkable. I would not watch the show without him.