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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?
I’m very disappointed with CBS for canceling B positive, Magnum PI, & United States of Al. All fun shows to watch & I do not like shows like Dateline & other reality murder shows! I really do not like the new bowling comedy show CBS put on Thursday nights. It’s boring. Will just watch shows on Netflix or Prime next season.
I don’t know why you always take the wrong TV shows off
I love magnum pi,or b positive, united states of AL. Off they are the greatest in my world.
I to can not believe that CBS has canceled Magnum PI, it is better then FBI who the heck decided this decision to cancel Magnum PI. It is the best show on TV along with United States of AL you canceled both, you need to reverse your decision and bring them both back. Get rid of all those reality shows they’re just really crappy. CBS is going down hill because you keep canceling all the great shows and leaving the crappy ones on. Rethink your decision and renew Magnum PI and United States of AL.
I loved all the shows but I want Magnum PI to come back. I hate how you canceled it
Please continue B Positive!!! We need a show that shows care and compassion!
I was absolutely shocked that your Network canceled a great series like Magnum. When Networks cancel great viewing entertainment like Magnum I think it’s time to stop supporting your Network. So much garbage on television and you cancel the best. Everything about that series was great. I think you should re think your decision…..bad move
Please don’t cancel Magnum and United States if AL. Two of best shows on CBS. Why do they let us get hooked on good shows and without warning pull the plug. There was nothing wrong with their ratings. No wonder people are switching to other sources for programming then the regular networks. It’s getting old.
I agree it is my favourite show. I watched the old one and now the new one. There are a lot more shows that should go before Magnum
Not cool. Love Magnum. You should rethink this.
Please bring back United States of AL and B Positive plus Magnum P.I.
BIG mistake HUGE
Magnum P.I. being cancelled is a Total shocker!! This is wrong in every way. Magnum is one of The Best on right now. Please please please bring it back!! Television will keep crap sitcoms on, but cancel a drama that actually has a descent & consistent storyline. I’m sure there’s lesser viewed programs that could be cancelled. In fact, Magnum is actually better than FBI & Equalizer. More enjoyable to watch. But hell, CBS, NBC, ABC have all turned to crap tv anyway.
Please bring back US of AL and B Positive. Our favorites!
Why can’t they just shift to paramount plus only? In the age of streaming nothing is ever cancelled. Look at criminal minds getting renewed for season 16 on Paramount Plus only. Could easily do the same for magnum pi.
I really liked Magnum PI. Sorry that they canceled it.
Magnum PI cancelled? Probably more stupid reality BS series from CBS to fill the voids left from all the announced series being cancelled. Terrible!
Let it be know that CBS has blundered in cancellation of Magnum PI. How many signatures will it take to reverse the cancellation? We, the viewers of Magnum PI are willing to keep writing to tell you to reverse the decision and give the show a three year renewal to boot. Listen closely. Do it!
Leonard Yovnello