Watch Magnum P.I.
- TV-PG
- 1980
- 8 Seasons
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7.5 (27,176)
Magnum P.I. is an American crime drama television series that aired on CBS from 1980 to 1988. It was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson and starred Tom Selleck as the titular character, Thomas Magnum. The show also starred John Hillerman as Magnum's friend and estate manager, Jonathan Higgins, Roger E. Mosley as Magnum's Vietnam War buddy and helicopter pilot, T.C. Calvin, and Larry Manetti as Magnum's friend and fellow veteran, Orville "Rick" Wright. The show follows Magnum, a private investigator who lives in the guest house of a luxurious Hawaiian estate called Robin's Nest, which is owned by the enigmatic and abrasive Higgins. Magnum's primary job is to provide security for Robin's Nest and its wealthy owner, as well as investigating cases that come his way. Along with his friends T.C. and Rick, Magnum takes on a wide variety of cases, from catching art thieves to solving murders to rescuing kidnapped children. The show is known for its iconic opening sequence, which features Magnum driving a red Ferrari down scenic Hawaiian roads, set to a memorable instrumental theme song composed by Mike Post. The show's setting provided a stunning backdrop for the show's action and frequently showcased the beauty of Hawaii's beaches, jungles, and cities. One of the most beloved aspects of the show was the chemistry between its core cast members. Selleck's portrayal of Magnum was charismatic and relaxed, with the character frequently engaging in witty banter and dashing heroics. Hillerman's performance as the fastidious and proper Higgins provided a perfect foil to Magnum's casual persona, with the two engaging in playful butting of heads throughout the series. Mosley and Manetti's characters provided valuable support to the core duo, with T.C. flying Magnum to various locations and Rick acting as a source of comic relief and connections to the criminal underworld. One of the other unique aspects of Magnum P.I. was its exploration of the aftermath of the Vietnam War. All four of the main characters were Vietnam War veterans, and the show frequently explored the psychological toll the war took on them. This was especially true for Magnum, who was haunted by the memories of his service and often had to confront his past on his cases. At its core, Magnum P.I. was a fun and action-packed adventure series, but it also tackled serious issues and had a lot of heart. In addition to exploring the characters' pasts, the show also explored their relationships, with Magnum developing romantic relationships with several women throughout the series and the four friends frequently displaying a deep bond of loyalty and support for one another. Overall, Magnum P.I. was a classic 80s television show that still holds up today as a fun and engaging action series, with memorable characters, great writing, and stunning Hawaiian scenery.