‘Magnum P.I.’ Cancelled Again As NBC End Series With Season 5b
Just as we got the news ‘Magnum P.I.‘ would be returning to UK screens this month, it’s been revealed NBC has decided not to extend the order beyond their initial 20-episode order for Season 5.
The action-packed Hawaiian-based detective drama is a modern take on the classic series centring on Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez – ‘Scandal’, ‘Suicide Squad’), a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. A charming rogue, an American hero and a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan, Magnum lives in a guest cottage on Robin’s Nest, the luxurious estate where he works as a security consultant to supplement his P.I. business. Alongside Hernandez, the series stars Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins, Zachary Knighton as Orville “Rick” Wright, Stephen Hill as Theodore “T.C.” Calvin, Amy Hill as Teuila “Kumu” Tuileta, and Tim Kang as HPD Detective Gordon Katsumoto.
‘Magnum’ had managed to escape death once, after CBS decided to cancel the drama last year, and NBC swooped in and saved it for their network, ordering a 20-episode 5th season, airing in two halves. The problem is, things are rather in flux on the networks, due to cost-cutting and the writer’s strike. With 10 episodes already in the bag to cover the “fall season”, and it being unclear when they would be able to return to shooting, it put NBC in a tricky situation.
NBC could have extended the cast contracts and kept them in a (potentially, very long) holding pattern. Or they could release the cast, and end the show with Season 5. They chose the latter. Unlike last time the series dodged cancellation, there is no clear option for renewal this time, so it seems likely this is the end for real.
We kick things off with Season 5 (Part 1) in the UK this Sunday, as Magnum and Higgins weigh the risks of pursuing a relationship. Rick juggles being a new father and running La Mariana, and Katsumoto tries to figure out his next move.
‘Magnum P.I.‘ Season 5 – Part 1, premieres Sunday, 25th June 2023 at 9pm on Sky Max in the UK.
