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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?
Loved all three show’s. In a time that we need more laughs we now get more drama. Will have to look at different outlets as opposed to CBS.
I don’t understand why they take off good shows and leave you with a lousy choice of programs to watch. I enjoyed watching all 3 of the cancelled shows, especially Magnum.
Why would they cancel such a good show. There are enough boring programs playing. Magnum is a show that you look forward to look at. Enjoyed every episode . Was anxious to see where the show was going with a new baby, romance. It’s really getting ridiculous how easy it is to cancel good programing and keep on every silly reality show that goes no where.
Bring back Magnum PI
Too bad CBS Mgmt doesn’t watch their pathetic news shows. Major money savings and time slot opening(s) could come from the elimination of their oxygen pirate Evening News anchor.
I am so disappointed that Magnum PI was cancelled. It is one of the most enjoyable shows on tv. We planned our Friday nites around watching it . It is one of the view shows that everbody liked. I wish they would change their mind or another station would pick up.
Every time I get invested in a show, it gets cancelled. I was hoping Magnum would be different. What’s next? Blue bloods? Those “reality shows” completely turn me off, and consequently, my TV. What’s wrong with good, clean entertainment television shows. I get enough reality every day, I want to escape that for a while at night.
I read today that CBS is thinking of trying to get Magnum moved to Paramount+. I think this was their plan all along. Cancel one it’s most popular series, then say they worked it out by moving it to their streaming services, forcing fans that want to continue watching purchase that channel. Now they are making extra money, and making them look like the saviors of a show that should have never been canceled. This just proves CBS does not care about its shows or their fans.
It’s a shame that Magnum PI the best show on tv was cancelled. I think the head of CBS needs to be cancelled and replaced with one that can recognize what a good and popular show it was. I am done with CBS, too many other choices out there to continue to watch the crap CBS is showing now a days.
I’m just sick! Magnum PI was my favorite show. It had it all…action, suspense, friendship, romance and was suitable for all ages. If it’s not picked up…I’ll have to resort to Hallmark and Netflix.
Very disappointed and surprised that Magnum was canceled. Bring it back!!! My favorite show!
This guy didn’t make a hard decision, like he cares. This is absolutely unfair. I enjoyed Magnum PI. And we pay some steep prices to watch this crap on TV. I am boycotting CBS! I will not watch this station again.
I thought both B Positive and AL were heading into more interesting territory. A real shame they were cancelled.
I want all three shows renewed
VERY disappointed with these cancellations. Loved both Magnum PI and United States of Al and I’ll really miss both shows.