Magnum P.I.

TV review by Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media
Magnum P.I. Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Cheerfully corny reboot of detective show has some violence.

CBS Drama 2018
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Magnum P.I. is a reboot of the 1980s series about a detective with the unlikely name of Magnum (Jay Hernandez). The overall tone of the show is light, but the violence is a notch more intense than you might expect, with lots of guns and heavy artillery, as well as bloody dead bodies. Magnum himself wields a gun, and frequently shoots before he asks questions. Male and female bodies are on display, with lots of scenes set on beaches or boats; Magnum himself never misses an opportunity to whip his shirt off. There are references to consequence-free casual sex, and romantic complications; there are also strong female characters with agency. Language is on the mild side: "hell," "suck," "ass," "son of a bitch," "pissed."

Community Reviews

rowbeen
rowbeen Adult
June 27, 2022
age 9+

Action, heart and humor in beautiful HI

Show is full of action, heart and humor. Positive representation of veterans and good friends working together.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Angeline G.
Angeline G. Adult
April 18, 2022
age 16+

Great show but can the romance between Magnum & Higgy

I really enjoy this show. It includes life lessons with good morals, its not extremely violent, and it is very entertaining. All the main characters are also wholesome people. Just one thing I don't particularly like is the way the writers of the show has been drifting in to a supposed romance between Magnum and Higgy. In my view, it is unnecessary to hold audience interest, and it is a bit weird. They are both great characters when they spar, yet support each other. I feel that it would be of more value to emphasize the collaboration between the two rather than drift in to romance. I really liked it when Magnum started a relationship with the detective at HPD, and the interest by the dad in a previous show in Higgy would be interesting to showcase in future episodes. Stop already with that romance between the colleagues. It is discomforting. Thanks guys!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 6 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

  • Magnum, P.I. Poster Image

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    Upbeat but average crime show with blood, bodies.

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    Witty crime drama too highbrow for most kids.

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