This canceled CBS show could be revived by NBC

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Magnum P.I. could be set for a dramatic return

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Update: It's now official, CBS has revived Magnum P.I. for two more seasons that will be comprised of 10 episodes each. 

Last month CBS confirmed it was canceling its Magnum P.I. reboot after four seasons. But the hope of a fifth season may not be entirely lost as Deadline reports that NBC (with some help from USA Network) is looking to revive the show. 

This reboot of the classic 1980s series saw the eponymous role made famous by Tom Selleck passed on to Jay Hernandez. Like the original series, the action-drama show follows the adventures of Thomas Magnum (Hernandez), a former Navy SEAL turned private investigator. Each episode sees him using his military skills to solve crimes across Hawaii. To date, this modern-day spin on the show has run for 76 episodes across four seasons. 

CBS’ decision to cancel the show came as quite an unexpected shock back in May. But co-production company Universal Television immediately rushed to find Magnum P.I. a new home. While USA Network and NBC have emerged as the most likely destination for the show's revival, streaming service Paramount Plus was reportedly also in discussions at one stage. 

A few high profiles examples in recent years include Brooklyn Nine-Nine moving to NBC after being canned by Fox, as well as mystery drama Manifest being picked up by Netflix after its axing by NBC. However, TV history is littered with significantly more shows that couldn’t find a new home despite plenty of fan pleading. 

Fingers crossed Magnum P.I. is one of the rare exceptions that find itself a new home. The show certainty has strong enough ratings to suggest that a season five is warranted, and it seems that NBC/USA Network are keen to get the deal over the line.  

Rory Mellon
Rory Mellon
Senior Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.