CBS viewers recently saw the cancellations of three established scripted shows – Magnum PI, B Positive, and United States of Al. Now, CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl has addressed the reasoning behind those ‘tough’ cancellations.
Rumors that surrounded Magnum PI made it seem like licensing fee issues were behind the cancellation of the drama series. Deadline reports that the series’ cancellation may have been influenced by “the bruising negotiations” CBS had to go through with Universal Television over the renewals of higher-rated dramas FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International, and The Equalizer. Kahl said the following:
“You have some tough decisions to make and you have lots of factors — and I’m not going to rule [the licensing fee] out as one of them. It was a great team to work with, and one of the tougher decisions we had to make.”
Magnum PI, starring Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Tim Kang, and Amy Hill, aired for four seasons on CBS.
As for the two Chuck Lorre comedies cancelled by the network, the decision was difficult. Kahl said the following about cancelling B Positive and the United States of Al:
“I’m not going to pretend and tell you [Lorre] was happy. He was disappointed with the news but he’s the single most talented comedy producer I’ve certainly ever worked with.”
CBS is already working with Lorre on new comedy shows.
The three series are produced or licensed by outside studios and networks see less profit from those due to the decline of revenue from traditional television viewing and the shift to streaming.
What do you think? Were you surprised by the cancellations of Magnum PI, B Positive, and United States of Al by CBS? Did you want more seasons of these three shows?
SAVE MAGNUM pi favorite Show good session thank you
I am very disappointed that you are canceling Magnum and United States of Al . I love those 2 shows and the finale on both of these shoes are like they are supposed to continue next season . I am very disappointed with your decision!!!!!
I am disappointed the most about B Positive it was a great family show about real life please reconsider. CBS needs these shows back WHY WHY do you always cancel a show that the family can watch. The way of the world today we need need B Positive and Al back.
I was devastated when Magnum pi was cancelled it was my favorite tv series yet they leave rubbish tv series on the air makes me so mad I love all the cast in magnum
I can’t believe you canceled Magnum. No one watches TV any more with all the streaming services. You cancel good shows and replace them with stupid comedies that last maybe 2 episodes. Not everyone watches reality shows, I live my own life not worry about people who are airing their dirty laundry. Friday night was awesome when you had SWAT, Magnum, and Blue Bloods. Really disappointed with CBS and your reasoning
We are sick you cancelled Magnum. It was a great show. Why do you keep getting rid of good shows like Magnum and NCIS New Orleans. Seal Team, All Rise
CBS canceling Magnum PI was a terrible decision it was a good family show a good story line great actors, my family looked forward to setting and watching it together not many shows out there that made that happen I’m sad and disappointed!!
Why don’t we cancel one of the many serious FBI shows.
We love the more light hearted & funny shows. Maybe if there were more of those and less drama we could go back to better times. Those shows have become all too similar to real life and we need relaxation from real life. So sad for CBS and Chuck Lorre.
You keep crappie show like big brother which is really bad and your other bad reality shows and canceled a good show like Magnum PI. You also cancelled NCIS New Orleans and add a not very good NCIS Hawaii triedit don’t care for it as much. Not the same vibe. CBS was always my go to put not as much anymore.
Sad day when they take off great shows like these 3. All I ask is WHY!!!?
I think I’m done with CBS—taking off Magnum PI was the worst decision! The show has great actors, good story lines & it’s an intelligent show—so disappointed
Cbs dose not care about the American people or what they have on their network I wish just one broadcast network would just stand up get a backbone and not take us for granted we do like The shows
Wow! Just knock out all of the semi-realistic American veteran related shows in one swipe across the board. Talk about a punch to the gut!
Here is the link to sign the petition to save Magnum PI. The petition already has over 11,ooo signatures and they are aiming for 15,000.
https://www.change.org/p/save-magnum-pi-for-a-season-5
We watch all 3 of these shows very disappointing Love United States of Al and B positive and Magnum PI
Guess they don’t want us to laugh or enjoy shows anymore. I’m not a fan of serious drama. I want to sleep at night not lie awake worrying about the drama.