Summary
The cancellation of Magnum P.I. was due to the expiration of cast deals and the uncertainties related to labor strikes in Hollywood.
Showrunner Eric Guggenheim is optimistic about the show's potential for another rescue, given the current trend of cancelled and revived series. He anticipates that viewers will appreciate the upcoming 10 episodes of Magnum P.I. season 5 part 2, which were crafted with their enjoyment in mind.
Magnum P.I. showrunner, Eric Guggenheim, gave a candid response regarding the potential rescue of the show. The announcement of Magnum P.I.'s cancellation was made in June due to the cast's contracts expiring on June 30. NBC's Universal TV, in partnership with CBS Studios, had to make a decision to either extend the contracts or end the series altogether. Ultimately, NBC chose to cancel the show due to uncertainties related to Hollywood labor strikes, rather than renewing or offering an extension.
During an interview with TV Insider, Eric Guggenheim addressed the possibility of Magnum P.I. being saved again, considering that it had previously found a new home on NBC after being cancelled by CBS. Guggenheim expressed that it is a possibility and noted that the first four seasons of the reboot are available for streaming on Freevee. However, he emphasized that Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 can stand on its own. Below is his quote.
Why Did NBC Reverse Course on Magnum P.I.?
Anything is possible. In recent years, numerous shows have experienced the rollercoaster of being canceled and uncanceled, renewed and then canceled, or canceled and then revived on a different network or streaming platform. Countless revivals have also graced our screens. However, at this moment, all I desire is for fans to relish these 10 episodes. This season was dedicated to them.
Despite consistently strong ratings, the main reason Magnum P.I. parted ways with CBS was due to the show's licensing fee. Owned by NBCUniversal's Universal Television, the Magnum P.I. intellectual property incurred significant expenses for both the fee and the additional filming costs in Hawaii. Consequently, CBS, as a co-producer without full ownership, deemed it financially impractical to continue the show. However, NBC, being the proprietor of the property, found it logical to take over the series.
The NBC ratings for the reboot show a decline compared to its performance on CBS. Factoring in delayed and non-live viewing, the show had an average of approximately 5 million viewers before the second part premiered. This indicates a decrease of 30 percent in total viewership compared to its time on CBS and a 43 percent decline in the coveted 18-49 age group. It's worth noting that Magnum P.I. season 5 part 1 aired on Sundays after reruns, which may have impacted its performance. Jeff Bader, NBCUniversal’s President of Program Planning, was asked if the network regretted rescuing Magnum P.I. In response, Bader remained cautiously optimistic and stated that the decline was "relative."
The fact that the popular series is coming to an end reflects a new reality in Hollywood. As streaming platforms and broadcast networks become more discerning about which projects get approval, the number of scripted live-action shows is expected to decrease from the peak of 599 in 2022. However, it has been confirmed that Magnum P.I. will not leave viewers with a cliffhanger.
Source: TV Insider
