The set-in-Hawaii remake, “Hawaii 5-0,” is set to debut its second season tonight, September 20.
CBS has said the first season did well in the ratings. The second season actually rolled out last week with a gala event that included a sneak preview of tonight’s episode outside at Waikiki, featuring all the cast members and other dignitaries.
Last season’s cast members will be returning– Alex O’Loughlin,Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, along with series regular Masi Oka as Dr. Max Bergman The second season will bring in lots of guest stars, most notably Terry O’Quinn, formerly of the series “Lost,” as McGarrett’s one-time Navy SEAL mentor Lt. Cmdr. Joe White. Tom Sizemore, from “Saving Private Ryan” will have a role as an internal affairs officer.
In future episodes, guest stars will include Oscar winner Patty Duke in a rare television appearance, Peter Fonda, and Greg Grunberg of “Heroes.”
The first season boxed DVD set will be out Tuesday, September 20. It includes several episodes with scenes that didn’t make the final cut. It also includes tidbits about the show that may surprise–such as information that the producers digitally added some mountains to make the background look more Hawaii-like (even though it was actually shot on Oahu).
In an event at the Hawaii State Capitol last March, CBS production executives said the cost of the first season production in Hawaii was in excess of $40 million, and that they had a policy of hiring 80% of the extras locally.
“Hawaii 5-0″ airs every Monday at 9 p.m. on KGMB 9, which airs on Oceanic Cablevision on Hawaii Island on Channel 7.
