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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?
CBS took off two of it’s best shows. The United States of Al and B Positive. Just another reason to watch another network.
As much as I liked “B Positive,” I was not surprised. “United States of Al” was truly terrible…the only reason I watched was ogle Parker Young and hope he took his shirt off.
“Magnum, PI,” however, was an absolutely awesome show…and I really cannot begin to understand how a solid show with good ratings didn’t get renewed.
At least we finally got a kiss.
Bring Magnum back pleeeese! A great show with a wonderful cast!
Magnum P.I was a damn good show. To cancel it now when the story Lines of the main characters were reaching a resolution. What a wasted 4th season without any conclusions without a season f5.
Really disappointed that these 3 shows are cancelled. I mostly watch CBS shows. There are other shows still going for the life of me I don’t know how. I don’t stream shows. I wish this wasn’t happening.
Why these 3? They are awesome shows, my husband and I both watch and enjoy!! I’m sure there were others you could have cancelled!!
We looked forward to watching all three of those shows and we’re very disappointed that they’ve been canceled. They were all great shows with talented actors and actresses. Yet other shows that aren’t nearly as good are continuing. We don’t get it. Maybe some sort of poll should be taken before making these decisions?
Please bring them back ! B positive and United States of AL were excellent shows. The seniors on B positive were a great ensemble. I will miss both of those shows. It was a wonderful line up along with Ghosts.
Very upset about Magnum PI. I loved that show. Why do they cancel a good t?
I also loved BPositive
I agree! They can cancel NCIS Hawaii!
Thanks alot for taking 2 of my favorite shows off the air. I love US of AL and B Positive. They are really good shows . Apparently CBS exes don’t good programming when they see it.
I love both too!
It is really sad there are others that should have been cancelled instead of these loved those shows.Guess I will be watching another channel.Ghosts is one you should cancel
Magnum PI..one of the few shows I really enjoyed watching ..
I know right! Cancel NCIS Hawaii instead!
I still can’t believe you cancelled United States of Al, & B Postive 2 comedies I really enjoyed on Thursday night’s. Looks like I will be watching a lot of Netflix!!!!
CBS FINALLY has some great shows on Thurs & Fro nights & wants to discontinue them. If so won’t need CBS on TV.
Stupid decision, all 3 were left as cliffhangers. No closure.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Chuck Lorre needs to shop other networks.
CBS continues to make fatal mistakes to their programming schedules. They should understand that people want to laugh again n saying well, we have new shows in the works..WE WANT OUR SHOWS , not new shows again that u will cancel. You are not trustworthy anymore. I do hope another network sees your fatal mistakes n picks up your show because im going with the shows. We are sick of your same ole same shows CBS