An NBC top executive candidly discusses whether the network regrets saving Magnum P.I. from its CBS cancellation after a look at its current ratings. Beginning the first of its two-season order on NBC, Magnum P.I. began its NBC run with mixed results in terms of ratings. Factoring in delayed, non-live viewing, the reboot averages about 5 million viewers. That represents a 30 percent decline in total viewership from its time on CBS and a 43 percent slide in the coveted 18-49 age demographic.
“Everything’s relative, for us it was [pulling] a good number. CBS does have a much broader audience, because of the older audience that they get. We have not yet locked in our midseason schedule… but we would love to grow that show. We’re with you that the show should be bigger than it is. It’s a great asset for us.”