Forty-five years back, Danno apprehended them for the final time, when Hawaii Five-O broadcast its last episode. The series — which featured Jack Lord As the unyielding Detective Captain Steve McGarrett, who led a specialized law enforcement unit targeting organized crime and espionage across the Hawaiian Islands—first appeared in 1968, remaining as the sole scripted series from the 1960s still broadcasting until its conclusion.
The series turned Lord into a superstar and introduced numerous viewers to Hawaii, which became part of the U.S. in 1959. Its influence continues to be seen today across myriad other crime dramas set in captivating and unconventional settings—and in the extremely popular genres they represent. 2010 series reboot , which had an additional 10 seasons of its own.
Here are five facts you might not have known about one of television's most cherished police series.
1 Chin Ho Kelly wasn't merely a television officer; he also held a position as an actual law enforcement agent.
Kam Fong Chun portrayed Detective Kelly, an experienced officer serving under Captain McGarrett—though his role was not merely fictional. Born in 1918, Chun had firsthand experience as a law enforcement officer. A Honolulu-based law enforcement officer for sixteen years He embarked on this career following an inconceivable loss: Chun labored at the Pearl Harbor shipyard and witnessed the devastating assault by Japanese forces which propelled the U.S. into World War II. Two years thereafter, his wife and two infant children perished as a result of two B-24 bombers crashing into their house.
In 1959, Chun stepped down from his policing career and chose to explore acting instead. Following appearances in community theater plays and minor parts in low-budget movies filmed locally (which included an uncredited appearance in Gidget Goes Hawaiian ) , he tried out for the role of an assistant. Hawaii Five-O The character villain Wo Fat was supposed to play, but ended up taking the heroic role of Kelly instead.
2 Jack Lord was nearly chosen to be Captain Kirk.
Before Hawaii Five-O , Lord was most renowned for his role in the Western series Stoney Burke , as well as his portrayal of Bond ally Felix Leiter in the 1962 film "Dr. No" Dr. No Lord was reportedly substituted in subsequent Bond films as he demanded increased compensation along with equal billing alongside Sean Connery.
When Lord was asked to join another iconic television show from the '60s, a comparable scenario unfolded. Following an unsuccessful pilot featuring Jeffrey Hunter as the commander of the USS Enterprise, things didn’t work out. Star Trek series creator Gene Roddenberry had another chance to develop the pilot show — and wished for Lord to take on the recast lead role as Captain James T. Kirk.
The Lord had an unconventional request, nonetheless: He desired half of the earnings from the series. . Roddenberry passed, selecting William Shatner For the role instead. Unexpectedly, Lord finally received what he was after — his contract for Hawaii Five-O entitled him to a third of the show's earnings After creator Leonard Freeman passed away in 1974, Lord took over the reins creatively and steered the series. He went on to direct multiple episodes during the final seasons of the show.
3 The Lord determined that the production should take place on site.
When Hawaii Five-O Initially broadcasted, many programs were filmed on studio back lots irrespective of their settings — take as an illustration those with a similar tropical theme. Gilligan’s Island , featuring several scenes shot in Hawaii, primarily took place in a Los Angeles studio. During the offseason, the lagoon area was converted into a parking lot.
Lord not only received, as was previously stated, an exceptionally substantial portion of the show's earnings; according to reports, he did so because 1998 New York Times obituary ," His contract granted him authority over all dramatic choices for each episode, and he firmly stood his ground, insisting contrary to the network's desires, that the series be filmed exclusively on-location in Hawaii."
This choice not only added to the show's realistic feel but also significantly benefited Hawaii’s emerging tourism sector and overall economy. The annual injection of funds from production expenses and spending on crew accommodations contributed approximately $100 million each year to the state’s economic growth.
Lord also developed a strong affection for the state—although he had formerly resided in Beverly Hills, he and his wife relocated to Hawaii to work on the show and decided to stay permanently.
4 It spawned a enduring colloquial expression.
You might know the police being called "the five-oh," but that’s not why the series bears this title. Hawaii Five-O Instead, the colloquial term originated from the show. The "five-O" in the title was meant to signify that Hawaii had become the 50th state.
5 Magnum, P.I. was specifically designed to utilize the show's production resources
When Hawaii Five-O First released in 1968, Honolulu lacked substantial film production infrastructure at the time. Due to filming taking place on location, television production studios had to be constructed there specifically for this series.
After it ceased broadcasting, the dilemma emerged: how should one handle the expensive and vacant studios? The solution: bring Tom Selleck and his magnificent mustache onto our television screens. Magnum, P.I. was created with the intention of being situated in the same location, and was introduced mere months later. Hawaii Five-O bid its final goodbye.
Although Jack Lord was reportedly approached numerous times for a guest appearance on Magnum and rejected, yet there were still some Five-O Chun made appearances in the series on two occasions.
The character of Jim Rockford was developed much earlier than when he received his own series (or show).
