Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cheerfully corny reboot of detective show has some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Magnum P.I.
What's the Story?
Retooling the 1980s series of the same name, MAGNUM P.I. centers on Thomas Magnum, a former Navy SEAL who's currently using his investigatory and combat skills as a private investigator in Hawaii. From his home base, Robin's Nest, a luxurious compound owned by a multimillionaire comrade in arms, Magnum investigates crimes with the help of his former fellow POWs: Theodore "TC" Calvin (Stephen Hill) and Orville "Rick" Wright (Zachary Knighton), as well as the grudging assistance of Robin's Nest's persnickety majordomo, Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks).
Is It Any Good?
Cheerful, corny, and knowingly ridiculous, this revival rivals the charms of the original, right down to an insouciant Magnum who breezily greets mayhem with a cocked eyebrow and a quip. Even when Magnum's wearing dress whites for a dear friend's funeral, he accessorizes with a devil-may-care grin and drives a low-slung sports car to the cemetery. Every investigation in Magnum P.I. begins with a cruise through Hawaiian landscapes, a clue-finding dive into crystal-clear water, or a trip to a white-sand beach heavily stocked with women in bikinis. And every crazy stunt winds up working out -- for Magnum, not for the bad guys he's chasing.
Some updates have been made to the retread: Magnum earned his tough-guy chops in Iraq during the War on Terror instead of Vietnam; the character of Higgins has been gender-flipped (but is still played as a supercilious Brit); and Magnum is played by a Latino man, whose ethnicity is woven subtly, skillfully into the show. Lots of fun moments and characters make a pretty good case for giving this reboot a shot -- if murder, pretty scenery, and wisecracking detectives are your chosen amusements.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about any stereotypes they see while watching Magnum P.I. Does the behavior of male and female characters reinforce or combat stereotypes? What's the difference between male and female sexuality on the show?
A lead character shaped by war is a staple of adventure shows. Why? What war did Magnum fight in? What about the original character on the 1980s show? Why did the war change, yet the effect on the character remain the same?
How do Magnum and his crew demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 24, 2018
- Cast : Jay Hernandez , Perdita Weeks , Stephen Hill
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 28, 2025
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