10 Shows Like Magnum, P.I. (1980) You’ll Love

Description: 'The Fall Guy' and 'Magnum, P.I.' both feature stuntman-turned-heroes who use their physical skills to solve problems. Both shows blend action, humor, and a sense of adventure, with a focus on high-octane stunts and thrilling chase sequences. The protagonists of both shows are also known for their rugged good looks and charm.

Fact: The show was created by Glen A. Larson, who also created 'Knight Rider'. Lee Majors, the star of 'The Fall Guy', was already famous for his role in 'The Six Million Dollar Man'. The show was known for its elaborate stunts, many of which were performed by the cast themselves.

Description: 'Knight Rider' and 'Magnum, P.I.' both feature charismatic leads who drive iconic vehicles—KITT for Knight Rider and the Ferrari for Magnum. Both shows blend action, humor, and a sense of adventure, with a focus on high-tech gadgets and thrilling car chases. The lone hero aspect of both shows is also a strong similarity.

Fact: The voice of KITT was provided by William Daniels, who also played Mr. Feeny on 'Boy Meets World'. The show was created by Glen A. Larson, who also created 'Battlestar Galactica'. 'Knight Rider' was one of the first shows to feature a talking car.

Description: Like 'Magnum, P.I.', 'Remington Steele' blends crime-solving with humor and charm. Both shows feature charismatic leads who solve cases with a mix of wit and action. The dynamic between the leads in 'Remington Steele' mirrors the camaraderie seen in 'Magnum, P.I.', and both shows have a lighthearted tone despite their crime-focused plots.

Fact: The show was created by Michael Gleason, who also worked on 'Murder, She Wrote'. Pierce Brosnan's role in 'Remington Steele' helped him land the role of James Bond. The show was initially rejected by several networks before finding success on NBC.

Description: 'Murder, She Wrote' shares with 'Magnum, P.I.' a focus on a single, highly intelligent protagonist solving crimes. While Jessica Fletcher is more of a sleuth than an action hero, the show's episodic structure and emphasis on mystery and deduction are similar. Both shows also have a warm, inviting tone that makes them enjoyable for a wide audience.

Fact: Angela Lansbury was offered the role of Jessica Fletcher after the original choice, Jean Stapleton, turned it down. The show was filmed in Cabot Cove, Maine, but most of the exteriors were shot in California. 'Murder, She Wrote' is one of the longest-running detective dramas in TV history.

Description: 'MacGyver' shares with 'Magnum, P.I.' a focus on a resourceful, non-violent hero who uses his wits to solve problems. Both shows feature exotic locations and a mix of action and humor. The protagonists of both shows are also known for their distinctive looks—MacGyver with his mullet and Magnum with his mustache.

Fact: The character of MacGyver was inspired by a real-life scientist who worked for the CIA. The show was known for its educational content, often teaching viewers about science and engineering. 'MacGyver' was one of the first shows to feature a lead character who avoided using guns.

Description: 'Moonlighting' and 'Magnum, P.I.' both mix comedy and drama, with a strong focus on the chemistry between the leads. The witty banter and romantic tension in 'Moonlighting' are reminiscent of the interactions in 'Magnum, P.I.'. Both shows also break the fourth wall, adding a layer of meta-humor that was innovative for their time.

Fact: 'Moonlighting' was one of the first shows to use a 'will they/won't they' romantic dynamic between its leads. The show was known for its long production delays due to the demanding nature of the scripts. Bruce Willis became a star thanks to his role in 'Moonlighting'.

Description: 'Spenser: For Hire' and 'Magnum, P.I.' both feature private detectives who are tough but have a strong moral code. Both shows are set in iconic American cities—Boston for Spenser and Hawaii for Magnum—and feature a mix of action, drama, and humor. The protagonists of both shows are also known for their distinctive styles and personalities.

Fact: The character of Spenser was created by novelist Robert B. Parker. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of Boston, often filming on location. 'Spenser: For Hire' was one of the first shows to feature a African American co-star in a prominent role.

Description: 'Matlock' and 'Magnum, P.I.' both feature charismatic leads who solve crimes with a combination of intelligence and charm. While Matlock is a lawyer rather than a detective, the show's focus on courtroom drama and mystery-solving is similar to the investigative aspects of 'Magnum, P.I.'. Both shows also have a Southern setting that adds to their unique appeal.

Fact: Andy Griffith was already a TV legend when he took on the role of Ben Matlock. The show was originally set in Atlanta but later moved to Los Angeles. 'Matlock' was known for its twist endings, much like 'Murder, She Wrote'.

Description: 'Hunter' and 'Magnum, P.I.' both feature tough, no-nonsense detectives who solve crimes with a mix of brawn and brains. Both shows are set in sunny locales—Los Angeles for Hunter and Hawaii for Magnum—and feature a mix of action, drama, and humor. The protagonists of both shows are also known for their distinctive styles and personalities.

Fact: The show was created by Frank Lupo, who also created 'The A-Team'. Fred Dryer, the star of 'Hunter', was a former NFL player. 'Hunter' was known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of police work.

Description: 'The A-Team' and 'Magnum, P.I.' are both action-packed shows with a strong emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie. Both shows feature a group of skilled individuals who take on dangerous missions, often with a humorous twist. The action sequences and exotic locations in 'The A-Team' are reminiscent of those in 'Magnum, P.I.'

Fact: The A-Team was originally conceived as a cross between 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Mission: Impossible'. Mr. T's iconic look was inspired by his time as a bouncer. The show was known for its over-the-top action sequences, which often involved cars flipping over.