Hawaii Five-O is making big changes ahead of its eighth season, adding three series regulars to the CBS series. Meaghan Rath and Beulah Koale have joined the cast, while Ian Anthony Dale has been upped to a series regular. The casting news comes after stars Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park departed the series, as both actors were not able to come to terms on new deals to return for another season.
Rath will play Tani Rey, who McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) recruits after finding her working as a lifeguard at a hotel pool after she was kicked out of the Police Academy, despite being a first-rate candidate. Rath is best known for starring on Being Human, and also has had prominent roles on Fox’s Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life, New Gir” and ABC’s Secrets and Lies.
Koale will play Junior Reigns, a former Navy SEAL who just returned from serving his country and asks McGarrett for a job in hopes to re-purpose his skills as a member of Five-0. Koale will next star opposite Miles Teller in the film Thank You For Your Service.
Dale, who has recurred on the procedural since Season 2 and appeared in over 30 episodes of series, will continue in his role as Adam Noshimuri, who becomes a trusted confidant and resource for the team who will now be recruited by McGarrett to work for Five-0. Dale is also starring on CBS’s summer series Salvation.
The three new recruits join stars O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, along with Chi McBride, Jorge Garcia, Taylor Wily, Kimee Balmilero and Dennis Chun, who will all return for Season 8, which premieres on Friday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m.
