Fall TV Preview: Will CBS’ Magnum PI be a runaway hit?

In this edition of our ongoing Fall TV Preview series, we are talking a look at a show in Magnum PI that is absolutely feeling the weight of enormous expectations entering the new season. How could it not, all things considered? We’re talking about a remake of one of the biggest shows of the past several decades, and one that made a worldwide star in Tom Selleck.

Now, Jay Hernandez is on board as the new Thomas Magnum, and he’s really going to be the key to this show’s success more so than anything else. If he ends up being outstanding in this role, the series is going to be around a long time. These remakes are very dependent on the leads shining early on; that’s why Lucas Till worked so well on MacGyver.

For those who don’t know Magnum PI is being executive-produced by remake master Peter M. Lenkov, who knows a thing or two about injecting new life into established properties. His involvement is one of the biggest reasons for hope in this show, as is the fact that CBS gave the series a great timeslot in Monday nights at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time — CBS wants to have big hits on Monday night again and they’re counting on this to be a significant building block for them. You’re going to get a lot of high-octane action in this series, and to go along with that, you’re also going to have memorable characters and great humor. While this show seems to be starting off with a small ensemble, over time it should be able to expand and build the world. It’s a model that worked with the over Lenkov hits.

Should you watch?

If you love the other Lenkov series, it’s worth a viewing — or if you just loved the original Magnum PI or just love the state of Hawaii. This is a show that, at least to us, deserves a five or six-episode commitment at least just because sometimes it takes show a little run in order to find themselves.

We’ve already made a prediction that Magnum PI will be the first fall show to get a full-season order, so personally, we’re banking big on this.

Do you want to watch Magnum PI when it premieres? Be sure to share right away in the comments!

(Photo: CBS.)