CBS to Let Fans Vote on 'Hawaii Five-0' Ending

For the first time, viewers will vote live online and via Twitter to determine the ending of a primetime episode

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/3/2013 5:13:46 PM

Digital storytelling will take a step forward on Monday, Jan. 14, when CBS will allow viewers to vote in real time at CBS.com or on Twitter for an ending of the primetime drama Hawaii Five-0.

The network is billing the effort as a first for a primetime series.

"I've always felt the most fun aspect of watching a mystery is trying to figure out 'whodunit,'" noted executive producer Peter Lenkov in a statement.  "Now the Hawaii Five-0 viewers will actually get the chance to tell us who they think committed the crime and we will listen. I love that our dedicated and attentive fans will actually play a part in resolving our story."

During the episode, investigators work to solve the death of an O'ahu State University professor. Suspects include his boss, his teaching assistant and a student that he busted for cheating.

After each of the suspect's motives are revealed during the telecast, viewers will be directed to CBS.com or Twitter to select either #theBoss, #theTA or #theStudent as the culprit.

Based on those votes, the most popular ending will become part of the broadcast.

As part of the effort, there will be separate voting for the East/Central and Pacific Time Zone broadcasts. Once the broadcasts have aired, all three possible endings will be available at CBS.com.