Magnum, P.I. (1980)
The iconic CBS detective series starring Tom Selleck as Hawaii's most charismatic private investigator, blending sun-soaked adventure with sharp crime storytelling.
Magnum, P.I. - Series Information
- Original Title: Magnum, P.I.
- First Air Year: 1980
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Created by: Donald P. Bellisario, Glen A. Larson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 162
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 11, 1980 (United States - TV-14), December 11, 1980 (Canada - PG), December 11, 1980 (United Kingdom - 12), December 11, 1980 (Germany - 12), December 11, 1980 (France - 16), December 11, 1980 (India - U), December 11, 1980 (Australia - M), December 11, 1980 (Brazil - 14), December 11, 1980 (Mexico - AA), December 11, 1980 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Belisarius Productions, Glen A. Larson Productions, Universal Television Entertainment, Universal Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Magnum, P.I. - Plot
A private investigator who works when he wants, lives in a beachfront estate in Hawaii, drives a posh Ferrari, runs up an unlimited tab at a swank bar, and charms attractive women in peril - that's the lifestyle of Thomas Magnum, aka Magnum, P.I.
Magnum, P.I. - Trailer
See the sun-drenched world of Thomas Magnum come alive in this classic series preview:
He's a Hellraiser in Paradise.
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Magnum, P.I. - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Donald P. Bellisario
- Glen A. Larson
Main Cast
- Tom Selleck
- John Hillerman
- Roger E. Mosley
- Larry Manetti
- Gillian Dobb
- Kwan Hi Lim
- Jeff MacKay
- Kathleen Lloyd
- Elisha Cook Jr.
- Glenn Cannon
Writers
- Reuben Leder
- Chris Abbott
- Donald P. Bellisario
- Jay Huguely
- Robert Hamilton
Executive Producers
- Donald P. Bellisario
Magnum, P.I. - FAQs
Where can you stream Magnum, P.I. online?
Magnum, P.I. is currently available to purchase digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. No subscription streaming service currently offers the full original series for free, so purchasing individual seasons or episodes remains the most accessible option.
Why did Tom Selleck almost miss Magnum, P.I.?
Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which conflicted with his Magnum, P.I. commitment. CBS refused to release him, so Harrison Ford took the role instead. Selleck remained with Magnum, P.I. and the show became one of the defining hits of 1980s television.
Is Magnum, P.I. based on a true story?
Magnum, P.I. is a fictional creation by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson. However, Bellisario drew on his own U.S. Navy service and personal experiences to shape the character's Vietnam veteran background, lending the series an authentic emotional texture despite its invented premise.
Who are the main cast members of Magnum, P.I.?
The principal cast includes Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum, John Hillerman as the imperious Jonathan Higgins, Roger E. Mosley as helicopter pilot TC Calvin, and Larry Manetti as the gregarious Rick Wright. Supporting players include Gillian Dobb, Kwan Hi Lim, Jeff MacKay, and Kathleen Lloyd.
How many seasons and episodes does Magnum, P.I. have?
The original Magnum, P.I. ran for 8 seasons and 162 episodes on CBS from 1980 to 1988. Season lengths ranged from 13 to 23 episodes, with the eighth and final season comprising 13 episodes before the series concluded with its celebrated finale.
What is Magnum, P.I. about?
Magnum, P.I. follows Thomas Magnum, a charming Vietnam veteran turned private investigator living on a Hawaiian estate. He drives a Ferrari, enjoys the island's pleasures, and solves cases alongside friends TC and Rick, all while sparring with the estate's fastidious caretaker, Jonathan Higgins.
Did Magnum, P.I. win any major awards?
Yes. Tom Selleck won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1984 for his portrayal of Thomas Magnum. The series itself received multiple Emmy nominations throughout its run and was a consistent ratings powerhouse during its eight seasons on CBS.
What is the content rating for Magnum, P.I.?
The original Magnum, P.I. carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, reflecting its blend of action, light adventure, and occasional dramatic intensity. The series is generally considered family-friendly, though some episodes feature mild violence and mature themes consistent with 1980s network television.
More About Magnum, P.I.
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