Magnum P.I.: NBC picks up reboot series following CBS cancellation

Magnum P.I. can call itself one of the lucky ones that were saved after being canceled by another network. Deadline is reporting that, even though it came down to the wire, a deal just closed for NBC to order 20 new episodes of the action drama starring Jay Hernandez following its cancellation by CBS last month.

The 20 episodes will be split into two seasons, bringing the reboot’s run to 96 episodes, with an option for more. Knowing that there was a possibility that the deal would close, CBS Studios, which co-produces the series with Universal TV, did not extend the options on the cast which expired yesterday, June 30. With an agreement on the order reached, the cast is now being picked up and is finalizing deals to return for the new seasons. Series star Jay Hernandez took to Twitter to thank the fans and NBC for making the return happen.

Deadline reported several weeks ago, immediately following CBS’ surprise May 12 cancellation of Magnum P.I. after four seasons, Universal Television sprung into action and began shopping the series. NBCUniversal’s NBC and the USA Network quickly emerged as the prime contenders to resurrect the show. Conversations with NBC were progressing until they got into talks about a feasible budget to bring the series back. Trimming the budget was the main bone of contention but they managed to make it work. As co-producing entities, Universal TV and CBS Studios have split rights, with Universal TV handling international and CBS spearheading domestic off-network sales.

A reboot of the 1980s drama created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson that starred Tom Selleck, Magnum P.I. follows Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez), a private investigator and former Navy SEAL who solves crimes in Hawaii after returning home from Afghanistan and repurposing his military skills. The series also stars Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Tim Kang, and Amy Hill.

Are YOU happy to see Magnum P.I. return?