Magnum P.I.

Watch Magnum P.I.

  • TV-PG
  • 1980
  • 8 Seasons
  • 7.5  (28,559)

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.

Magnum P.I. is a series that is currently running and has 8 seasons (304 episodes). The series first aired on December 11, 1980.

Magnum P.I.
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Seasons
Resolutions (2)
13. Resolutions (2)
May 1, 1988
Magnum continues his watch of Linda as she is stalked by a psychopathic killer. Meanwhile, as Rick's wedding looms, T.C. seeks to reconcile with his ex-wife, and Magnum finds out new which concerns his theory that Higgins is really Robin Masters, as well as Lily's true fate.
Resolutions (1)
12. Resolutions (1)
May 1, 1988
Magnum receives a phone call from Hawaii while visiting his family in Virginia, which has him racing back to romance and danger and maybe even Robin Master's real identity.
Transitions
11. Transitions
February 17, 1988
Magnum receives some unwanted help from Luther Gillis, a St. Louis based detective when he assists Higgins in a search for Robin Masters' stolen manuscript.
Legend of the Lost Art
10. Legend of the Lost Art
February 10, 1988
Higgins is in search for a priceless ancient scroll in which he believes had been created by an advanced culture.
The Great Hawaiian Adventure Company
9. The Great Hawaiian Adventure Company
January 27, 1988
T.C.'s troubled son puts Magnum's lucrative business deal on hold when he winds up in jail.
Unfinished Business
8. Unfinished Business
January 20, 1988
Magnum's ex-wife and daughter are in grave danger after Quang Ki is indictment is rescinded due to insufficient evidence.
A Girl Named Sue
7. A Girl Named Sue
January 13, 1988
Bank teller Susan Johnson takes a shot at Magnum during an investigation, having recently become a detective.
The Love That Lies
6. The Love That Lies
November 18, 1987
Magnum becomes entangled in Carol's personal and professional career when he moves in with her and her mother after she receives death threats.
Forever in Time
5. Forever in Time
November 11, 1987
Magnum falls in love with a beautiful young woman while helping Higgins with a Hawaiian Historical Society pageant.
Tigers Fan
4. Tigers Fan
November 4, 1987
Magnum investigates the shooting death of his friend Lt. Tanaka, and uncovers that the man is also involved in illicit activities.
Innocence, a Broad
3. Innocence, a Broad
October 28, 1987
Magnum and the wife of a waste management president have become an unlikely yet valuable teammate.
Pleasure Principle
2. Pleasure Principle
October 14, 1987
While Magnum heals from his injuries, Higgins takes on his lifestyle right down to wearing Hawaiian shirts and driving fast cars, while Tom is laid back and dressing in a suit. Intrigued by Higgins sudden change Magnum checks out what is going on, discovering that he is seeing a woman who may be taking him for a pigeon.
Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts
1. Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts
October 7, 1987
Friends and family try to help bring Magnum out of his coma.
Ep 150 - Infinity And Jelly Doughnuts
150. Ep 150 - Infinity And Jelly Doughnuts
January 1, 1987
Magnum is suspended between life and death.
Ep 151 - Pleasure Principle
151. Ep 151 - Pleasure Principle
January 1, 1987
A role reversal seems to be taking place between Higgins and Magnum, who's concerned that Higgins is being duped by the woman he's seeing on the sly.
Ep 152 - Innocence. A Broad
152. Ep 152 - Innocence. A Broad
January 1, 1987
Magnum is hired to baby-sit a garbage mogul's fiance, who helps him look into a slip-and-fall lawsuit against Higgins.
Ep 153 - Tigers Fan
153. Ep 153 - Tigers Fan
January 1, 1987
Magnum investigates a murder and police cover-up, which proves to be connected to a drug operation.
Ep 154 - Forever In Time
154. Ep 154 - Forever In Time
January 1, 1987
Magnum receives a package from a dead stranger - it contains a locket with photos resembling himself and a Hawaiian princess who died in 1910.
Ep 155 - The Love That Lies
155. Ep 155 - The Love That Lies
January 1, 1987
While protecting Carol as she prosecutes a power broker, Magnum helps woman searching for the birth certificate of the child she gave up more than three decades earlier.
Ep 156 - A Girl Named Sue
156. Ep 156 - A Girl Named Sue
January 1, 1988
Detective Susan Johnson works with Magnum to solve the case of two siblings who suspect each other of killing their father and stealing his will.
Ep 157 - Unfinished Business
157. Ep 157 - Unfinished Business
January 1, 1988
Magnum takes the law into his own hands after charges are dropped against the vengeful man who tried to kill him.
Ep 158 - The Great Hawaiian Adventure Company
158. Ep 158 - The Great Hawaiian Adventure Company
January 1, 1988
Everyone's too busy to hear Magnum's slam-dunk tourism idea - especially TC, whose son allows peer pressure to land him in jail.
Ep 159 - Legend Of The Lost Art
159. Ep 159 - Legend Of The Lost Art
January 1, 1988
Everyone joins in the search for an ancient scroll - including a double agent, a mysterious foreigner, and Magnum's former girlfriend.
Ep 160 - Transitions
160. Ep 160 - Transitions
January 1, 1988
Luther P. Gillis helps Magnum investigate the theft of Robin Masters' newest manuscript - and an attempt on Higgins' life.
Resolutions 1
161. Resolutions 1
January 1, 1988
Part 1 of 2. In the series finale, Magnum returns to Hawaii after getting a phone call while visiting Virginia.
Ep 162 - Resolutions 2
162. Ep 162 - Resolutions 2
January 1, 1988
Conclusion. Magnum continues his search for Linda's assailant - and his daughter Lily. TC has a surprise visitor.
Description
Where to Watch Magnum P.I.
Magnum P.I. is available for streaming on the CBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Magnum P.I. on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    December 11, 1980
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (28,559)