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?
United States of Al is a smartly written and relevant show that deserves a second chance. How could “canned laughter” comedies like The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola be renewed? United States of Al could be resuscitated in a different time slot instead of being taken off of life support prematurely.
Once again CBS has chosen to cancel shows we watch. I guess this to put out more trash reality shows.
I am very disappointed in the cancelation of Magnum P.I, B Postive, and the United States of AL. So you had to work a little harder for the other shows. You should have looked at what the people wanted instead. I hope some other network picks up.
You do not cancel high rating show like this You always cancel low rating shows
This is the dumbness thing I ever seen. You do not cancel a high rating show. You always cancel low rating shows.
B Positive and U. S. of Al were 2 of the smartest and current comedies on TV . We were loyal watchers. The Netwirk execs were idiots to cancel….soooooo disappointing!
Who actually was watching the Equalizer ?? The cancelled Shows seemed to be doing a lot better than that
We need more happy shows on CBS. I loved those three show. The FBI shows or nothing but criminals, murderers, which the USA already have too many in our country.
I will be very disappointed if you cancel B positive I love that show and Magnum they are 2 of the best shows on
Magnium PI I one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. It had drama, family, action and love. I believe it was cancelled because it was a CLEAN family show. I won’t be watching the Magnums replacement!!!
I am so disappointed that you again take show off the air at the height of the story line everyone was waiting for. My hope is someone else other in the crappy CBS station picks it up and runs a long time with it. Please let this happen.
United States of Al was one of my favorite shows. Sad it’s being canceled!
Whatever show your replacing with Magnum PI, I won’t be watching. I’m so furious you took off my favorite show that I always looked forward to watching. It was an excellant show!!! I loved everything about it, the actors , the plots,the scenery, everything!!!! Please bring it back!!!!!
Half the TV shows out there are not worth watching, yet you cancel a Friday night show that is worth watching. Gone are the days when the viewer gets a say in what they enjoy spending an hour of their time on. Magnum is a staple in my house, little violence, little set some comedy. An enjoyable show,
I can’t believe you cancelled United States of Al and B Positive. They were both quirky and funny. Now there are only 2 shows left that I watch faithfully on CBS. I saw your new line up. I see nothing that interests me.
I agree. CBS will regret these cancelations. Maybe a streaming service picks them up and makes CBS’ fears more real.