Magnum, P.I., was one of the shows I used to watch with my grandmother (along with The Love Boat and Fantasy Island), and, as you can imagine, is one I hold extremely sacred.
Even if you weren’t around when the original Magnum, P.I. aired in the 80s, you no doubt are familiar with the iconic role played by super hunky Tom Selleck. The sexy mustache and his infamous Hawaiian shirts will forever be remembered in the annals of classic TV.
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When word of a reboot made the rounds, it was easy to do a hard eye-roll at the idea of yet another classic show being updated for a modern audience. I will admit I was skeptical up until a few weeks ago when I finally sat down to watch the premiere and discovered that this new Magnum is a hell of a lot of fun!
Created by Eric Guggenheim and Peter Lenkov (the guy behind the successful reboots of Hawaii-Five-O and MacGyver), the new Magnum P.I. features some major changes but doesn’t stray too far from the original that it leaves you scratching your head as to why they bothered bringing it back to life in the first place.
Keep reading to find out What’s New, What’s Not, and Why You Should Be Watching the new Magnum P.I.
Magnum P.I. Season 1 Episode 1 airs Monday, September 24 at 9/8c on CBS! Be sure to check back here for our reviews and to share your thoughts on Magnum and friend’s weekly adventures!
Magnum is Still Hot…Even Without the Famous Mustache
Hawaii’s quintessential private investigator now sports facial scruff instead of a glorious mustache, but that doesn’t make him any less sexy. Jay Hernandez brings his own brand of charm to the role made famous by Tom Selleck, and with his dazzling smile, how can you not fall in love with Thomas Magnum all over again?
Speaking About The Famous Mustache…
If series creators Eric Guggenheim and Peter M. Lenkov would have decided to cast the new Magnum with a similar looking Tom Selleck mustache, it would have been nothing more than a slap in the face to the original. No one can carry off a mustache like Tom Selleck can and messing with perfection would have been fruitless…and a major fail. We’re happy the creators decided to go a different route.
The OG Magnum Gave the Reboot His Blessing
Tom Selleck shared his feelings about the reboot with TV Insider and TV Guide Magazine back in June. According to Selleck, when the reboot was given a go, series co-creator Peter Lenkov and CBS TV Studios president David Stapf met with Selleck to gauge his feelings about it. They told him if he wasn’t comfortable with it, the reboot would be canned. That’s classy in itself, but what’s better is that Selleck gave his blessing. While he said he won’t be making a cameo in the reboot, there’s always hope he might be persuaded eventually. After all, his current series Blue Bloods and the Magnum PI reboot both air on CBS!
Higgins is a Woman…and She Kicks Ass
All reboots call for some sort of updates otherwise what would be the point? The one we’re most excited about is Higgins, Masters’ estate majordomo, who was played masterfully in the original by John Hillerman. Higgins is still British, but this time around she’s a woman and former MI:6 agent. Played by Perdita Weeks, it’s clear that Higgins is going to be a force to be reckoned with — for both the bad guys and Magnum.
TC is Still a Helicopter Pilot
Theodore “TC” Calvin could always be relied on to get Magnum out of the toughest jams with his exceptional flying skills, and we imagine Stephen Hill’s take on the role formerly played by Roger Mosley will be just as inspired. TC still owns Island Hoppers, a helicopter touring company, and his beloved chopper still has the same paint job which we love!
Rick is Still a Goofball
Orville “Rick” Wright always provided comic relief and by the looks of it, Zachary Knighton’s version of the role originally played by Larry Manetti is going to be a blast. Rick owns Oahu’s coolest nightclub and is the most connected man on the island. He’s also one of Magnum’s most trusted buddies, always lending a helping hand on all of Magnum’s crazy adventures.
The Dobermans Still Hate Magnum
Zeus and Apollo are back (albeit with different dogs, obviously) and still hate Magnum as much as they did in the original. Whether they’ll ever warm up to Magnum remains to be seen, but his interaction with Robin Masters’ Doberman guard dogs was always fun to watch, and we can’t imagine it’ll be any less entertaining this time around.
There’s Still Tons of Action
Just like the original, Magnum PI is full of rip-roaring action. The pilot, directed by the Fast & Furious’ Justin Lin, sets the tone for the rest of the action-packed season which promises to be a fun-filled ride!
Magnum Still Drives a Red Ferrari
Some things need to stay the same, and the new Thomas Magnum still drives a hot red Ferrari. There are a few showcased in the new series (including, apparently, a Ferrari 308 which Magnum drove in the original), but they never last that long because, well, it’s Magnum!
It Still Takes Place in Beautiful Hawaii
Hawaii was the backdrop for the original, and thankfully, the reboot hasn’t changed locations. Magnum driving that red Ferrari anywhere else would have been a crime, and we’re looking forward to revisiting the lush, tropical island that Magnum now calls home.
The Brotherhood Remains
Magnum still has his two best buddies, TC and Rick by his side, and we couldn’t be happier. The former vets have a strong bond and an even stronger friendship, and their adventures are sure to be a hoot!
The Team Fought in a Different War
In the original, Magnum, TC, and Rick were all vets of the Vietnam War which ended in 1975, just five years before Magnum, P.I., first aired in 1980. Just as that war was relatable to the audience at that time, the new version will be relatable to its current audience as the three are vets of the Afghanistan War which is still taking place. TC and Rick are former Marines, and Magnum is a former Navy SEAL with all three having been POWs.
Could There be a Magnum/Higgins Romance?
There may be many who will balk at the idea, but it’s something that could become a reality, and why not? There’s nothing wrong with a romance between two people who grow to love and respect each other even if it seems a little cliched in a fictional television world. And we admit it. We’re already shipping this dynamic couple! Miggins? Hignum? The possibilities are endless!
