Summary
- Magnum P.I.‘s fifth season promises a complete and fulfilling ending, providing closure to all major plot threads despite not being what the show’s creator initially envisioned.
- Contractual obligations and declining ratings were factors in NBC’s decision to end the reboot, with the uncertainty of production due to potential strikes also playing a role.
- Despite the challenges faced by the entertainment industry, Magnum P.I.‘s creators have prioritized delivering a conclusive and satisfying ending for the show’s dedicated audience.
If you love Magnum P.I., get ready for an ending with no loose ends. With Eric Guggenheim at the helm, Magnum P.I.‘s fifth season promises a complete ending. As we bid farewell to this popular reboot of the iconic Tom Selleck show, the ending promises to be both fulfilling and satisfying, despite not being what Guggenheim had initially envisioned.
Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks have brilliantly stepped into the shoes of the show’s predecessors, leading the series with flair and skill. As they returned to NBC with the final ten episodes of the show, viewers were teased with a significant revelation for Thomas Magnum and Juliet Higgins. Yet, fans can rest assured that despite the hints and teases, all major plot threads will find resolution.
Speaking to TVLine, Guggenheim reflected on the show’s conclusion, stating,
“I’m really proud of the finale.“There are a couple of threads left dangling that would have been picked up in a Season 6, but I didn’t want to end on a cliffhanger. If I’m being honest, I guess I wanted to play it safe. Too many shows have gotten burned with cliffhangers.”
He further added,
“Is it how I would choose to end the show? No. But if it has to be the last episode, I think it absolutely works as a [series] finale. So no, there’s no reason to go back and recut or reshoot.”
The Perfect Storm: Strikes, Contract Expirations, and Falling Ratings Seal Magnum P.I.’s Fate
But why did NBC pull the plug on Magnum P.I.? It seems contractual obligations played a significant role. NBC’s Universal TV, in collaboration with CBS Studios, had to make a tough call when the cast’s contracts approached their expiration date on June 30. They faced three potential pathways: greenlighting a sixth season, extending the existing contracts, or wrapping up the reboot. With the shadow of the writers’ strike looming large, followed by an actors’ strike, NBC found itself in a tight spot, uncertain of when the production wheels could turn again. Consequently, they decided on the latter.
Though Magnum P.I. had been a reliable performer for NBC, its viewership metrics did display a dip from its CBS days. On average, the show garnered around 5 million viewers when factoring in non-live views. This marked a 30% drop in its overall audience from its CBS era, and a sharper 43% decrease in the sought-after 18-49 age bracket. Some speculate that the shift in airing schedules, with the first part of season 5 premiering post-reruns on Sundays, might have influenced these numbers.
Further compounding the challenge was the industry-wide swell in scripted originals. In 2022, a staggering 599 scripted series graced our screens, excluding animated and non-US shows. Predictions suggest a sharp decline in this number in upcoming years, as studios and streaming platforms cut back on producing an overwhelming volume of content.
Magnum P.I.‘s ending could reflect wider shifts in the world of entertainment. Nevertheless, it’s a relief for fans to know that, amidst this shift, the show’s creators have prioritized delivering a conclusive and satisfying ending. The dedicated audience of Magnum P.I. can now look forward to a finale that promises resolution, rather than suspenseful ambiguity.
