Jay Hernandez Opens Up About Magnum P.I. Series Finale

Unplanned Series Finale

Magnum P.I. star Jay Hernandez recently revealed his true feelings about the unplanned series finale, expressing his dissatisfaction with how the show concluded.

Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks standing together in Magnum PI

The reboot of the original Magnum P.I. starring Tom Selleck made its debut in 2018, with Hernandez taking on the role of Thomas Magnum. Alongside Hernandez, the cast included Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins, as well as Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Amy Hill, and Tim Kang. After five successful seasons and a total of 96 episodes, Magnum P.I. came to an end on January 3rd.

In a set of social media posts, Hernandez responded to a suggestion that he should direct a follow-up Magnum P.I. movie. He openly admitted that he did not love how the show ended and expressed his gratitude to the audience for their support.

Twitter article posted by Jay Hernandez

NBC's Decision to End Magnum P.I.

The cancellation of Magnum P.I. was primarily due to the expiration of the cast's contracts in June. NBC's Universal TV, in partnership with CBS Studios, faced the decision to either renew the deals or terminate the series.

NBC ultimately chose to cancel the show, citing uncertainties related to actors and writers' strikes throughout the summer of 2023. The aftermath of these events led to the network's decision to bring Magnum P.I. to a close.

While Magnum P.I. season 5 performed well for NBC, it experienced a decline in viewership compared to its time on CBS. The reboot averaged approximately 5 million viewers, representing a 30% decrease in total viewership and a 43% fall in the coveted 18-49 age demographic.

Showrunner Eric Guggenheim addressed the possibility of a revival, highlighting the show's previous move from CBS to NBC and emphasizing the focus on delivering a satisfying finale. The conclusion of the series included significant developments for the characters, including a proposal and hints at future relationships.

Future Prospects for Magnum P.I.

Despite the cancellation, there remains speculation about the potential revival of Magnum P.I. in the future. The show's creator and cast members have left the door open for the possibility of a follow-up project, including a potential movie continuation.