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?
No more CBS on Friday night without Magnum. I am sure I can find something else to watch on Netflix or Prime. Bad move CBS
Big mistake canceling Magnum P.I. Great show. How about canceling Come Dance With Me and sending those stupid out to pasture.
Very upset for the cancelations magnun pi and the other shows in thrusday and to fill that void new shows that I don’t care
Kelly Kahl should be fired for cancelling a great show like Magnum PI. He doesn’t deserve his position if he’s not smart enough to support such a highly viewed show. They will probably add another worthless family drama with 100 kids.
Very sad that consideration for the viewer is not included in their “tough decision” making. The shows mentioned are crowd pleasers. How do you decide against a top show?
B Positive was hilarious… hate that it was canceled. Very funny show that wasn’t really given a chance.
I love Magnum PI! I hate that they canceled it. I will be watching another channel in that time slot!
We wish to voice our extreme disappointment over the cancellation of Magnum P.I. It is a wonderful ensemble show with great examples of friendships and having each other’s back. Plus, in light of a 2+ year pandemic full of death, sickness, and economic hardships, this show was a respite on Friday night. The storylines, humor, and beautiful scenery (which a lot of us can’t afford to enjoy in person due to economics or time) are something we really look forward to at the end of our work week. In addition, the relationship between Magnum and Higgins has not been resolved.… Read more »
I love these 3 shows! Why did they have to be cancelled? Please bring them back.
Can’t believe they canceled Magnum! We watched every week. We love the old version and the new!
Devastated. All great shows and you have few. Poor poor decision.
B-Positive was a great show and so was Magnum PI. It is a shame those shows were canceled. I didn’t watched Th United States of Al but I know several people who liked it. It would be great if those shows go picked up by another network. That or CBS would pyt them back on.
Cancelling Magnum was one of the stupidest decisions I’ve seen for cancelling a show. The show had a strong fanbase and was loved around the world. More proof that all Hollywood cares about is money. I don’t think it will be revived at another network, but I sure hope so.
LOVE Magnum. Hopefully they can get picked up by another network. CBS really needs their heads examined.
Stupid decision on Magnum, PI. The time slot of Friday night has never been amongst the leaders for any network or series. Magnum was the perfect foil or lead to Blue Bloods. Light hearted dramatic comedy located in Hawaii in front of the 3 piece suit former Magnum, now the PC of the NYPD.