Magnum PI reboot debuts... but what did fans think?
Warning: Spoilers for the premiere of the new Magnum PI follow.
The long awaited revival of Magnum PI finally premiered in the US last night and, naturally, fans had a lot to say.
Billed as an "update of the classic television series", the debut episode on CBS was filled with shock twists, including an explosion of the famous red Ferrari.
A deep dive into the Twitter hashtags reveals a good deal of positive reviews, especially considering the sky-high standards reboots are held to.
Didn't expect to be enjoying the new #MagnumPI this much. Didn't expect to love the new Higgins either. Really really REALLY didn't expect my fave moment to include a Spice Girls song. Yet here we are. pic.twitter.com/rnK03epCYr
- Faye Lilley (@faye_lilley) September 25, 2018
Just finished watching Magnum P.I. and dayummmm! Wasn’t sure about the reboot, but I’m ALL in now! #MagnumPICBS
- Karina A Garcia (@kariscattails) September 25, 2018
When exactly is the proper time to start campaigning for a second season of #MagnumPI?
I mean, I feel like now is a great time. Just saying.#RenewMagnumPI @CBS- Briar (@AuroraKate) September 25, 2018
I'll go ahead and say it...The Magnum PI reboot was great!! #MagnumPI
- Marino Radke (@marinoradke) September 25, 2018
For some, just the idea of an old favourite returning to the small screen sparked those fuzzy nostalgia feelings.
The thing I liked most about this #MagnumPI update, is that it felt like the original and brought back memories of being a kid and watching it with my grandfather who loved the show.
- Jason Falter ☕ (@JasonFalter) September 25, 2018
As a teen in the 80’s, I was unavailable on Thursday nights. Thats because I was busy watching Magnum PI. Never missed an episode.
Right now I’m watching the @MagnumPICBS reboot. I might be unavaible on Mondays now #MagnumPI- Brian (@BrianMScott) September 25, 2018
Ok I'm sorry when TC calls Higgins "Higgy" I did get a little you know nostalgic. Love it. :)#MagnumPI
- jax ☘️ (@jaxbra) September 25, 2018
Watched the new Magnum PI reboot tonight. Brings back those 80's memories!! Like both shows.
- Newtestamentlife (@Newtestamentlif) September 25, 2018
Of course, following such a well-loved '80s staple, the reboot has a lot to live up to, and while most of the feedback was very positive, there were viewers who thought the 2018 effort didn't quite make the cut
One even branded it "hot garbage". Yikes.
I’m just not feeling it. Sorry. #MagnumPI pic.twitter.com/HkDApyCOEN
- Bev (@schroddybach) September 25, 2018
My wife and I are watching the remake of #MagnumPI and we both agree that this show is #hotgarbage
They would've been better off getting 73yr old #TomSelleck to reprise the role. pic.twitter.com/mBRjLuZNkq- ALB Photography 📸 (@Scene_By_ALB) September 25, 2018
Then there were also those who remained loyal to the original moustachioed heartthrob Tom Selleck.
The lead role of a Marine returning to his Hawaii home to become a private investigator is now played by Jay Hernandez, previously seen in Suicide Squad, Scandal and Bad Moms.
Unfortunately, Hernandez didn't quite capture the hearts of some fans still holding onto their teen crush.
Hi. Please join me in spending the next 50 minutes intermittently shouting “YOU’RE NO TOM SELLECK.” #MagnumPI pic.twitter.com/RtZ9ibex6B
- Dr. Sara Netzley (@SaraNetzley) September 25, 2018
I enjoyed #MagnumPICBS more than I thought I would. But I feel like I'm cheating on #TomSelleck. The new guy just isn't ever going too measure up. #MagnumPI
- Darlene Brown (@darlbrownie) September 25, 2018
In the lead-up to the reboot, there were also some accusations of 'whitewashing' levelled at the casting.
The Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) acknowledged that the show is "diverse", but insisted that it does not go far enough to include Asian/Pacific Islander actors given its setting.
CBS responded to the claims by highlighting that two of Magnum PI's series regulars are of Asian descent (Tim Kang, who's Korean-American, and Amy Hill, an American of Japanese descent), and stating: "Additionally, people of colour and women will represent 46% of our writers, and 43% of directed episodes."
And fans were split on the issue after seeing the first episode:
For a show that takes place in Hawaii which is over 70% Asian & Pacific Islander, where are LEAD Asian characters? #MagnumPI @MagnumPICBS #RepresentationMatters @CAPEUSA @AIMserves
- Mike Yuen (@myuenbn) September 25, 2018
@MagnumPICBS
I don't hate the diversity on the show. A latino, Asian, African African and a lady as Higgins? Thumbs up. #Magnum #MagnumPI- MsLatinaTV (@MsLatinaTV) September 25, 2018
So now it's up to the next few episodes to keep fans watching – and change the minds of any doubters.
Decided to give the Magnum reboot a shot. I won’t judge it until I am a few episodes in. But it has BIG shoes to fill as the Tom Selleck original is an all time classic and one of my favorites growing up #MagnumPI
- Moondog Mackey (@MoondogMackey) September 25, 2018
Magnum PI airs on CBS in the US.
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