“Magnum P.I.: Season 1 – 5” (2018-2024)

Television Drama

Ninety-Six Episodes

Developed by: Peter M. Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim

Featuring: Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Amy Hill and Tim Kang

Detective Gordon Katsumoto: “Still don’t get why you guys are doing this.”

Thomas Magnum: “Mike and Terry wanted to free these people, and it cost them their lives. We didn’t know them but they’re still our brothers. We’re going to finish what they started.”

The 2018 reboot of Magnum P.I. brings the iconic private investigator back to television, attempting to modernize the beloved 1980s series starring Tom Selleck. While the reboot remains faithful to many elements of the original, it also adds its own contemporary flair, creating a blend of action, mystery, and lighthearted drama that seeks to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new audiences.

The new Magnum P.I. follows Thomas Magnum, a former Navy SEAL turned private investigator living in Hawaii, who uses his military skills and connections to solve cases. Jay Hernandez steps into the role once immortalized by Selleck, delivering a more youthful, action-oriented Magnum while still trying to preserve the charm and wit of his predecessor.

Magnum is flanked by his loyal friends, Rick Wright (Zachary Knighton) and TC (Stephen Hill), both fellow veterans, who assist him in his investigations. Rick, the charming playboy with underground connections, and TC, the steady helicopter pilot and business owner, bring a sense of camaraderie that mirrors the original series. The dynamic trio keeps the show grounded in teamwork, much like the 1980s version.

One notable change in the reboot is the reimagining of Higgins, originally portrayed by John Hillerman as a male British butler. In this reboot, Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks) is a former MI6 agent and Magnum’s unlikely ally and housemate. This gender switch not only updates the character for modern audiences but also brings a fresh tension between Higgins and Magnum. Their witty banter and evolving relationship inject a will-they-won’t-they dynamic that wasn’t present in the original.

The cast as a whole is likable, and their chemistry improves over time. Hernandez makes a capable Magnum, with his easy-going charisma and action-hero chops, although he lacks some of the signature mustachioed gravitas of Selleck’s portrayal. Perdita Weeks shines as Juliet Higgins, blending British elegance with combat-ready toughness, adding depth to the show’s action sequences.

The reboot maintains the laid-back, sun-soaked atmosphere of the original, taking full advantage of Hawaii’s lush landscapes and beautiful scenery. This is one of the show’s great strengths: the tropical paradise setting serves as a stunning backdrop to Magnum’s cases, reminding viewers of the escapism that made the original so popular.

However, the reboot leans more heavily into action sequences than its predecessor. From car chases to fistfights and shootouts, Magnum P.I. 2018 embraces a more adrenaline-fueled approach, positioning itself as an action-adventure show with a mystery element. While this ups the entertainment value and caters to modern audiences who crave faster-paced storytelling, it can sometimes overshadow the detective aspect of the show. The heart of Magnum’s work is solving cases, and at times, the procedural investigation takes a backseat to flashy action set-pieces.

The show also integrates more technology and modern gadgets into Magnum’s investigative arsenal, reflecting contemporary crime-solving methods. This update is a natural evolution from the more low-tech 1980s version, but it does occasionally risk feeling like standard fare in the current sea of procedural dramas.

One of the biggest challenges any reboot faces is balancing nostalgia with innovation. For fans of the original series, this reboot offers just enough callbacks to evoke fond memories, while updating enough to attract a new generation of viewers. The iconic red Ferrari is still present, and the theme music has been updated but retains the recognizable riff that fans of the original will appreciate. Additionally, Magnum’s easygoing demeanor, his sense of justice, and the dynamic between him and his friends all feel faithful to the original character.

However, the tone of the reboot is notably lighter and less gritty than its predecessor. The 1980s Magnum P.I. had a certain gravitas, with Selleck’s portrayal of Magnum carrying a more nuanced blend of humor and seriousness. While the reboot has its emotional moments, it often favors quippy one-liners and breezier storytelling. This tonal shift may be off-putting for fans who remember the more reflective moments of the original show.

On the other hand, for new audiences, this lighthearted tone might be exactly what makes the show appealing. The reboot doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing for a fun, escapist viewing experience. It mixes light humor with procedural drama and action, making it a show that can be enjoyed casually without heavy investment in overarching storylines.

The show does struggle at times with predictability. Many of the cases Magnum investigates follow familiar beats from the crime procedural playbook, and while the characters are engaging, the mysteries themselves can often feel formulaic. The action scenes, while well-executed, sometimes come across as over-the-top or inserted merely to keep the adrenaline pumping, rather than to advance the plot.

Another point of contention for some viewers is the lack of depth in Magnum’s character. In the original series, Selleck’s Magnum was more reflective and had an inner complexity stemming from his experiences in Vietnam. While the reboot touches on Magnum’s military past, it doesn’t delve as deeply into his trauma or personal struggles, which could have added more emotional weight to the show.

The gender-swapping of Higgins also divided some fans of the original series. While Perdita Weeks brings a fresh dynamic to the role, some purists may miss the original version of Higgins, with the humorous tension between him and Magnum being more rooted in old-school British-American differences than the flirtatious tension present in the reboot.

The reboot’s strength lies not only in its portrayal of Magnum but in the ensemble cast and the relationships they share. Jay Hernandez’s portrayal of Magnum is notably more team-oriented than Tom Selleck’s loner private investigator, which can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on what audiences expect from the lead character.

