10 Shocking Facts About Steve McGarrett's Life After Hawaii Five-0 Ended In 2020

The legacy of Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, the stoic and intensely loyal leader of the elite Five-0 Task Force, continues to captivate fans years after the final "Book 'em, Danno!" was uttered on screen. The series finale of the *Hawaii Five-0* reboot in April 2020 left the door open for McGarrett's future, giving the character a poignant, yet ambiguous, send-off that has fueled speculation ever since. As of today, December 10, 2025, the latest updates focus less on a fictional return and more on the real-life journey of the man who played him, Alex O'Loughlin, and the enduring impact of the character's complex history.

The character, a former Navy SEAL with a deep sense of justice and a complicated family history, became a television icon for a new generation. His intense bond with partner Detective Sergeant Danny Williams formed the emotional core of the show, making his final farewell a truly tear-jerking moment for viewers worldwide. We delve into the complete profile of the modern McGarrett and the latest news surrounding the actor who brought him to life.

Lieutenant Commander Steven "Steve" Jack McGarrett: A Full Biography

Steve McGarrett is the central protagonist of the 2010 reboot of *Hawaii Five-0*, portrayed by Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin. His character is a complex blend of military discipline, emotional vulnerability, and unwavering dedication to his team and the state of Hawaii.

• Full Name: Steven "Steve" Jack McGarrett
• Rank: Lieutenant Commander (US Navy Reserve)
• Military Background: Highly decorated United States Navy SEAL. Served multiple tours, including in Afghanistan.
• Primary Role: Head of the Governor-sanctioned Five-0 Task Force.
• Parents: John McGarrett (Father, former HPD Captain) and Doris McGarrett (Mother, former CIA Agent).
• Sister: Mary Ann McGarrett.
• Partner/Best Friend: Detective Sergeant Danny "Danno" Williams (HPD).
• Key Relationships: Catherine Rollins (Long-term love interest, CIA/Navy Intelligence), Lynn Downey.
• Signature Catchphrase: "Book 'em, Danno." (Shared with the original McGarrett, Jack Lord).
• Key Character Traits: Reckless, loyal, highly skilled in combat, emotionally guarded, deep commitment to family and justice.
• Series Finale Fate (2020): Resigned from Five-0, flew off with a mysterious woman (potentially Catherine Rollins) to start a new life, having finally found peace after solving his mother's murder case.

The Enduring Legacy of McGarrett's Navy SEAL Mentality

McGarrett's character arc is defined by his military past, a crucial element that distinguishes him from the original series' iteration. His background as a Navy SEAL is not just a footnote; it is the foundation of his leadership style, his physical prowess, and his often-reckless approach to police work.

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The "McGarrett Method": Discipline and Danger

The show frequently showcased McGarrett's ability to remain calm under intense pressure, a direct result of his extensive SEAL training. This discipline, however, was often juxtaposed with a willingness to disregard protocol, leading to the constant, beloved "carguments" with his partner, Danny Williams. This dynamic provided the necessary comic relief and emotional balance to McGarrett's intense, often solitary, nature.

His military mannerisms are apparent in his leadership of the Five-0 team, which includes Kona Kalakaua, Chin Ho Kelly, and later, Tani Rey and Junior Reigns. He commanded respect and loyalty, often viewing his team as a new kind of "family" to replace the one he lost or was estranged from.

The Search for Peace and Family Closure

A significant portion of McGarrett's story was dedicated to unraveling the mystery surrounding his parents. His father's murder in the pilot episode set McGarrett on a decade-long quest for justice and closure, a theme that gave the police procedural a deep, personal anchor.

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The final season saw McGarrett finally find peace. His decision to leave the task force and fly off into the sunset was a powerful, earned moment. It symbolized his transition from a man defined by duty and past trauma to one finally embracing a future of his own choosing, free from the constant danger of his old life.

What Alex O'Loughlin Is Doing Now in 2025: The Latest Updates

The most current and pressing question for fans of *Hawaii Five-0* is what the actor behind Steve McGarrett, Alex O'Loughlin, has been doing since the show concluded in 2020. The reality is a significant departure from his decade in the spotlight.

Stepping Away from the Spotlight

Alex O'Loughlin has maintained a notably low profile since the series finale. He has not taken on any major acting roles since the show concluded its 10-season run.

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The actor was open about the physical toll the role took on him, especially the intense action sequences required of the Navy SEAL character. After 10 years of playing one character, he expressed a desire for a creative break and to spend more time with his family in Hawaii.

Rumors and Potential Future Projects

Despite his current hiatus, O'Loughlin remains a relevant figure in Hollywood, and rumors about his return to television occasionally surface.

One persistent, yet unconfirmed, rumor involves the *NCIS* franchise. Fans have speculated about a potential role for O'Loughlin in a spin-off, such as *NCIS: Sydney*, given his Australian roots and established history with CBS procedural dramas. However, as of late 2025, there has been no official confirmation of any new acting project.

His current status is a testament to the dedication he poured into the role of McGarrett; he is taking a well-deserved, extended break from the rigors of a network television schedule.

The Future of Five-0: Reboot and Revival Speculation

The concept of a *Hawaii Five-0* reboot is not new, as O'Loughlin's series was itself a reboot of the classic 1968 show starring Jack Lord. Naturally, the question of a new revival is a constant topic among fans and network executives.

As of late 2025, there is no official news or confirmed development of a third iteration of the series. While the show's setting in Honolulu and its procedural format make it an ideal candidate for a revival, the key challenge lies in finding a new dynamic duo to replace the iconic chemistry of McGarrett and Danny Williams (Scott Caan).

The original cast, including Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly) and Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua), have moved on to other successful projects, making a full cast reunion highly unlikely. Any future *Five-0* would likely be a completely new team, perhaps with a brief cameo from a character like McGarrett to pass the torch, should Alex O'Loughlin ever decide to return for a single episode. Until then, the legend of Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett remains safely retired, cruising into the Pacific sunset.