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?
Amazing that what I am going to watch is determined by profit margin. I guess that just goes to show that the most money wins. It is very sad to see how easy it is to brainwash people. I guess that helps explain the state of the USA currently. It is not what the people want just what the networks choose to allow us to watch. I think it might be a good time to stop watching TV altogether.
Dispite all the reasons stated below ,it does appear that viewers are no long part of the equation of importance to CBS than they use to be .
I loved Magnum and United Ststes of Al . You cancelled them and left your Wednesday line up alone. The only night I don’t want CBS but I guess I’ll have to find a way to make sense of what they consider good shows
B-Positive is one of the best comedies in a long time. The show has high energy and is very entertaining. This show should have a 5-7 year lifespan. It is so much better than The Goldberg’s which has jumped the shark. Smarten up CBS.
I’m sorry that had take the show off but I love it magnum pi you can get this show but then to you put some other stupid stuff on some time nobody likes like the dancing show I hate it but least I have Tues night FBI.love it thank you
I think CBS has simply lost its sense of humor.
Mom, a show dealing with addiction in a light-hearted way, left to make way for United States of Al, a show dealing with veteran suicide, depression and family life in a light-hearted way.
B Positive worked wonders with the hand they were dealt and had an amazing ensemble.
I only have 2 shows on CBS, Young Sheldon and Ghosts. CBS gets a whopping one hour of my time a week.
Same here that’s all they left that I watch
I’m not happy about United States of AL, B positive and How we roll being canceled! This is why I don’t watch much TV. I start to like a show and it gets canceled. It’s ridiculous
I enjoy watching United States of AL. It deals with some touchy issues of the military and the closeness they develop with the help that they receive from the host country. The situation with Al’s family a d how the military helped his sister get to safety. I like Magnum PI and the interaction of all the players. I’m very sad that you have canceled these two programs
CBS IS GOING TO WATCH ITS VIEWERSHIP COLLAPSE. I ONLY WATCHED CBS BECAUSE OF MAGNUM. WON’T BE WATCHING AT ALL NOW!
I love United States of Al. I’m thinking of just getting rid of CBS, ABC, and NBC. They cancel all my favorites. Might as well just stream!!
CBS always takes the best shows off and leaves stupid ones like love island,etc.I have to start streaming because regular TV sucks….taking off great shows
I never watched Magnum PI not B Positive so won’t miss them. States of Al was okay but too predictable. It can go too.
I really enjoyed this show I am sad to see it go. I pay for paramount plus to watch shows like this.
Really ticked that United States of Al was canceled. Especially when many others that I hate stayed on.
Canceling Magnum PI is no great loss. The original 80s version with Tom Selleck was so much better.
I don’t like it when they reboot old series. How about coming up with something fresh and original without tarnishing the originals?