Matt Buckler: CBS says a surprise goodbye to 'Magnum P.I.'
May 16—The word cancellation always has a bad ring to it. When networks get rid of their underperforming shows of the past to make room for what could work better in the future, someone's favorite show always gets caught in the crossfire.
The networks were busy taking out their low-rated trash Friday, but there was only one series which raised some eyebrows when it received the do-not return note.
That was "Magnum P.I.," which is 25th in the national Nielsen ratings, ranked higher than many shows that were brought back for another season. CBS decided to empty the gun and millions of fans were caught by surprise.
Other canceled shows — such as "Mr. Mayor," and "Dynasty" — were at the bottom of the ratings pool. Sharks were after those shows.
"Magnum," however, was not in that situation. After four seasons, the new "Magnum" fell into its own niche. It was similar enough to the Tom Selleck-starring original so that veteran viewers can tune in, and it was fresh enough to hook new viewers.
CBS used to have a formidable Friday night line-up with "MacGyver," "Magnum," and "Blue Bloods," a great alternative for all those reality shows on other networks, With the cancellation of "Magnum," that no longer is the case. CBS is guilty of breaking something that never was broken.
Follow Matt Buckler for more television, radio, and sports coverage on the JI's Twitter @journalinquirer, and see his articles on the Journal Inquirer Facebook page.
