It will be better late than never for “Hawaii Five-0” fans when the stars of the popular CBS series return to Waikiki on Friday for the eighth Sunset on the Beach red-carpet celebration.
The network is using the later-than-usual screening date, on the eve of Veterans Day, to honor members of the armed services. Two hundred retired and active-duty military have been invited to attend as VIP guests. “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, who will guest-star in an episode of “Five-0” later this season, will perform after a 6 p.m. screening of the episode scheduled to air nationally Nov. 17 that features the first appearance by Ian Anthony Dale, in his recurring role as Adam Noshimuri, this season.
The events at Queen’s Surf beach are free and open to the public.
“Sunset on the Beach is wildly important to all of us at ‘Hawaii Five-0,’” said executive producer Peter Lenkov via email. “This is our annual family barbecue — our way for the cast and crew to celebrate the show with our extended family, the fans.
“And this year is even more meaningful because we have dedicated the event to the real heroes, those in the military and military veterans who inspire our work. This is our small way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything they have done for us and our country.”
Now in its eighth season, “Five-0” previously hosted beachfront screenings before the season premieres aired on network television, with many fans traveling from around the world for a chance to see Alex O’Loughlin and the show’s other stars in person.
In August, Lenkov posted on Twitter that the traditional advance screening wouldn’t be happening due to scheduling conflicts. The announcement came a month after news that original series cast members Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park had left “Five-0” following contract disputes with CBS. Their high-profile departures brought attention to pay equity and diversity issues in Hollywood.
Despite the controversy, the crime drama remains a consistent ratings performer. Nielsen reports “Hawaii Five-0” was the 18th most watched prime-time show for the week of Oct. 16-22, with 8.67 million viewers.
JOINING O’Loughlin at Friday’s Sunset on the Beach event will be Scott Caan, Jorge Garcia, Chi McBride and Dale, along with new cast additions Meaghan Rath and Beulah Koale.
“It will be thrilling to finally meet the fans of the show and to take part in such a rich tradition of ‘Hawaii Five-0,’” Koale said in a statement provided by CBS.
The Sunset on the Beach screening also is a chance for local actors with regular roles on the show to enjoy a share of the spotlight. They include Kimee Balmilero and Dennis Chun, who were both promoted to series regulars in Season 8, and recurring cast members Taylor Wily and Shawn Garnett.
“Every year I get to be up on stage beside the head honchos and the main guys. It’s a privilege to be up there,” said Garnett, who plays sidekick Cousin Flippa to Wily’s Kamekona character.
“It feels pretty nice for fans to be screaming my name, too. At first they were like, ‘You da guy!’ Now they know my name!”
The stars will begin arriving at 5 p.m.
Info: twitter.com/HawaiiFive0CBS, facebook.com/HawaiiFive0CBS.
Correction: An earlier version of this story gave the wrong times for screening and star arrivals.
