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?
Why not just cancel cbs……. Little left in the way of former traditional shows. If you want to watch a show with PROFESSIONAL ACTORS NOT NOT WANNA BE 7 SECONDS OF FAKE UNREALITY .
I’m very sad that the shows were canceled. Some of the best shows you had.
I fill that Magnum pi should be given another chance. I am the designer of the flat screen tv.
I was very disappointed about these cancelations especially ghosts.is no longer offered. I only watch TV on Thursdays and now all my shows are ending.
Ghost will return in the Fall. It was not canceled
Goodbye CBS. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid, will go elsewhere for my entertainment.
You guys can’t be trusted.
Not surprised about cancellation of ‘United States of Al’, considering the horrible debacle of the withdrawal of Afghanistan. Nobody wants to be reminded.
I’m going to quit watching your channel, you’re canceling two great shows Magum PI and United States of Al, yet you have reality shows which are stupid and not interesting, please reconsider brining these two shows back I’m begging you
The owners of the show squeeze CBS over license fee’s. I can understand negotiating for more money, but when it gets cancelled the math is easy. You get zero. Maybe they need to jump back in with CBS and come to an agreement. Magnum was the best show on Friday.
Canceling Magnum P.I was stupid and I agree with Stuart best time slot come on CBS bring it back
Not very happy about loosing Magum PI, we couldn’t wait for Friday’s to watch that show and also United States of Al, please please bring them back on
This is the best show Magnum PI. to take it off the air is horrible I look forward to my show
I love Magnum PI ! Please renew! Get rid of NCIS Hawaii instead!
I love Magnum !! Not much thats clean and fun to watch so sorry CBS is dropping it .. guess i drop them !
Terrible decision to cancel Magnum. Onwif the few classy shows left on tv
I hope CBS is thinking about a renewal contract for Magum PI. One of the best shows on CBS. Please thi k about it.
This is one of our favorite shows…please reconsider…