But a way for surf fans to help save the day?
The early euphoria surrounding a hit surf-based television show has faded into a cold depression for surf fans around the world. The action-drama series Rescue: HI-Surf premiered to much applause and acclaim on Fox Television September 22, 2024. Viewers thrilled as they followed along with Harlan “Sonny” Jennings and his wily crew of North Shore, Oahu lifeguards. Climactic rescues, tangled love narratives, gorgeous vistas and ever-present danger marked each of the season’s nineteen episodes though, again, depression.
The blues first took hold on Super Bowl Sunday. Rescue: HI-Surf was supposed to follow the globe’s biggest sporting sensation which would have certainly led to a much wider audience. Alas, Fox called a last minute audible and replaced it with a trivia game show.
Now, reports buzzing over the coconut wireless suggest that the program totters on the brink of complete cancellation.
While the move would blast a surf-based television show hole into the hearts of surf fans around the world, it will be much worse for the State of Hawaii, making it the first time in 25 years with no film or television production underway.
Executive producer Marc Porterfield shared with KOHN2 News, “We have an industry here, a thriving industry, that has family that pay taxes and their kids go to school here. So that’s why this is very important to get Rescue HI-Surf renewed for season two.”
According to reports, the program has injected $34 million into the local economy and a further $32 million in wages spread amongst 2,100 cast and crew.
But alas, what light through yonder window breaks? A way for us to help? TVline.com is running an election wherein we can vote to spare Rescue: HI-Surf from termination. The “case to keep” made thusly:
We love a Hawai’i-based show — and so does the Aloha State’s economy/pool of below-the-line talent. Rescue HI-Surf seems content to be perfectly soapy while also offering up gorgeous scenery and splashy rescues. Yes, Em’s love life was over-explored in Season 1, but we really like the Hina/Kainalu dynamic and Robbie Magasiva brings nice depth to his scenes as Sonny. Though surely a bit pricier as a Hawai’ian production, its numbers are decent, ranking No. 3 among Fox’s non-cancelled dramas.
Lend your power.
