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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.

By Michael Weyer

"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 /
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2. Magnum PI Season 5 sent the show out on a good note

After being saved by NBC, Season 5 opened with what everyone wanted to see, Magnum and Higgins together. Their new romance sparked the series up nicely as they first hid it from the rest of the gang before coming clean and building it up well. There were also developments like Gordon trying to get his job back and Rick facing a romantic choice.

A major mid-season development had TC fighting a serious health issue as Magnum and Higgins tracked some deadly killers. While the finale wasn't intended to be the end of the show, it does work well in that retrospect, so at least the series went out on a good creative high. 

1. Season 2 had plenty of thrills and action 

Season 2 is the best of Magnum from the early episode of crooks taking over Robin's Nest as Higgins becomes Magnum's partner. There's also the introduction of the soon-popular recurring character of dimwitted thief Jin. Some cases are fun, like Aaron Donald looking for a stolen playbook and Corbin Bernsen as Rick's criminal father. 

The subplot of Higgins facing deportation may be a bit distracting, but it's made up for by a crossover with Hawaii Five-O and James Remar as Magnum's former commanding officer on a special mission. From the mix of dramatic plotlines to some light comedy, this is a perfect balancing act for Magnum PI fans and has to rank as the best season of the five-year run. 

Next. Does Magnum PI need a standalone movie?. Does Magnum PI need a standalone movie?. dark

Magnum PI Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Freevee. Season 5 is streaming on Peacock.

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