Hawaii Five-O Then and Now

"Hawaii Five-O" was a hit television show that aired on CBS from 1968 until 1980. With this article "Hawaii Five-O" then and now we will look at the version that became a television phenomenon, and the new version which premieres Monday September 20, 2010 at 10 PM ET on CBS.

"Hawaii Five-0" Then

The first "Hawaii Five-O" was created by Leonard Freeman and starred Jack Lord in the lead role of Detective Steve McGarrett. "Hawaii Five-0" was a fictional state police unit set in Honolulu, Hawaii. McGarretts subordinate was Danny Williams played by James MacArthur. A phrase made popular by the television show was "Book 'em, Dano and was said by McGarrett to Williams when McGarrett was instructing him to arrest the criminal. Something that became very popular due to the show was the theme song. The theme song became very popular it is still very popular with collage and high school bands and is the official fight song of the University of Hawaii. The theme song was composed by Morton Stevens.

"Hawaii Five-O" aired for twelve seasons. While mostly shot in Hawaii the crew also shot episodes in Hong Kong, Singapore and Los Angeles. The "Hawaii Five-0" team was able to capture and send to prison not only ordinary criminals but also Mafia Syndicates and secret agents.

"Hawaii Five-0" was very popular with many fans that tuned in each week for each new episode. I remember watching it with parents. I was just a teen then and while I liked the show it was not something I was a huge fan of. However now I am older and I enjoy these types of show and I am very excited for the new version to air. So let's discuss

"Hawaii Five-0 Now

This Monday the new version of "Hawaii Five-0" Premieres on CBS at 10PM ET. I will be tuning in and expect a show that will be even better the original, The 21^st century should enable for a much more visually enjoyable and special effects galore show, as long as the characters are also talented and believable and the writers are top notch.

The mission of "Hawaii Five-0" now is the same mission it was then, back in 70s. Wipe out crime in Hawaii. Alex O'Loughlin stars as the character Steve McGarrett, Scott Caan plays Danny Williams, Daniel Dae Kim plays Garrett's fathers protégé Chin Ho Kelly and Grace Parks stars as Kono Kalakaua who is fresh out of the academy.

The series premiere is called "Dead in Paradise" and find s McGarrett returning to the islands to investigate his father's murder. He will end up staying on the island by request of the Governor to head up a new team.

If the new "Hawaii Five-O" can give viewers as much as they expect from the original with an updated look and by throwing in some great new twists and phenomenal special effects it might just become just as popular as the first.

Go here to see the original opening credits and here to see the new opening credits, also for a preview of the fist episode go here.