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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?
Magnum PI is a great series. I’m very disappointed with the decision to cancel.
I’m very disappointed you took Magnum pi off loved that show bring it back
I liked all those shoes. Wish they were not cancelled.
I love all 3 of these shows! B Positive was just that and made me smile. United States of Al showed us that we can all get along even from broken homes and war. Magnum, need I say more? A fun drama that always ended with happiness. I’m sick of all of the cai, fbi, NCIS, law and order etc. We need more happy shows to watch. These cancellations have me in an uproar with CBS.
Yes cancel NCIS Hawaii and Ghosts
I was very sorry about the magnum cancellation. It was an entertaining show. I wish someone else would pick it up. Bad call by CBS.
Release the rights to several of the shows you’ve cancelled so other networks can pick them up. Magnum PI, B Positive, MacGyver are just three of my favorites you’ve cancelled. Why do you keep NCIS and not give other shows a chance? So frustrating!!!!
I agree wholeheartedly! Magnum PI and MacGyver were great and I also loved B Positive and The United States of Al!
Get rid of NCIS Hawaii and Ghosts instead please.
Stupidest decision CBS have sense trying to go woke on the neighborhood. Keeping shows that have lower ratings and trying to force woke and diversity is going to ruin your network. Just like you got rid of Seal Team. You are going to lose audiences
There the only reason me an my family watched this channel u take the good show off an put stupid stuff on it’s so dumb
I really like Magnum PI can some one please reconsider the awful decision that was made to drop this show.
CBS did the same to Magnum as it did to Scorpion. I could care less what shows are on their new schedule in the Fall. I won’t be watching. Tired of investing in a show for years only for the network to end it without respecting fans and giving it a proper conclusion. I hope another network will save Magnum. It worked for Lucifer and Manifest
Extremely disappointed at the cancelation of Magnum PI. You keep canceling relevant entertainment and replacing it with stupid reality TV shows with no value an insult to entertainment. This includes the cancelation of NCIS NEW ORLEANS! Also, Stop moving programs around like SWAT. You lose viewers because we can’t find the programs.
Cancelling magnum pi was a huge mistake it had such a following
Cannot understand the reason behind cancelling these shows. They were the best
Magnum PI -So disappointed this show was cancelled. One of the BEST!
B positive was the best comedy out there! And Magnum PI was a fun show! You guys are loosing us! Your choice of cancellations is horrifying! There is nothing fun left to look forward too! My family is done watching your station! This is tragic I’m sick of cop and robbers! Wise up before it’s to late