Murder, She Wrote, Hawaii Five-0 And More Of The Best Crossovers in Magnum P.I. History

Like a lot of professionals, private investigators inhabit a relatively small world. That’s why detective TV series are such natural options for crossovers: Just like in real life, crime fighters join forces for special, high-profile investigations even if they haven't met yet before.

For Magnum P.I., starring Jay Hernandez as the title sleuth and airing now on Sundays on NBC at 9/8c, crossovers have long been a way to expand the boundaries of the series that's set in Hawaii. It’s a big state, after all.

Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 Connection

Now in Season 5, the reboot of Magnum P.I. has already presented a crossover episode with the new version of Hawaii Five-0. That was a logical choice, since it follows the rule of location, location, location: Both shows take place in the Aloha State. 

Moreover, the creative powers-that-be behind the Magnum P.I. reboot are many of the same people responsible for the new version of Hawaii Five-O that ran from 2010 to 2020.

Here's a quick recap of the crossover back-to-back double-header that aired on January 3, 2020. Magnum and partner Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks) trail a suspected philanderer who’s actually a spy. Meanwhile, Hawaii Five-0 Lt. Cdr. Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) suspects him of espionage that could jeopardize CIA agents.

Magnum and Five-O detectives then collaborate to retrieve a list of the names of undercover agents. Despite some unexpected twists and turns — as well as a kidnapping — while working the case, the detectives from both series recover the list.

Before the big-event crossover, a number of actors from the Hawaii Five-0 reboot appeared as their characters in Magnum P.I., including series regulars Kimee Balmilero (medical examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha), Taylor Wily (entrepreneur Kamekona Tupuola), and Dennis Chun (Honolulu P.D. Sgt. Duke Lukela),NBC reported.

The Original Magnum, P.I. and Crossovers

The original 1980s version of Magnum, P.I. starring Tom Selleck was pretty crazy about crossovers. The series, like the reboot, also made references to characters from the first Hawaii Five-O, which ran from 1968 to 1980.

RELATED: 'It's A Great Story': Jay Hernandez Shares A 'Terrible Tattoo' Tale

Other crossovers flourished during Selleck’s run as Magnum. On Oct. 7, 1982, Magnum, P.I. shared a two-episode crossover with Simon & Simon, a detective series that starred Jameson Parker and Gerald McRaney as brothers who operate a private investigation agency. At the core of the crossover case: a larcenous socialite.

Murder, She Wrote Crosses Over With Magnum, P.I.

Four years later, in November 1986, Magnum joined forces with the keen-eyed Jessica Fletcher, the mystery writer played by Angela Lansbury on Murder, She Wrote, which ran from 1984 to 1996 and is now streaming on Peacock. 

In the November 19 episode of Magnum, P.I., Jessica helps Magnum look into a murder attempt on Higgins during a vacation in Hawaii. Then, on the November 23 episode of Murder, She Wrote, Jessica comes to Magnum’s aid when he’s framed for murder.

Crossovers with other crime TV series and Magnum, P.I. were reportedly considered in the ’80s but didn’t materialize. Who knows what may happen with the reboot? 

Watch Magnum P.I. at 9/8c on NBC Sunday nights or stream episodes the next day on Peacock.