Why Tom Selleck Refuses to Call His Iconic Series ‘Magnum P.I.’

As Tom Selleck anticipates the end of “Blue Bloods” on the 2024 TV schedule, he’s reflecting on his iconic role from the past. Before Jay Hernandez stepped into the role of Thomas Magnum, Selleck was famous for his mustache and his portrayal of the private investigator in the ’80s. Despite “Magnum P.I.” remaining popular with both the original series and its reboot, Selleck has vowed never to use the show’s full title. The original “Magnum P.I.” aired for eight seasons from 1980 to 1988, spanning 162 episodes. In a recent interview with Esquire, Selleck shared his thoughts on the series, revealing that he disliked the show’s title and prefers to refer to it by a shorter version.