Ever since they started shooting, first on the pilot in March and now on the series, the cast and creators of the new “Hawaii Five-0” have felt an emotional link to the original series.

Now they have something even more: Both versions will share the same network premiere date, Sept. 20.

CBS launched the original version in 1968 with a pilot called “Cocoon.” It introduced the world to Detective Steve McGarrett and his arch-enemy, Wo Fat. When it premieres this fall — a week after a sneak preview at Sunset on the Beach — fans of the show will get a whole crew of fresh faces and nasty villians.

“The timing could not have been better,” said Peter Lenkov, the show’s executive producer, by email. Lenkov is at Comic-Con 2010 in San Diego, where he and cast members Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park will meet with fans and talk about the show.

“All of us making this show are huge fans of the original, so debuting on Sept. 20 is our way of honoring what came before us,” Lenkov said. “We have huge shoes to fill … and are reminded of that every morning when we say ‘Action.’”

“Hawaii Five-0” will air at 9 p.m. Mondays on KGMB.