'Magnum P.I.' Fans, We Figured Out Why the Reboot Was Canceled After Season 5 (2024)

In December 1980, fans of procedural cop dramas met a former Navy SEAL-turned-private investigator named Thomas Magnum in the pilot episode of Magnum P.I. Portrayed by Blue Bloods star Tom Selleck, the series followed the titular character as he balanced an ostentatious life of luxury in Hawai'i with solving different kinds of security cases that he chose at his own will. The CBS show quickly gained a massive following and it eventually become a staple on television for eight seasons.

After the final episode aired in May 1988, viewers hoped they'd get to see Magnum's world revived in the future. Well, they got their wish in October 2018, when the reboot of Magnum P.I. debuted on NBC and Jay Hernandez stepped into the iconic role. Just like the last time, folks couldn't get enough of the show and hoped it would have a long run on TV.

Sadly, this isn't the case, and television goers learned from Deadline that Magnum P.I. will end after 5 seasons on NBC. The outlet further confirmed that the series be split into two parts, after the first ten episodes aired finished airing in April. This will make the final installment a total of 20 episodes. As for the reason behind the reboot's cancellation and when it could come back, well, it turns out it's just as complicated as some of Magnum's investigations.

Why was the Magnum P.I. reboot canceled?

When Deadline announced Magnum P.I.'s fate in late June, the outlet explained what may have caused the drama to be canceled.

According to the report, the cast's contracts were up for negotiations on a potential season 6 of Magnum P.I. This left NBC with three options for the show's future. The network could either pick the show up for another set of episodes, extend the cast's contracts, or end the series.

'Magnum P.I.'

'Magnum P.I.' Fans, We Figured Out Why the Reboot Was Canceled After Season 5 (2)

It's also important to note that this isn't the first time NBC has canceled Magnum P.I. In May 2022, the show got axed after season 4 due to the licensing fees paid to the show's original network CBS in order for it to air on NBC. Luckily, it didn't last long as the series eventually got renewed for season 5 and a possible season 6 just two months later in July 2022.

As for when Magnum P.I.'s final episodes will air, that's to be determined. Season 5 aired its midseason finale in late April, with the final set of episodes not currently on NBC's fall 2023 TV schedule. This infers that the series could return in winter 2024, a detail Deadline also mentioned. That said, TVLine noted that the episodes have already been filed and may air sooner than January or February despite the ongoing WGA writer's strike.

'Magnum P.I.' Fans, We Figured Out Why the Reboot Was Canceled After Season 5 (2024)

FAQs

Why was Magnum reboot Cancelled? ›

The reboot, starring Jay Hernandez, is one of the few network dramas to feature a Latino lead. Its cancellation was reportedly due to licensing fee disagreements between CBS and Universal Television, per Deadline. Despite the show's popularity, CBS and Universal Television reportedly could not reach an agreement.

Why did Magnum P.I. end so abruptly? ›

According to CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl, Magnum P.I. was canceled for the first time in 2022 due to licensing fee disagreements between CBS and Universal Television, so that could play a part in its second cancellation in 2024.

Where can I watch Magnum P.I. Season 6? ›

Buy Magnum, P.I. — Season 6 on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

What happened to TC on Magnum? ›

In the Season 5 midseason finale, T.C. miraculously survived several gunshot wounds but was unable to feel his legs in the hospital soon after. The doctor reassured him that with extensive physical therapy, there was a “good chance” T.C. could regain mobility.

Will there be a season 6 of Magnum P.I. reboot? ›

Magnum Pi: Ending Next Year; No Season Six for NBC Reboot Series - IMDb. Magnum and Higgins' time on television is coming to a close. NBC has revealed that the Magnum Pi TV series is ending and won't have a sixth year. The fifth season of 20 episodes will conclude in 2024.

Was the new Magnum P.I. series Cancelled? ›

' to End on NBC. The final 10 episodes will air sometime during the 2023-24 broadcast season.

How did Magnum P.I. reboot end? ›

Higgins took a beat before telling Magnum, "Well, just for the record, if in the future you did ask me to marry you, I'd say yes." Magnum and Higgins shared a heartwarming kiss as they danced surrounded by their loved ones. At last, the waters are calm on Magnum P.I., and fans can rest easy.

What nationality is Perdita Weeks? ›

Why was Blue Bloods cancelled? ›

Budget Negotiations and Financial Strains

According to a report by Sportskeeda, the decision to end Blue Bloods took shape against a backdrop of financial negotiations.

Was Higgins Robin Masters? ›

The idea that Higgins could secretly be Masters became a long running gag in the series after Thomas told his friends T.C. and Rick about his idea. In the final episode of the series, Higgins tells Magnum that he really is Robin Masters. However, Higgins later recants at Rick's wedding.

Is Perdita Weeks still married? ›

Rumors about Perdita's Marital Status

Addressing the rumors on Twitter, she clarified that she has never been married and does not have twin boys.

What watch did Tom Selleck wear in Magnum PI? ›

On later seasons of the show, Selleck famously wore a Rolex GMT-Master, but for the first few years of the series the actor swore by a Chronosport Sea Quartz 30, a sturdy, unassuming dive watch that perfectly complemented his signature mix of sportswear, workwear, and military pieces.

Who picked up Magnum? ›

On June 30, 2022, the series was picked up by NBC with a two-season, twenty-episode order, later clarified to be produced and broadcast as a two-part fifth season. The fifth season premiered on February 19, 2023. In June 2023, it was announced that the fifth season is going to be the final season.

Why did Abby leave Magnum? ›

Because the killer was Abby's client, she gets disbarred in Hawaii and tells Magnum she is leaving to start a legal clinic on the mainland.

Who is T.C.'s girlfriend in Magnum? ›

This is T.C.'s fiancée, Juliet Higgins.

Is Magnum coming back in 2024? ›

But, sadly, NBC announced in June 2023 that Magnum's time was coming to an end. And with the series finale airing on January 3, 2024, fans were disappointed to know that Magnum P.I. wouldn't return for season 6.

Did Blue Bloods get Cancelled? ›

Blue Bloods marks the third show under the CBS/Paramount umbrella to be canceled in the last week. CBS announced that the Big Bang Theory prequel, Young Sheldon, will be concluding with Season 7. Paramount PARA +3.6% +'s military drama, SEAL Team, is also wrapping up after seven seasons in 2024.

Could Magnum P.I. be saved again? ›

Showrunner Eric Guggenheim believes that anything is possible in terms of the show being rescued again, considering the recent trends of cancelled and revived shows.

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