When NBC announced the renewal of Magnum P.I. for its fifth season, it was clear that the show's future was uncertain. Now, it has been confirmed that Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 will mark the end of the series. The show, which is set in Hawaii, originally premiered on CBS in 2018 as a remake of the beloved Tom Selleck series from the 1980s. Over the years, it has enjoyed a successful run, even crossing over with other reimagined crime series like Hawaii Five-0 and MacGyver, both of which have also concluded their runs. As Magnum P.I. heads towards its finale, it will strive to tie up loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion to the reimagined adventures of Thomas Magnum. With Jay Hernandez's final performance as Magnum, there is much anticipation surrounding Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2, from the storyline to the cast involved. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming season.
Most Recent Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 News
In the latest news regarding Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2, NBC has decided to cancel the series. This is the only season of the show that has aired on NBC, and there were hopes that it would continue for multiple new seasons when it moved to a new network. Prior to the fifth season, Magnum P.I. was developed for and aired on CBS. After CBS canceled the series in May 2022 following the fourth season, NBC stepped in to save it from being canceled.
Initially, NBC ordered 20 episodes of the show after acquiring it from CBS. However, the network has chosen not to extend the order beyond the original 20 episodes. Therefore, Magnum P.I. Season 5 will officially conclude with episode 20. Although NBC had the option to renew the contracts of the cast, which were set to expire on June 30, 2023, the decision was made to finish out the current season instead of negotiating new contracts due to the impact of the Writer’s Guild of America strike.
NBC-Universal, in collaboration with CBS Studios, is uncertain about when the writer's room can resume work for season 6 due to the ongoing strike. The studios deemed it impractical to renew the actors' contracts, as it would restrict their ability to pursue other projects while the writers are on strike.
The knowledge that these upcoming episodes will be the final ones enables the cast to make future plans beyond the show. Additionally, it provides the writers with a clear endpoint to focus on when they eventually return to work.
Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 Is Confirmed
NBC has confirmed that Part 2 of Magnum P.I. Season 5 is confirmed by the network, as they proceed with the initial 20 episodes that were ordered. The first 10 episodes have already aired, and the second batch of 10 episodes is expected to air in 2024.
However, if the WGA strike extends beyond the estimated duration, the episodes may be filmed earlier. NBC has a busy programming schedule for 2023, including sports, reality TV, and completed series. If they run out of new episodes before the WGA strike concludes, Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 could potentially begin airing towards the end of 2023 (via TV Line).
Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 Cast
The cast of Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 will largely remain the same as Part 1. Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Tim Kang, and Amy Hill will all be returning as main cast members. Bobby Lee and Emily Alana, who appeared in the first half of the season, will continue to make recurring appearances in the second half.
In addition to the returning cast, Patrick Fabian will be joining the Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 cast as an antagonist. Fabian, known for his role in Better Call Saul, will bring a new dynamic to the final episodes. Sab Shimono will also guest star in episode 13, which will explore the topic of Japanese internment camps during World War II in the United States. Shimono's personal connection to the subject, as his own family was interned in a California camp, adds authenticity to his performance.
Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 Story
In Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 1, there was a longer storyline that spanned most of the episode. However, in Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2, the focus will be on several smaller storylines. Showrunner Eric Guggenheim has mentioned that these storylines will be character-driven, giving each member of the ensemble their own spotlight. This approach ensures that all the main characters receive equal attention in the second half of the season.
Additionally, relationships will play a significant role in the narrative of Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2. Rick and Suzy (played by Betsy Phillips) will face the challenges of co-parenting, while Magnum and Higgins will explore their relationship more seriously. As their honeymoon phase ends, there will be some obstacles along the way.
Guggenheim confirmed to TV Guide that the writers intended to delve into how Higgins knows Robin, the owner of the property where she and Magnum live and work, in season 6. However, these plans were repeatedly sidelined as other storylines took precedence. If the series is not picked up by another network for a potential season 6, this particular storyline will remain a mystery.
Until NBC provides more information about Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2, it is uncertain what awaits the show's characters in the final season. The first four seasons of Magnum P.I. can be streamed on Paramount Plus, while Season 5 Part 1 is available on Peacock. New episodes of Magnum P.I. Season 5 Part 2 will be available on Peacock after airing on NBC.