10 interesting facts about the original Magnum, P.I. that you didn't know

Tom Selleck's Magnum, P.I. is still regarded as an iconic 80's detective series which ran for a total of eight successful seasons. From the private investigator's Hawaiin shirts to the mind puzzling cases he solved, Magnum, P.I. became a highly popular TV series.

While viewers are aware of the show's popularity and Selleck's fanbase, here are ten interesting facts you might not know.

1) Magnum, P.I.'s success almost led to a new film

Magnum, P.I. almost had a movie following its success (Image: CBS)

Yes, you read it right! Soon after Magnum, P.I. ended with eight seasons, there were plans to make a whole new movie, featuring Tom Selleck in the titular role. The story was supposed to revolve around the investigator's return to the Navy and exploring his detective skills.

However, the Magnum, P.I. film never saw the dawn of the day as it was eventually cancelled.

2) Achieved Top 20 Nielsen Ratings for five years

Magnum, P.I. theme song even ranked at Billboard charts (Image: CBS)

After the release of Magnum, P.I. the show maintained its position in the top 20 U.S. television programs in the Nielsen ratings.

Not only this, but the theme song of Selleck's TV series was also ranked at the Billboard charts in 1982.

3) Magnum, P.I. features Hawaii because of another TV show

The next intriguing fact about the detective series is that Magnum, P.I. was made in Hawaii because CBS already had the beautiful sets ready as Hawaii Five-O ended in 1980.

The executive wanted to utilize those beautiful sets so they decided to shoot Selleck's popular show in Hawaii.

4) Tom Selleck almost drove a Porsche as his iconic car

Magnum, P.I. featured Tom Selleck with his customized Ferrari (Image: CBS)

While fans know Thomas Magnum for his iconic Red Ferrari 308 GTS, the actor almost drove a different car in the series. Intially, there were plans to feature the investigator in a stunning Porsche, but the company refused to customize a car according to the actor's height.

As a result, Ferrari 308 GTS was finalized as the private investigator's beloved car, also increasing the sale of Ferrari that year.

5) The actor's love for Detroit Tigers baseball team was showcased in Magnum, P.I.

Tom Selleck was a huge fan of Detroit Tigers baseball team and to portray his love on the TV series, he collaborated with Magnum, P.I. wrters to include the team's cap in Thomas's wardrobe.

6) Frank Sinatra made a guest appearance in Magnum, P.I.

Frank Sinatra in Magnum, P.I. (Image: CBS)

Magnum, P.I. had an incredible cast including actors like Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti, John Hillerman, and many others. However, the series also welcomed legendary guest stars, one of whom was Frank Sinatra.

The late actor played retired Police Sergeant Michael Doheny in Magnum, P.I. season 7, episode 17. Following the show's success,other acclaimed celebrities like Jose Ferrer, Ted Danson, and Sharon Stone also guest starred in Selleck's popular detective series.

7) Thomas Magnum was initially envisioned as James Bond

Thomas Magnum was a fun-loving investigator (Image: CBS)

The makers of Magnum, P.I. envisioned Thomas Magnum as sophisticated as James Bond. They wanted the character to portray the iconic characteristics of the secret service agent.

However, Tom Selleck advised to give his character a humourous and fun-loving personality, so it becomes easier for fans to resonate with him.

8) Positive description of Vietnam veterans in Magnum, P.I.

Duirng the 80s, Vietnam veterans were usually poetayed in a negative image, but after Magnum, P.I. was released, fans and viewers got to witness a new and positive portrayal of them.

9) Unexpected crossovers with TV shows

Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher on Magnum, P.I. (Image: CBS)

To ensure popularity among viewers, CBS featured notable crossovers among different characters from other shows. Actress Angela Lansbury played Jessica Fletcher on Murder, She Wrote; she appeared in an episode of Magnum, P.I. in which her role was to prove the investigator's innocence.

Another remarkable crossover was with Simon & Simon, in which the detective brothers and Thomas Magnum work on a case together.

10) Magnum, P.I. was only planned for seven seasons

Thomas Magnum with his daughter Lily (Image: CBS)

Magnum, P.I. ended in 1988 with its last and eighth season, but it was initially supposed to be conclude with season 7. At the end of season seven, fans saw Thomas in a coma and believed he had died.

However, CBS then released season 8, featuring a miraculous recovery that saved the private investigator's life. In the final episode, Thomas Magnum is seen enjoying a beautiful sunset with his only daughter Lily.

Magnum, P.I. is available on Prime Video.

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Edited by Sezal Srivastava