What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHawaii Five-0
Roberto Orci · Series · 2010
If you loved Hawaii Five-0, start with Fast Five (Justin Lin, 2011) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Hawaii Five-0 across media.
You loved Hawaii Five-0 for the way it balances high-stakes investigative action with the unbreakable, chosen-family bond of its team.
Books on the same thread
Homicide
David Simon · Book · 2007
Shares a thread with Hawaii Five-0: Police Procedural.
If you appreciated the gritty procedural focus of Hawaii Five-0, this book offers a raw, unfiltered look at the reality of homicide investigations that inspired the best police dramas.
The Late Show
Michael Connelly · Book · 2017
Shares a thread with Hawaii Five-0: Police Procedural.
Much like the driven characters in Hawaii Five-0, the protagonist here navigates the complex politics of law enforcement while fighting to prove her worth in a high-pressure environment.
Harry Hole
Jo Nesbø · Book · 1997
Shares a thread with Hawaii Five-0: Police Procedural.
Fans of the relentless pursuit of justice found in Hawaii Five-0 will gravitate toward this dark, sprawling mystery that tests the moral limits of its dedicated detective.
City on Fire
Don Winslow · Book
Explores: loyalty and betrayal, intergenerational conflict, criminal empire.
If the themes of loyalty and intense conflict in Hawaii Five-0 kept you watching, this saga of warring crime families provides a deeper exploration of those same pressures.
Films on the same thread
Fast Five
Justin Lin · Film · 2011
Explores: Loyalty, Family, Redemption.
The adrenaline-fueled teamwork and focus on family loyalty that defined Hawaii Five-0 are front and center in this high-octane story about outlaws working together against the odds.
Ocean's Eleven
Steven Soderbergh · Film · 2001
Shares a thread with Hawaii Five-0: Revenge.
If you enjoyed the expert coordination of the Five-0 task force, you will love watching this charismatic crew of specialists execute a high-stakes plan with precision and style.
Fast & Furious
Justin Lin · Film · 2009
Explores: Loyalty, Brotherhood, Redemption.
This film mirrors the tense dynamic between law enforcement and outlaws seen in Hawaii Five-0, emphasizing how shared enemies can force unlikely alliances and build new trust.
GoodFellas
Martin Scorsese · Film · 1990
Explores: Organized Crime, Loyalty and Betrayal, American Dream Corruption.
While Hawaii Five-0 focuses on the side of justice, this film explores the same themes of loyalty and betrayal within organized crime that often challenged Steve McGarrett’s team.
Podcasts on the same thread
Forensic Files
Podcast
Explores: crime scene investigation, scientific analysis, evidence-based analysis.
If the scientific evidence and investigative detail in Hawaii Five-0 were your favorite parts of the show, this series provides a fascinating look at real-world forensic problem solving.
Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén
Spotify Studios · Podcast · 2026
Explores: dark human nature, criminal psychology, public fascination.
This podcast taps into the same public fascination with criminal psychology and complex investigations that fueled the weekly cases tackled by the team in Hawaii Five-0.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary premise of Hawaii Five-0?
The series follows Steve McGarrett as he returns to Oahu to investigate the murder of his father. The governor grants him authority to establish an elite task force known as Five-0 to combat crime on the island.
Who are the core members of the task force in Hawaii Five-0?
The Hawaii Five-0 task force is led by Steve McGarrett. His core team consists of Danny Williams, Chin Ho Kelly, and Kono Kalakaua, who work together to enforce the law under the governor's mandate.
Is Hawaii Five-0 based on a specific event?
Hawaii Five-0 centers on the fictional formation of a specialized task force by the governor of Hawaii. The narrative begins with Steve McGarrett seeking justice for his father, which serves as the catalyst for the team's creation.
Why does Steve McGarrett return to Oahu in Hawaii Five-0?
Steve McGarrett returns to Oahu in Hawaii Five-0 specifically to locate the person responsible for his father's death. This personal mission leads directly to his appointment as the head of the newly formed Five-0 task force.