Magnum, P.I.

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CBS (ended 1988)
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Show Summary

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Former Naval Intelligence officer Thomas Magnum resigns his commission to become a private investigator on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. He lands a home in the guest house on the estate of millionaire author Robin Masters in exchange for testing the estate's security, but is forced to work under the strict and ever watchful eye of Jonathan Higgins, a former British Army soldier who serves as the estate manager, and constantly patrols the grounds with his two "lads" Zeus and Apollo, who are loyally trained Doberman Pinschers always ready to pounce on Magnum.''''Magnum makes good use of the perks that come with working on the estate, including driving Masters' sporty red 308 GTS Ferrari, Audi, and all-terrain Jimmy, as well as equipment such as high-end cameras and telescopes. Of course, all of these expensive toys are under the keen scrutiny of Higgins, and Thomas often finds himself at the end of Higgins's hard bargaining to secure their loan. Although Magnum's carefree ways often clash with Higgins's stricter manner, their mutual respect forms a strong basis for their working relationship. Two of Magnum's former Vietnam comrades and friends live and work nearby. T.C. Calvin owns "Island Hoppers", a helicopter tour company, and Rick Wright manages the King Kamehameha Club, an exclusive beach front club. T.C.'s piloting skills and Rick's shady underworld contacts often get them roped into Magnum's cases. Others in Magnum's circle include Naval officers Mac MacReynolds, Maggie Pool, and Buck Greene; Hawaii P.D. officers Nolan Page and Yoshi Tanaka; Dr. Ibold; Higgins's fellow Brit Agatha Chumley; Rick's underworld contact "Ice Pick"; and Deputy D.A. Carol Baldwin. Robin Masters was never fully seen, ultimately leading Magnum to the conclusion that Higgins was actually Masters, though this theory was never fully proven.''''The show was a huge hit, with the first five seasons ranking in the top 20 shows in the U.S. ratings each year, thanks to its wide range of stories appealing to a broad cross section of fans, The series ranged from broad slapstick comedy and farce, to deep, thoughtful drama, to edge-of-the-seat action. The series was widely applauded for being the first to recognize the difficulty Vietnam era soldiers faced in making the readjustment to civilian life. Many episodes touched upon the impact that serving in Vietnam had on Magnum and his friends, as well as echoes to the events of World War II.''''The series won many awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes for Selleck and Hillerman.''''Broadcast History:''December 1980 - April 1981: Thursday on CBS, 9:00 PM''October 1981 - April 1987: Thursday on CBS, 8:00 PM''October 1987 - May 1988: Wednesday on CBS, 9:00 PMmoreless
8.7
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Episode Guide

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S 8 :  Ep 13 Aired 5/1/88
S 8 :  Ep 12 Aired 5/1/88
S 8 :  Ep 11 Aired 2/17/88
S 8 :  Ep 10 Aired 2/10/88
S 8 :  Ep 9 Aired 1/27/88

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Fan Reviews (28)

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  • This is one of my all time favorites.. I am glad I can see it again on Retro TV network every day now. I think of it every day since the theme song is my primary ring tone on my cell!!!!moreless

    10
    "Perfect"
    By drhenning, Jan 17, 2009 Report Abuse
    A wonderful show that plays so well even today. It is one of my all time favorites and as noted above, I use the theme song as my cell phone ringer. The stories hold up well even today as the only thing really missing are cell phones. The rest of it could still be today. The estate... the club... the scenery... The only thing is the Vietnam stories later in the series that play so much... The great thing about Magnum was the way he broke the 4th Wall with the TV audience.. Always great guest stars anda solid regular cast that stayed through all 8 years.... It is nice to see some of the actors in later DPB shows like Quantum Leap, Jag, and NCIS... A favorite...moreless

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  • Magnum is a series made in the 80's and it shows. But the acting is super. The scenes are great and beautifull. The locations are very special and sometimes stunning. This is a series that stands the test of time.moreless

    9.1
    "Superb"
    By ewtvfreak, Aug 22, 2008 Report Abuse
    Magnum is a series made in the 80's and it shows. But the acting is super. The scenes are great and beautifull. The locations are very special and sometimes stunning. This is a series that stands the test of time. I loved it when it aired and now the DVD's are great.
    The only thing missing on the dutch DVD's are the crossovers with other series. On all accounts a top series. There is action, romance, sorrow, drama and humor.
    Watching it over again it makes you apreciate the lenght the producers went through to bring it to the screen. Really this show deserves to be admired and loved.moreless

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  • Boy, do I love 80's shows. They had everything-action, women in bikinis, bad guys, cool cars, they had the lot.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By txp-lucky49, Dec 22, 2007 Report Abuse
    In my opinion, this series was Tom Selleck's finest hour. Magnum P.I. lived in a mansion in Hawaii where he had to put up with Higgins who was looking after the house for Mr. Masters. Both had respect for each other obviously but they were always getting on each other's nerves and Magnum also had to put up with two dogs-Zeus and Apollo if my memory serves me correctly-who didn't like him at all. Of course, like most 80's heroes Magnum had a cool car which he used to parade around Hawaii solving all types of cases involving crooks both small-time and big time. Magnum used to investigate the cases and then engage in a good old fight at the end. All in all, a good show. And who can forget Magnum's shirts?moreless

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  • Magnum, P.I. was a show about a private investigator that lived in Oahu, Hawaii.

    9.2
    "Superb"
    By meislost, Nov 09, 2007 Report Abuse
    Magnum, P.I. premiered on December 11, 1980 on CBS. The main cast was Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, and Larry Manetti. This show was about a former Naval Intelligence officer named Thomas Magnum that becomes a private investigator in Oahu, Hawaii. He lives on the property of millionaire Robin Masters. He is often bossed around by the butler, Jonathan Higgins. I think this was a awesome show. Beyond the end, it still is considered a great show, in my opinion. I give this show a 9.2. I think Tom Selleck portrayed Thomas Magnum very well. It orginally was shown on CBS every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm or often 9pm back in the '80s. This show Magnum, P.I. had great action, talent, and enjoyable to watch. This show ended on May 1, 1988. Though it lasted almost 8 years, it had won 2 and was nominated for 7 Golden Globes. It was nominated for 6 and won 3 Emmys, won an Eddie and Edgar, one TV Land Award, and nominated 6 Young Artist Awards. Thanks for the great years of episodes Magnum, P.I.!moreless

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  • Great Show

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By nickaaron1, Jul 05, 2007 Report Abuse
    This was a really great show. Tom Selleck and the rest of the cast were great. I love Hawai. I love the cars the house everything. Magnum and Higgins were very good character. Roger Mosley And Larry Maneti were alos Great.

    I still watch this show today it never gets old. There were some very good shows, and I thought the show ended pretty well. Would not of guess the Magnum would of went back into the Army. I know I have herd that they want to make this into a Moive for the theaters I hope not I like it the way it is. The moives kill TV shows.moreless

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