When was the original Magnum, P.I. on TV? Timeline, cast, and other details explored 

Magnum, P.I.
Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum in OG Magnum, P.I. (Image via CBS)

The original classic detective series Magnum, P.I. came out in 1980 and ran for eight seasons till 1988. Heading back to Oahu, Hawaii, we'll explore the fun-loving detective Thomas Magnum's (played by Tom Selleck) story and the conclusion of the TV series.

Within a short period, Magnum, P.I. was able to leave a lasting impression on fans and viewers. Magnum, P.I. had only one mission- a perfect balance between freedom and professional life as a private investigator in Hawaii.

Thomas retired from the heavy duties of a Navy Seal and decided to work as a secret detective on cases that intrigued him or involved his friends and loved ones.

How did the Original Magnum, P.I. End?

Thomas Magnum with his daughter Lily (Image via CBS)
Thomas Magnum with his daughter Lily (Image via CBS)

The original Magnum, P.I. premiered from 1980 to 1988 on CBS, and in the final season, fans saw the iconic Thomas Magnum bid farewell to his job as a private investigator only to spend his life raising his daughter Lily.

In the seventh season of Magnum, P.I. Thomas Magnum was shot and critically injured in a shootout at a warehouse, leaving fans with a cliffhanger about his death. However, in the last season, the investigator recovered from the injury and was discharged from the hospital.

Thomas then started investigating the man who assaulted one of his former girlfriends and later considered living a decent life, especially when he learned that his only daughter Lily (played by Kristen Carreira) might be alive.

Thankfully, the brainy investigator was able to find his daughter, and in the final scene, Thomas Magnum and Lily are seen walking on a beach and enjoying the sunset as they begin a new life journey.

Who Were the Cast Members of the Original Magnum, P.I.?

A still from Magnum, P.I. (Image via CBS)
A still from Magnum, P.I. (Image via CBS)

Magnum, P.I. wasn't just famous for the private investigator in Hawaiian shirts, and his iconic red Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, as a lot of the TV series' success was due to the amazing cast.

While Tom Selleck played the award-winning titular role, Roger E. Mosley portrayed Theodore "T.C." Calvin, a pilot and close friend of the investigator.

Other actors who made Magnum, P.I. super engaging were Larry Manetti's Orville "Rick" Wright who owned a popular bar in Oahu, and John Hillerman's Primetime Emmy-winning role as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III.

Why Was the Remake of Magnum P.I. Cancelled?

Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. (Image via NBC)
Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. (Image via NBC)

Three decades after the original Magnum, P.I. ended, CBS released the remake of the classic detective series in 2018.

Actor Jay Hernandez secured the titular role of Thomas Magnum, Zachary Knighton helmed Orville "Rick" Wright, and Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins. Stephen Hill played Theodore "T.C." Calvin.

The TV series ran for four seasons on CBS, but after the breakdown negotiations occurred between CBS and Universal Television, NBC took over Magnum P.I. Initially, it was a relief for the reboot fans until NBC also decided to cancel it after airing the fifth and final season of the remake.

Magnum P.I. received mixed reviews from fans, as many believed that the reboot failed at hitting the spot, while others enjoyed rewatching the Hawaii-based private investigator.

Catch up with the fun-loving and iconic Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. on NBC, also streaming on Peacock.

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Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma