EXCLUSIVE: Magnum IPNBC’s reprieve is coming to an end. The network opted not to order any additional episodes beyond the 20-episode fifth season picked up last year.
NBC is expected to mount a major campaign for the remaining 10 episodes, marketing them as the series’ final chapter.
The reboot starring Jay Hernandez didn’t need a renewal decision at the time of NBC’s upfront last month, as its 20-episode Season 5 had been split into two, with the first half airing mid- season and the second half scheduled for mid-season 2024. (or sooner, depending on the impact of the WGA strike.)
However, options on the cast are up on June 30, which has forced the issue now. NBC had three storylines, to land a sixth season, to expand casting options, or to free up the cast and end the series. The networks have been very conservative with reshoots amid the writers’ strike because it’s unclear when the scripted series might go into production, so an early renewal seemed unlikely.
With the 2023-24 season already supported through the 10-episode Season 5 Part 2, NBC would not have to make a Season 6 renewal decision on Magnum IP up to a year from now, for a long take on the cast.
Magnum IP cheated death once. After CBS canceled the reboot last year, studio major Universal Television found a new home for the drama on sister network NBC. This probably won’t happen again unless a streamer like Netflix, which has found success with other NBC series Manifestrushes there.
The show’s complex broadcast rights can be a hindrance – Magnum IP. is available in-season on NBCUniversal’s Peacock, with previous seasons on Paramount+, CBS’ streaming sibling and series co-producer CBS Studios.
The drama, which did well on CBS before it was canceled, continues to be a strong draw. Magnum IPViewership for Season 5 was on par with some of NBC’s scripted series, which have been renewed for next season.
The show also continues to be followed by passionate fans, which makes Magnum IP trending again this week, with no new episodes.
Besides, Magnum IP is a flagship title in Universal’s TV library. It’s also a rare broadcast drama with a Latino lead.
Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Tim Kang and Amy Hill star alongside Hernandez. Showrunner Eric Guggenheim, Justin Lin, John Davis and John Fox serve as executive producers. The series is a co-production between Universal TV and CBS Studios, who have shared rights, with Universal TV handling international sales and CBS spearheading domestic off-network sales.
A reboot of the 1980s drama created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson starring Tom Selleck, Magnum IP follows Thomas Magnum (Hernandez), a private investigator and former Navy SEAL who solves crimes in Hawaii after returning from Afghanistan and refocusing his military skills.