It's unclear what awaits private investigator Thomas Magnum in the reboot of Magnum P.I., with the fifth season airing now on NBC. But we do know howthe original Magnum, P.I. ended back in the '80s: It almost finished with death for its titular star.
What Happened in the Final Episode of Magnum, P.I.
Thomas Magnum, played in the original by Tom Selleck (and his iconic mustache), was struck by a bullet during a warehouse shootout at the end of the series’ seventh season, leaving him in critical condition.It appeared that might be the end for America’s favorite Ferrari-driving private investigator.
While his life hung in the balance, Magnum’s spirit looked in on his closest friends before he walked off into the light.
That could have been the end for the crime-fighting military veteran — until Selleck agreed to a shortened eighth and final season of the popular crime drama, giving Magnum a reprieve from death, The Chicago Tribune reported at the time.
Jay Hernandez Was Intimidated Taking Over Tom Selleck's Role in Magnum P.I.
In its final season — which lasted just 13 episodes — Magnum recovers in the hospital, tracks down the person who assaulted a former girlfriend and, according to Distractify, starts to consider a different life, especially after he learns that his daughter Lily might still be alive.
Lily was raised by Magnum’s once-presumed dead wife, Michele, and starred in several episodes of the series.
As the series nears its conclusion, Michele and her “criminal czar stepfather” are killed and Magnum reunites with his daughter, according to CNET.
As Magnum begins to think about the prospect of raising his daughter on his own, he decides to leave his life as a private investigator behind and re-enlists in the U.S. Navy to give Lily, played by Kristen Carreira, more stability.
RELATED:Does The Original Thomas Magnum, Tom Selleck, Appear In The New Magnum P.I.?
The series ends as the father and daughter walk hand-in-hand down the beach to begin a new chapter.
Decades later, Magnum’s daughter nearly had a series of her own.In 2016, Deadline reported that ABC planned to launch a Magnum P.I. sequel starring his daughter, Lily “Tommy” Magnum, and her friends. The showrunners planned to have Lily resurrect her father’s private investigations firm as she worked to take down her own set of criminals, but the series never materialized.
Luckily, fans would still get their Magnum P.I. fix a few years later, when a reboot was launched that focused on Magnum himself, this time played by the crush-worthy Jay Hernandez.
Originally on CBS, the reboot moved to NBC earlier this year as it entered its fifth season.
Today, Magnum is still alive and well as he takes down some of Hawaii’s most notorious criminals with the help of his former spy partner Juliet Higgins, played by Perdita Weeks— and enjoys the spoils of Robin Masters’ beachside guest house.
The re-imagined series even has Magnum calling on help from his friends and former military buddies Theodore “T.C.” Calvin and Rick Wright.
To catch up with the crime-fighting crew, tune in to Magnum P.I. Sundays at 9/8c on NBC or the next day on Peaco*ck.
FAQs
The series ends as the father and daughter walk hand-in-hand down the beach to begin a new chapter. Decades later, Magnum's daughter nearly had a series of her own. In 2016, Deadline reported that ABC planned to launch a Magnum P.I. sequel starring his daughter, Lily “Tommy” Magnum, and her friends.
How did the Magnum P.I. series end? ›
Higgins took a beat before telling Magnum, "Well, just for the record, if in the future you did ask me to marry you, I'd say yes." Magnum and Higgins shared a heartwarming kiss as they danced surrounded by their loved ones. At last, the waters are calm on Magnum P.I., and fans can rest easy.
What happened to Magnum P.I.'s wife Michelle? ›
Wife and child
Magnum left Vietnam believing Michelle was killed during the 1975 evacuation of Saigon. However, her death was staged presumably because General Hue had resurfaced and Michelle knew Magnum wouldn't leave Vietnam without her.
Do Magnum and Higgins end up together? ›
Magnum and Higgins have been dancing around each other for some time and only recently agreed to enter a long-term relationship. The two finally got together in season 4, and season 5 saw them tell the rest of the world about their newfound connection.
