CBS Orders ‘Magnum, P.I.’ and ‘Cagney & Lacey’ Reboot Pilots

On the heels of the 13-episode reboot of “Murphy Brown” comes word that CBS has ordered pilots for potential revivals of 1980s crime solvers “Magnum, P.I.” and “Cagney & Lacey” for next season. “Magnum P.I.,” which starred Tom Selleck and aired on the network from 1980-88, is described as an updated version of the original series that follows Thomas Magnum, a decorated ex-Navy SEAL who, upon returning home to Hawaii from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator.

Peter Lenkov, the writer and producer behind current CBS reboots of “Hawaii Five-O” and “MacGyver,” will serve as the writer and executive producer on the new version of the classic 1980s series, which had previously gotten a pilot production commitment at the network. Eric Guggenheim, an executive producer and writer on Lenkov’s “Hawaii Five-O,” will also write and executive produce. John Davis and John Fox of Davis Entertainment will also executive produce. CBS Television Studios will co-produce with Universal Television.

”Cagney & Lacey,” which began as a made-for television movie with Loretta Swit and Tyne Daly in October 1981, was initially canceled by the network on two different occasions. Ultimately, Sharon Gless inherited the role of Christine Cagney and “Cagney & Lacey” enjoyed a six-and-one-half season run. It also dominated the Emmys for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series every season. This proposed new version of the procedural will still follow the two female police detectives and friends as they keep the streets of L.A. safe. Bridget Carpenter will serve as writer and executive producer. CBS Television Studios will produce with MGM Television.

Carpenter, who is under an overall deal at CBS Television Studios, recently worked as a consulting producer on HBO’s “Westworld” and has previously produced and written shows like “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood.” She also developed the Hulu series “11.22.63.”