Why Tom Selleck Has Pledged Never to Refer to His Iconic Series as Magnum P.I.

Tom Selleck might be nearing the end of his tenure on Blue Bloods in the 2024 TV schedule, but he’s been reflecting on his past role in another iconic series. Before Jay Hernandez took on the role of Thomas Magnum, Selleck famously portrayed the private investigator in the ‘80s. Despite the enduring popularity of Magnum P.I., both the original and its reboot, Selleck has sworn never to refer to the series by its full title.

Magnum P.I. aired for eight seasons, from 1980 to 1988, totaling 162 episodes. In a recent conversation with Esquire, Selleck shared his thoughts on the series, including his initial reaction to its title. He confessed he was never fond of the name and prefers to refer to the show simply as “Magnum.” His aversion to the title stems from a specific incident:

“Bellisario called me and said, ‘The studio wants to change the title. They want to call it Magnum P.I.’ I said, ‘That’s a horrible title.’ At the time, I had been in Hawaii during an actors’ strike, and ‘PI’ is a derogatory term for a Philippine islander. I have vowed never to use that title. The show’s called Magnum.”

Although in this context, “P.I.” stands for private investigator, Selleck was concerned about its potential misinterpretation. While the show’s official title remains Magnum P.I., it is often shortened to Magnum, a preference that Selleck maintains to this day. His sensitivity to the term’s implications highlights his awareness and respect for cultural nuances, even though the show’s title remained unchanged.

It’s intriguing to consider why the title was never officially altered to Magnum, despite Selleck’s objections. Perhaps it was too late to make a change, or executives felt that Magnum P.I. had a better ring to it. Regardless, Selleck’s decision to take on the role and his performance as the famous private investigator with the iconic mustache undoubtedly contributed to the show’s success.

The recent reboot of Magnum P.I. concluded earlier this year, much to the disappointment of fans. Selleck, now 79, did not make an appearance on the reboot. Showrunner Eric Guggenheim revealed to TVLine that while they had considered it, logistical challenges, including Selleck’s commitments to Blue Bloods and the reboot’s filming location in Hawaii, made it impractical.

Despite not appearing in the reboot, Magnum P.I. remains an iconic show, whether you refer to it by its full title or simply as Magnum. Tom Selleck’s connection to the series is evident, as it represents a significant and cherished chapter in his career, preceding his long-running role in Blue Bloods.