CBS Magnum P.I. canceled after four seasons, and thus the season finale on May 6 will now serve as the series finale. Magnum P.I. is a television action drama series created by Peter M. Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim. On one of the most dramatic days in television history, CBS canceled Magnum PI, along with United States of America, B Positive, Good Sam, and How We Roll. On the same day, The CW announced the cancellation of seven shows, while NBC canceled three.
Magnum P.I. will not be renewed for a fifth season on CBS. Magnum P.I. is the most established CBS series to be canceled this season, except for Bull, which confirmed in January that its current sixth season will be its final. It may be the most viewed broadcast series to be canceled this upfront season, as it is a Top 25 show in overall viewers.
Magnum P.I., a revival of the 1980s drama starring Tom Selleck and starring Jay Hernandez, was a rare broadcast drama featuring a Latino lead. It was canceled after CBS and principal studio Universal Television, which also produced CBS’ FBI franchise and The Equalizer, held extensive and intricate conversations. The other four programs, which are among CBS’ best rating performers, secured multi-season extensions after rigorous negotiations. But now Magnum P.I. has been canceled after four seasons.
About the cast & show
After returning home from Afghanistan and repurposing his military skills, private investigator and former Navy SEAL Thomas Magnum (Hernandez) solves crimes in the state. Zachary Knighton, Perdita Weeks, Stephen Hill, Tim Kang, and Amy Hill also starred. The fourth and last season of the show ended on May 6.
The series is based on Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson’s 1980s drama. Executive producers are Eric Guggenheim, Justin Lin, John Davis, John Fox, and Danielle Woodrow. The revival averaged 7.4 million total weekly viewers and a 0.7 demo rating (with Live+7 playback factored in) this season, down just a smidgeon from Season 3 (7.5 mil/0.8). It ranks ninth in total viewers and tied for tenth in the demo among CBS’s 14 dramas this television season.
What did Jay Hernandez say on the show’s cancellation?
When met with series star Jay Hernandez in April, he was upbeat about the island drama’s renewal prospects, stating, “We’re golden.” I think you could bank on that. “The numbers are great, it travels well internationally…. So yeah, I think we’re in good shape,” he said. “And you know what, they’re happy with the show. They loved this season and a lot of the stories they were digging. And they enjoyed the episode I directed so much that I’ve already been invited to direct another one for next season.”
Why was Magnum P.I. Cancelled after Four Seasons?
CBS Magnum P.I. is canceled after four seasons. This has left fans with a lot of questions. It was canceled due to a lack of agreement between the two parties over the license fee, as lower overall linear ratings have pushed down what networks are prepared to spend on shows. When a series comes from an outside studio, such as Magnum P.I., the problem is magnified.
When it comes to overall ratings, the show has been fairly stable. Magnum PI is currently ranked 13th out of 21 CBS scripted shows, with an average audience of roughly 5 million viewers. This places it far ahead of other CBS dramas that have been renewed, such as S.W.A.T. and CSI: Vegas, and making it one of the top 25 most-watched shows on television.
The strength of CBS’ crop of drama pilots this season, which puts more pressure on the hourlong bubble series, is also likely a factor in the decision to cancel Magnum P.I.
To be sure, given how Season 4 ended — with Juliet and Thomas professing their “feelings” for each other, kinda-sorta-expressing some hesitancy about risking their friendship, and then pulling each other into a long, warm, non-dream kiss — a certain segment of Magnum fans will be disappointed by the cancellation of Magnum P.I. after four successful seasons.
Also Read: Magnum PI Season 4 Episode 4: Release Date & Preview