Is Magnum coming back in 2024? ›
But, sadly, NBC announced in June 2023 that Magnum's time was coming to an end. And with the series finale airing on January 3, 2024, fans were disappointed to know that Magnum P.I. wouldn't return for season 6.
When did the original Magnum P.I. end? ›
Magnum, P.I. is an American crime drama television series starring Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum, a private investigator (P.I.) living on Oahu, Hawaii. The series ran from December 11, 1980, to May 1, 1988, during its first-run broadcast on the American television network CBS.
Was Higgins Robin Masters? ›
The idea that Higgins could secretly be Masters became a long running gag in the series after Thomas told his friends T.C. and Rick about his idea. In the final episode of the series, Higgins tells Magnum that he really is Robin Masters. However, Higgins later recants at Rick's wedding.
Why was Magnum P.I. House demolished? ›
The property, which has been used in other TV series, including Hawaii Five-0, was reportedly in need of major repair. Just like on Magnum P.I., where the sleuths are always knee-deep in drama, the demolition of the Robin's Nest raised some controversy, according to the Historic Hawaii Foundation.
What is the ring that Thomas Magnum wears? ›
Description: Signet ring worn by Tom Selleck in the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum on the television series Magnum P.I. The ring is gold, with a gold Cross of Lorraine (double barred cross) inlaid on a black oval field.
Was Tom Selleck married to Whoopi Goldberg? ›
Tom Selleck has never been married to Whoopi Goldberg. The Magnum P.I. actor has been married only twice in his lifetime. He has been married to Jillie Joan Mack for more than three decades.
For Juliet Higgins, Kekepania wanted to create a new look for her while keeping it authentic to the character. She did that by coloring her hair to give it a more youthful feel. She stylized a half-piece and attached clips from a wig she designed to give it more volume and maintain the look throughout fight scenes.
Do Thomas and Juliet get together? ›
"It is, I think, really one of the best decisions we've ever made on the show," Eric Guggenheim said. Now that Season 5 of Magnum P.I. is finally on NBC, fans finally got what they've been for: Thomas Magnum and Juliet Higgins have officially become a couple!
Are Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks a couple in real life? ›
While their on-screen relationship is off the charts in chemistry, Perdita and Jay aren't actually romantically involved (that we know of). So of course, viewers can't help but wonder about Perdita's personal life.
Will there be a series 6 of Magnum PI? ›
But, sadly, NBC announced in June 2023 that Magnum's time was coming to an end. And with the series finale airing on January 3, 2024, fans were disappointed to know that Magnum P.I. wouldn't return for season 6.
What nationality is Perdita Weeks? ›
What is the last episode of Magnum PI 2024? ›
Episode 20, “The Big Squeeze,” will air on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10pm Et/Pt, immediately following episode 19.
Is The Big Squeeze the last episode of Magnum PI? ›
'Magnum Pi' Season 5 Episode 20: Finale Photos, Cast, and Plot - IMDb. NBC's Magnum Pi season five episode 20, both the season and series finale, finds Magnum working on a murder case. Episode 20, “The Big Squeeze,” will air on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10pm Et/Pt, immediately following episode 19.
What happened at the end of Season 4 of Magnum PI? ›
They rescue Beth and catch Ray, but Gordon is suspended from HPD. Meanwhile Suzy gives birth to a baby girl. Higgins and Magnum admit their feelings to each other, and kiss.
Will Magnum PI have a season 6? ›
NBC has revealed that the Magnum Pi TV series is ending and won't have a sixth year. The fifth season of 20 episodes will conclude in 2024. An action-adventure drama series, the Magnum Pi TV show stars Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Amy Hill, and Tim Kang.
How does Magnum Season 7 end? ›
In what was originally meant to be the final episode of the series, Magnum is critically wounded in a dockside warehouse firefight and ends up in a coma. He "wakes up" in Limbo with Mac but refuses to believe that he is dead, insisting that he is only dreaming, even though no one but Mac can hear or see him.
