Ranking the best (and worst) Magnum PI Seasons

With Magnum PI ending its run on NBC, here's a look at how each season of the reboot series ranks.

"Dead Inside" - When Katsumoto suspects that one of his fellow cops is dirty and has stolen evidence, he begrudgingly asks Magnum and Higgins for help. Also, Rick and TC help Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald when his tablet, that contains the Rams' playbook is stolen, on MAGNUM P.I., Friday, Oct. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured L-R: Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins and Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum Photo: CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights
"Dead Inside" - When Katsumoto suspects that one of his fellow cops is dirty and has stolen evidence, he begrudgingly asks Magnum and Higgins for help. Also, Rick and TC help Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald when his tablet, that contains the Rams' playbook is stolen, on MAGNUM P.I., Friday, Oct. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured L-R: Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins and Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum Photo: CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights
1 of 3

When Magnum PI premiered in 2018, there were some doubts about it. The original series was a beloved hit that made Tom Selleck a star, so a reboot was a risky proposition. From Jay Hernandez not boasting the iconic mustache to Higgins now being a woman, there were other changes that could put people off.

Thankfully, it worked out, and the reboot became just as good as the original. Fans loved tuning in to see Magnum, Higgins and their friends handling a variety of crimes across Hawaii while dealing with some ghosts of their pasts. Some fans will have their favorites, but here's a look at how each season of Magnum PI ranks from worst to best and a reminder of the fun show we're saying goodbye to. 

5. Magnum PI Season 3 was just too short to work right

The key problem with Season 3 was that it was only 16 episodes long, thanks to filming amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, it didn't have as much time to breathe on plotlines, even with some intriguing cases. It also began the long relationship between Higgins and Ethan that some fans argue about. 

There are good episodes like Magnum turning into John McClane in a hostage crisis and the classic "storm episode" with some thieves mixed in, as well as the old "abandoned baby" plotline. There was also the start of the Rick-Suzy relationship and some good looks at the character's pasts. However, the shorter run doesn't get the show to the heights it deserved so it has to rank as the least of the show's run.