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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?
I am disgusted with the latest cancellations as well as so many times in the past. It appears to me that the viewers enjoyment is secondary to the poor decisions of the executives have made in the past
I am very very tired of enjoyable shows like Magnum PI and the other shows mentioned cancelled regardless of the fan base they’ve amassed ignoring the viewers
Magnum had not just great stories but was so entertaining . I hope someone else picks it up and I’m still hoping for a movie or Mini series of Hawaii -5-0 Apart from the scenery were we are taken to paradise for an hour or so the characters are entertaining CBS made the wrong decision here .
I can’t believe they cancelled Magnum PI. It is a great show with stunning scenery & great plots. Just as their relationship was ready to blossom the idiots cancelled it. Please, someone else pick it up! I like the equalizer too but if I had my druthers, gimme back my Magnum!
Everyone I know watches Magnum – what a hair-brained idea – I hope another network picks it up and gives it a better time slot this is just pure escape and such a fun show considering all the lame shows on the air
Anna Leigh Ashford is a brilliant comedian, singer, and dancer! Why?
3 of my favorite shows
Loved all three show! So sad about this!
I was surprised and disappointed that all 3 were canceled. They were light hearted and fun to watch. I am not into the reality shows which are far from real and mostly annoying. Really don’t understand the decisions being made. Will be looking at streaming channels more and more
If it was licencing fees, just say so, without the run around.
Maybe there is scope for Magnum to come back later. It was certainly one of my favourite weekly views.
Bring magnum back , United States of AL and b positive
Bring Magnum PI back. I can not believe this show was cancelled.
It’s a crime to take away Magnum PI and B positive. I’m very dissatisfied with this outcome.
I am getting sick and tired of CBS canceling all the good comedies but we keep getting more and more stupid reality shows.
It’s a shame that these two comedies were canceled, but hey let’s get another reality shows! WOW