“Tom Selleck Has No Regrets About Turning Down Major Show for Blue Bloods”
Before becoming synonymous with Blue Bloods, Tom Selleck earned iconic status as the lead in the cult 80s crime drama Magnum P.I. His portrayal of the charismatic private investigator cemented his place as a major television star throughout the show’s eight-season run.
When Selleck was approached in 2018 for a reboot of Magnum P.I., he firmly declined the offer. Committed to his role in Blue Bloods, the actor had no second thoughts about his decision and made it clear that his dedication to the CBS series was paramount.
Why Tom Selleck Chose Blue Bloods Over Magnum P.I.
Tom Selleck is among the few actors who have successfully embodied multiple unforgettable characters. After his celebrated role in Magnum P.I., Selleck continued to shine in the CBS series Blue Bloods, now in its 14th season. Despite the opportunity to return to his iconic Magnum P.I. role for a reboot, Selleck surprised many by turning it down. In a 2020 interview with TV Insider, he explained his decision:
“They asked and I said, ‘Absolutely not. I’m busy with Blue Bloods.’”
Selleck noted that he wasn’t fully confident about how the reboot would handle his original character’s elements and preferred to maintain the legacy and distinctiveness of his 80s portrayal.
Why Tom Selleck Passed on a Cameo in the Magnum P.I. Reboot
Selleck’s deep connection with CBS spans several notable roles, from his early days on The Young and the Restless to his defining parts in Magnum P.I. and Blue Bloods. Despite the offer to revisit his Magnum role for the reboot, Selleck’s commitment to Blue Bloods was a decisive factor in his decision.
