Reboots of classic TV shows have become increasingly popular, with modern takes on Dynasty, Hawaii Five-O, and Twin Peaks finding new audiences. Among these revived favorites is Magnum, P.I., which returned to screens in 2018 with a new cast and updated style.
However, the original Magnum, P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988 on CBS, remains a television classic. Starring Tom Selleck as the charming and laid-back private investigator Thomas Magnum, the show was set against the beautiful Hawaiian landscape. It broke away from the traditional, tough-guy image of crime-solvers by giving audiences a new kind of hero: one who wore Hawaiian shirts, drove a Ferrari, and always had a witty remark.
Here are some fascinating facts about the original series that you may not know.
1. A Direct Link to Hawaii Five-O
When Hawaii Five-O ended its 12-season run in 1980, CBS still wanted to keep their Hawaiian production facilities active. This led to the creation of Magnum, P.I., which made use of the same sound stages and filming locations. Many indoor scenes from Magnum, P.I. were shot in the very same studios that hosted Five-O.
2. Tom Selleck Almost Played Indiana Jones
Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones for Raiders of the Lost Ark. However, his commitment to Magnum, P.I. prevented him from taking the role. Ironically, a writer’s strike delayed Magnum’s production schedule, meaning Selleck could have accepted the Indiana Jones role after all. But by that time, Harrison Ford had already been hired, and the film was well into production.
3. The Theme Song Became a Chart Hit
The catchy theme music for Magnum, P.I., composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, became a hit on its own. It reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. Very few television themes have managed that kind of crossover success.
4. Selleck’s Height Changed the Car
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Originally, producers wanted Magnum to drive a Porsche. However, Tom Selleck, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches, couldn’t comfortably fit inside the vehicle. Porsche also declined to modify the car. Instead, producers went with a Ferrari 308 GTS, which was customized by removing seat padding and repositioning the driver’s seat to accommodate Selleck’s tall frame.
5. Crossover Episodes Added Star Power
During the 1980s, crossover episodes were used to boost ratings and link popular shows. Magnum, P.I. crossed over with Murder, She Wrote and Simon & Simon. These episodes aired when all three shows were at the peak of their popularity, giving fans fun interactions between their favorite characters.
6. Tom Selleck’s Mustache Made History
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Selleck’s iconic mustache became a pop culture phenomenon. It was so influential that it was inducted into the International Mustache Hall of Fame. Few facial hair styles have left such a lasting impression.
7. Hawaiian Shirts and Smithsonian Honors
Magnum’s colorful Hawaiian shirts, especially the red “Jungle Bird” print, became part of his signature style. That particular shirt, along with his Detroit Tigers baseball cap and the Naval Academy ring worn on the show, are now housed in the Smithsonian Institution.
8. A Record-Breaking Finale
The series finale of Magnum, P.I., titled “Resolutions: Part Two,” aired on May 8, 1988. It drew 50.7 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV finales of all time. It currently ranks fifth, behind MASH*, Cheers, Seinfeld, and Friends.
9. Magnum Broke the Mold for TV Detectives
Unlike many TV detectives of the time who wore suits and carried a badge, Magnum wore shorts, Aloha shirts, and worked freelance. He lived in a guest house on a private estate, drove a Ferrari, and still managed to get the job done. This made him relatable and appealing to a broader audience, combining rugged masculinity with humor and vulnerability.
10. A Real Military Connection
Thomas Magnum was portrayed as a former Navy SEAL and Vietnam War veteran. This background added realism and depth to the character. It also connected him to a network of other veterans, including his friends Rick and T.C., which played a central role in many episodes.
11. Robin Masters Was a Mystery
Throughout the series, Magnum lived on the luxurious estate of Robin Masters, a wealthy but mysterious novelist. Masters was mostly an unseen character, although he was voiced by Orson Welles in several episodes. Fans debated whether Robin Masters was actually Higgins, the estate’s caretaker, in disguise. The show never fully resolved the mystery.
12. Higgins Was a Fan Favorite
Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, played by John Hillerman, was the uptight British caretaker of the estate. His contrast with Magnum’s laid-back personality added comic tension and heart to the show. Hillerman’s performance was so strong that he won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in 1987.
13. T.C.’s Helicopter Was a Real Business
Roger E. Mosley played Theodore “T.C.” Calvin, a helicopter pilot who ran Island Hoppers, a tourist charter service. The company was fictional, but many fans thought it was real. The bright orange chopper became a visual symbol of the show and Hawaii itself.
14. Selleck Did Some of His Own Stunts
Tom Selleck performed many of his own stunts, including driving, running, and action sequences. His physicality helped sell Magnum’s credibility as a former Navy SEAL and a capable investigator.
15. The Reboot Features a New Magnum
The 2018 reboot of Magnum, P.I. features Jay Hernandez in the title role. While the updated series includes modern technology and a fresh cast, it retains some key elements—like the Ferrari, the Hawaiian setting, and the spirit of adventure. It also introduces Juliet Higgins, a gender-swapped version of the original Higgins character.
16. A Backdoor Pilot for Magnum, P.I.
Before the official reboot, CBS considered creating a sequel series called Magnum. It would have starred Magnum’s daughter as the lead investigator. The project never made it past early development, but it shows how strong the original brand remains.
17. Real Military Veterans Loved the Show
The show’s respectful portrayal of veterans and military life earned it praise from actual service members. The use of real military details and references, along with the loyalty between Magnum and his fellow vets, resonated with audiences beyond the action.
18. Orson Welles’s Last TV Work
Legendary actor and director Orson Welles lent his voice to the mysterious Robin Masters. His voice appearances on Magnum, P.I. were among his final acting roles before he passed away in 1985.
19. Tom Selleck’s Career Took Off
Before Magnum, P.I., Selleck had minor roles in movies and guest spots on TV shows. Magnum turned him into a leading man and cemented his place in television history. He would later go on to star in Three Men and a Baby, Blue Bloods, and more.
20. The Show Won Multiple Awards
Magnum, P.I. earned several Emmy nominations and won multiple Golden Globe Awards. Its mix of action, comedy, and emotional depth set a high standard for future detective series.
Final Thoughts
Magnum, P.I. wasn’t just another detective show—it was a cultural moment. With its Hawaiian setting, memorable theme music, stylish Ferrari, and Tom Selleck’s charm, it created a lasting legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the series for the first time, these facts offer a fresh appreciation for one of the most iconic shows in television history.