The Latest On Steve McGarrett: Will Alex O'Loughlin Return In NCIS: Sydney Season 2?

The legacy of Lieutenant Commander Steven "Steve" Jack McGarrett continues to dominate conversations among procedural crime drama fans, even four years after the final mission of the *Hawaii Five-0* reboot. As of late 2025, the character, brought to life by the charismatic Australian actor Alex O’Loughlin, remains an icon of television, defined by his military precision, unwavering loyalty, and the unforgettable "cargument" chemistry he shared with his partner, Detective Danny "Danno" Williams. The biggest question currently circulating in the TV universe is not about a *Hawaii Five-0* Season 11, but a much more intriguing crossover: Could Steve McGarrett be making a surprise return in *NCIS: Sydney* Season 2? This speculation has gained significant traction, fueled by the fact that O’Loughlin is a Sydney native and the show’s creator has openly hinted at the possibility of bringing the beloved character back into the CBS procedural fold. The prospect of the decorated Navy SEAL crossing paths with the NCIS team is the freshest and most exciting news for the character since the show's finale.

Steven Jack McGarrett: The Complete Navy SEAL Profile and Biography

Steven Jack McGarrett is the central protagonist of the 2010 *Hawaii Five-0* reboot, serving as the leader of the elite state police task force, Five-0. His character is a direct homage to the original 1968 series hero played by Jack Lord, but with a modern, high-octane military background that defines his approach to law enforcement.

• Full Name: Steven Jack McGarrett
• Rank: Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), United States Navy (Retired)
• Military Background: Highly Decorated Navy SEAL, specializing in Intelligence, Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Close Quarters Combat (CQC).
• Task Force Role: Head of the Hawaii Five-0 Task Force (appointed by Governor Pat Jameson)
• Family:
  • Father: John McGarrett (Murdered, a catalyst for the series)
  • Mother: Doris McGarrett (Former CIA agent)
  • Sister: Mary Ann McGarrett
  • Adoptive Daughter: Joan McGarrett (via his relationship with Catherine Rollins)
• Key Partner: Detective Sergeant Danny "Danno" Williams (Scott Caan)
• Arch-Nemesis: Wo Fat
• Defining Trait: His catchphrase, "Book 'em Danno," and his preference for unconventional, often dangerous, police methods.

McGarrett's return to Oahu was initially motivated by a quest for vengeance following his father, John McGarrett's, murder. This personal mission quickly evolved into leading the specialized Five-0 unit, which operates outside the standard chain of command, answering only to the Governor. His military training is evident in every action, from his tactical gear to his fearless pursuit of criminals like the elusive assassin Wo Fat, whose capture was a decade-long obsession.

The End of Five-0 and McGarrett’s Emotional Exit

The 2010 *Hawaii Five-0* series concluded after ten seasons in April 2020. The decision to end the show was largely influenced by Alex O’Loughlin’s desire to move on from the physically demanding role, which had led to significant chronic back and knee injuries. The actor had often spoken publicly about the toll the action-heavy role took on his body.

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The series finale, titled "Aloha," provided a fitting, albeit emotional, farewell for the character. McGarrett finally achieved a sense of peace and closure after the death of his mother, Doris. He made the difficult decision to leave the Five-0 task force and the island of Hawaii, passing the torch to his team. The final scene saw him board a plane, signaling a departure from his life as a cop and the beginning of a new, undefined journey.

This exit was crucial for the character's development. After years of trauma, loss, and the constant stress of leading a high-stakes unit, McGarrett needed a chance to heal. His journey was always about more than just solving crimes; it was about confronting his family's dark history and finding a sense of belonging. Leaving Hawaii allowed him to finally pursue a life free from the ghosts of his past.

The Shocking Rumors of a Return in NCIS: Sydney Season 2

In what is arguably the most exciting piece of news for the Five-0 fandom since the show's cancellation, strong rumors suggest that Alex O'Loughlin could reprise his role as Steve McGarrett in *NCIS: Sydney* Season 2. The *NCIS* franchise, which shares a universe with *Hawaii Five-0*, has a history of crossovers, making this possibility highly plausible.

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Why the Crossover Makes Perfect Sense

The speculation is not baseless. It is rooted in several key factors that align the character's narrative and the actor's personal life:

• The Actor's Origin: Alex O’Loughlin is an Australian native, and *NCIS: Sydney* is filmed entirely in Australia. A role in the Sydney-based spin-off would allow the actor to work closer to home, addressing a major reason for his previous departure from the demanding *Hawaii Five-0* production schedule in Oahu.
• The Narrative Blank Slate: McGarrett's final scene showed him leaving Hawaii on a plane with no set destination. This open ending provides a narrative blank slate, allowing the *NCIS: Sydney* writers to easily place him anywhere in the world, including a temporary stop in Australia.
• The Creator's Hint: The most significant fuel for the rumor comes from the show's creative team. Hints have been dropped that they would love to integrate the popular character, leveraging the existing shared universe between the CBS procedurals.

If McGarrett were to appear, he would likely be on a personal mission or consulting on a complex case that requires his unique Navy SEAL and Five-0 task force experience. His brief, intense appearance would be a massive ratings draw for the burgeoning *NCIS: Sydney* series, providing a nostalgic link for millions of viewers who miss the action-packed adventures of the Lieutenant Commander.

McGarrett’s Enduring Appeal and Topical Authority

Detective Steve McGarrett’s character possesses a unique topical authority that has kept him relevant long after his show ended. He is a blend of stoic military discipline and deeply buried emotional vulnerability, a complexity that resonated with a global audience for a decade.

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The Five-0 Core Team Dynamics

A major part of McGarrett's appeal was his relationship with his team, which created a rich tapestry of entities and LSI keywords essential to the show's success:

• The "Carguments" with Danno: The constant, hilarious bickering (or "carguments") between McGarrett and Danny Williams became the heart of the show. Their "Lethal Weapon" style partnership, with McGarrett's impulsiveness clashing with Danno's "Jersey" sensibilities, provided essential comic relief and emotional grounding.
• The Original Core: The initial Five-0 team, including the tech-savvy Kono Kalakaua and the loyal, experienced Chin Ho Kelly, formed a family unit. These characters provided a sense of Ohana (family) that McGarrett desperately needed after his traumatic childhood.
• The Supporting Cast: The revolving door of supporting characters, such as the medical examiner Dr. Max Bergman, the former CIA operative Catherine Rollins (McGarrett's main love interest), and Lou Grover, all contributed to the rich environment of the Five-0 universe.

McGarrett's evolution from a single-minded vengeance seeker to a man who values his chosen "Ohana" is the true narrative arc of the series. Whether he returns for a brief stint in *NCIS: Sydney* or remains retired on his boat, the legacy of the Lieutenant Commander, the decorated Navy SEAL, and the leader of the Hawaii Five-0 Task Force, is permanently cemented in television history.

Fans are eagerly awaiting any official announcement regarding Alex O'Loughlin’s potential return. For now, the possibility of hearing "Book 'em, Danno" one last time on the shores of Sydney is enough to keep the spirit of Detective Steve McGarrett alive and well.