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 was our favorite show – we are very upset it was canceled
I am really disappointed about Magnum PI. It is a great show – love the actors & the plots. Please bring it back! Good family TV. Need to see what happens with Miggans. 😉
I really liked b positive tv show. Very funny. Disappointed on cancellation!
Amazing that these shows were just canceled! When they still have good ratings! corporate guys don’t know crap, now they’re going to put some other stupid show on. They had something good going. Really disappointing about magnum and be positive and the United States of Al really good cast great writing what are these corporate idiots thinking!
VERY DISAPPOINTED MAGNUM IS BEING CANCELED! IT WAS ONE OF THE ONLY SHOWS WORTH WATCHING!
I am going to miss all 3 and it’s total BS that they were cancelled. I hope they are picked up by another network or streaming service. These decisions are going to bite CBS is the backside.
So disappointed you are canceling Magnum. I used to watch CBS every night but seems less often now and losing Magnum means another night to find a replacement channel. You have way too many meaningless comedies and worthless reality junk. Magnum supplied a serious drama and a lighter bit of humor as well. CBS you blew it!
My husband and I watch B Positive and United States of Al EVERY WEEK!!!! Why take these great shows off the air? We are very disappointed in your decision. Probably won’t watch whatever you’re replacing it with.
I’m not happy about the cancellation of Magnum PI or The United States of Al. I’m an avid CBS fan, and I would expect CBS to continue these 2 shows.
I hate reality shows! AND have Never watched them. It seems that all stations love them, due to cost.
I liked watching magnum. I watched it before with Tom Selleck and now with Jay. I thought both of them were very hood shows. If they cannot stay on CBS, maybe someone else could pick it up. Thanks
CBS has a habit of canceling decent shows such as Magnum. The scripted “funny” shows are just lame. Bring back Magnum and keep the FBI’s and SWAT, etc. – there is always my option of changing the channel!!
I love magnumand united states of al. Pls leave them on
I agree
I’m so tired of hearing tough decision, and most of us loves Magnum PI. Just bring it back – end of conversation.
I am going to stop watching your station. I think Magnum PI was great. You have other programs that are trash. Keep up the trash work you do there are many different stations I can watch….
Magnum is an awesome show, they should bring it back. B positive was a good show with good actors. Al was not too interesting.