Photo: Screen Grab/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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?
Us of Al , magnum great shows. What’s wrong with you guys. That FBI series is depressing and violent. Ask the FBI about shooting yourself in the foot. Cause that’s what you have done. Way Not to go!!!!
Magnum P.I is very entertaining and a very good tv program to watch. Real good actors and wholesome storyline.
love Magnum Pi don’t cancel guess there goes CBS for me hate the other show don’t watch them hate FBi cancel it
Very surprised at CBS and disappointed. Magnum PI is a very good show. Entertaining and decent storyline. Why break that up?? And Blue Bloods possibly? I’m still watching MacGyver and Hawaii Five-O on other channels. Guess I’ll stick to those other channels.
Cancel some great shows… why not. Surrender now to steaming cause you can’t keep loyal viewers by getting rid of good shows THE BIG THREE ( ABC, CBS AND NBC) might want to wake up before it’s TOO LATE.
PLEASE, no more reality shows!
After watching the last magnum pi it socks to be left up in the air the way it ended please bring it back
Thursdays were my favorite nites to watch your comedy shows. B positive
Great for older people and u.s…of all was a great show. Please rethink..
Talk about shock! When I read Magnum PI was being canceled I was stocked then mad. That show is awesome and I looked forward to it every week. It has drama, comedy and inspiring story lines. Great acting too. One of the other comments said put it on Paramount Plus, sounds like a good idea. Think about it, you have a lot of disappointed fans!
Magnum pi please bring it back Rick just had his baby that’s it ?? Not a good end!
Please keep United States of Al. That’s one of the best comedy shows that has been made in a long time.
Come on CBS! Magnum was an awesome show.
These are our favorite show. We quit watching FBI because it was too violent like real life, not a good feeling shows. Everything in this country is being destroyed and now the best TV shows. Please reconsider.
I am asking CBS to reconsider the cancellation of Magnum and United States of AL. Both super good shows. This was a huge surprise and major disappointment. At the very least, The viewers deserve to at least see Magnum and Higgins together. This is a huge blow. I still remember when CBS did not renew Scorpion and left it hanging on the cliff- no wrap up. The show was amazing as well. Magnum should be renewed, many of us look forward every week to the noble adventures of team Magnum. Please reconsider. There are many that are still on lockdown… Read more »
My wife and I liked & watched all three of these CBS shows that got cancelled. Magnum, B-positive & US of Al were good shows that my we looked forward to watching. If CBS doesn’t pick them back up, we hope another network will.
Get rid off reality programmes bring back magnum pi good family show which theys not many now on tv
I was very disappointed with the decision to cancel these shows. CBS must not know what their viewers want it there would have been a different outcome. Both of the comedies highlighted populations that are often ignored and misunderstood. Magnum PI – well eye candy all around, engaging stars, interesting story lines and Hawaii! BRING THEM BACK!