The friendship between Magnum, Rick, and TC feels less like a set of sidekicks and more like a cohesive unit. Rick’s character, played by Zachary Knighton, brings in some of the grit and charm of a former soldier with connections to the darker side of Hawaii’s criminal underworld. While he isn’t the star, Rick often serves as the go-to person for Magnum, providing information, access, or even a quick exit from dangerous situations. His character has evolved beyond the happy-go-lucky playboy of the original series, giving him a more layered persona, particularly in the later seasons when his romantic relationships and business challenges are explored in greater depth.

Stephen Hill’s portrayal of TC is equally engaging. TC has always been the dependable friend, the moral compass of the group. In the reboot, this is enhanced by exploring his post-military life, his business aspirations, and his role as a surrogate father figure in his local community. Hill’s version of TC feels more fleshed out than in the original, adding emotional richness to the character and giving Magnum a more solid emotional foundation when the cases get tough.

The relationship between Magnum and Higgins, played by Perdita Weeks, remains the emotional core of the show. While they begin as combative housemates, their interactions evolve into a deep friendship with hints of romantic tension. Higgins’ transformation from a stiff, MI6 agent with no tolerance for Magnum’s relaxed approach to a trusted confidante adds a dynamic layer to the series. The writers have wisely taken their time developing this relationship, making it feel organic and authentic rather than forced for plot reasons.

This evolving bond also brings a more modern sensibility to the series. While the original Higgins and Magnum had a somewhat father-son relationship, the new series’ choice to gender-flip Higgins not only makes room for a stronger female presence but also provides room for greater character development. The dynamic between Magnum and a powerful, competent woman who challenges him at every turn is a reflection of today’s audiences craving for more balanced gender roles in action-adventure shows. Higgins is no damsel in distress—she’s a co-lead capable of handling herself in combat, emotionally intelligent, and often one step ahead of Magnum.

One of the most significant departures from the original Magnum P.I. is the shift in focus from the mystery-solving elements of the show to high-octane action. While the original series certainly had its fair share of chase scenes, fistfights, and shootouts, it maintained a slower pace, often allowing for Magnum to wrestle with ethical dilemmas or emotional baggage from his time in Vietnam.

The reboot often chooses to prioritize action over introspection. Magnum’s cases are frequently interrupted by car chases, helicopter flyovers, or elaborate heists. While these sequences are well-executed and thrilling, they come at the expense of character development and the detective work that made the original series stand out. In many episodes, the actual investigation feels secondary to the spectacle, with Magnum’s sleuthing limited to short bursts between action scenes.

This focus on spectacle reflects the current television landscape, where audiences are often drawn to fast-paced, visually stimulating storytelling. However, it’s in this shift where the reboot can sometimes feel like it’s sacrificing its identity. The core of Magnum P.I.—a private investigator solving cases in paradise—feels diluted when the emphasis is placed on non-stop action, which many other shows already excel at. There’s little room for Magnum to brood or reflect, and the emotional weight of the cases, which could add gravitas to the series, often feels sidelined in favor of action.

The tropical paradise of Hawaii continues to play a significant role in the reboot. Much like the original, the islands are a character in their own right, offering stunning visuals, cultural richness, and a contrast between idyllic beauty and the criminal underbelly lurking in the shadows.

The production team does an excellent job of capturing Hawaii’s natural beauty, with its golden beaches, sprawling jungles, and urban landscapes. The show takes advantage of the setting, incorporating iconic locations and integrating local culture into many of the storylines. This helps ground the show, giving it a sense of place that few other procedurals manage. In fact, the setting elevates Magnum P.I. from being just another crime drama by making it feel like an adventure in a vacation destination.

One criticism, however, is that the reboot sometimes uses Hawaii as mere eye candy without delving deeply into its complexities. There’s a rich cultural history to be explored, and while some episodes touch on local issues—like land ownership disputes or indigenous rights—these elements often feel underexplored. When compared to shows like Hawaii Five-0 (another modern Hawaii-based procedural), Magnum P.I. could benefit from more cultural depth, integrating local history, folklore, or contemporary social issues into its storylines.

In its updated form, Magnum P.I. occasionally tries to tackle modern social issues, including PTSD among veterans, homelessness, and even systemic corruption within law enforcement. These topics add contemporary relevance to the show, giving it moments of emotional resonance that connect with today’s viewers.

Magnum, Rick, and TC’s military background is a recurring theme, and the reboot does a solid job of portraying how their service has shaped their lives. Magnum’s sense of loyalty and brotherhood with his former SEAL teammates feels authentic, and the show sometimes dips into more somber territory when addressing the emotional toll of combat. While this could be explored more deeply, the fact that the reboot even broaches these subjects is commendable.

However, there are times when the social commentary feels surface-level, lacking the nuance that could make the show truly stand out as both an action-packed procedural and a thoughtful drama. Still, the effort to make the show feel current and relevant is clear, and it’s a step in the right direction for a reboot that could have easily relied solely on nostalgia.

Overall, the Magnum P.I. reboot offers an enjoyable, action-packed ride with likable characters and stunning visuals. For those seeking a fun, escapist crime drama set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii, this show delivers. It honors the legacy of the original while modernizing the formula to suit contemporary tastes. While it may lack some of the depth and seriousness of the original, it compensates with fast-paced action, witty banter, and a cast that is clearly having a good time.

Whether or not this new Magnum P.I. will achieve the same iconic status as the original remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a solid entry in the wave of TV reboots that manages to carve out its own space while still tipping its hat to the past.