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Tom Selleck in His 'Magnum, P.I.' Prime? Yes, Please!

By Raquel Lekic In Woman's World

Updated June 11, 2026 3:39 PM

Hawaiian shirts, bushy ‘staches and red Ferraris were never the same after Magnum, P.I. debuted back in 1980, led by the hunky Tom Selleck. Joined by John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley and Larry Manetti, the series became a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. Magnum, P.I. followed private investigator Thomas Magnum, who resided in the guesthouse of a ritzy estate as he solved cases against the backdrop of sunny Hawaii. Magnum was cool, charismatic and dashingly handsome, and this role opened doors for Tom Selleck in ways he never imagined. The actor went on to bring iconic characters to life throughout the remainder of his career including Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods and Jesse Stone in his series of detective films.

While a Magnum, P.I. reboot made its way to screens back in 2018, there’s something about the original that earned its spot in pop culture history. At 81 years old, Tom Selleck remains a charmer in his own right, but we can’t help but look back on his Magnum, P.I. days with a smile. Here, a few of our favorite snapshots from his time as the crime solver.

Selleck looks ready for summer in this dreamy photograph

Tom Selleck, Magnum, P.I., circa 1980Gene Trindl / TV Guide / ©CBS / courtesy Everett Collection ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection

Hawaiin shirt? On. Pineapple? In hand. Mustache? Perfection. Tom Selleck? The man of our dreams! The leading man looks hunkier than ever in this photograph from his Magnum, P.I. era, and it’s no surprise that he became the star he did after this series hit screens!

Behind-the-scenes with Selleck

Tom Selleck, Magnum, P.I., circa 1980Universal TV/courtesy Everett Collection ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

A shirtless Thomas Magnum bares it all in this snapshot from the set of Magnum, P.I. Cameras are rolling and the on-set action is underway in this fun behind-the-scenes photo.

The iconic red ride

Tom Selleck, Magnum, P.I., circa 1980©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection Courtesy Everett Collection Courtesy Everett Collection

When Magnum, P.I. first made its way to screens, it didn’t take long for nearly every man (and woman!) in the world to start dreaming of a red Ferrari of their own—and who could blame them when Tom Selleck looked so cool in his? Earlier this year, the 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa used in the first season was sold for $345,000 at an auction.

A ball cap never looked so good!

In addition to his Hawaiian shirts, another accessory Magnum was often seen sporting was a Detroit Tigers baseball cap. Once a year at Comerica Park, fans enjoy the annual Magnum, P.I. day and dress up as the beloved television character at a game. Selleck even attended the event one year!

The show had some iconic guests

Carol Burnett, Tom Selleck, Magnum, P.I., circa 1984© Universal Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Magnum, P.I. featured a handful of exciting guest stars over the years, and one of those just so happened to be Carol Burnett! She appeared twice throughout the series. In 1984, she was introduced as an employee at a bank who wished for Magnum to pursue her ex-con father. In 1988, she made yet another appearance, only this time, she had become a private investigator herself.

Puppy love

Tom Selleck, Magnum, P.I., circa 1980Universal Television/ Courtesy Everett Collection. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

Higgins’ dogs, two fierce Dobermans known as “The Lads,” kept Magnum on his toes throughout the series, and their constant antagonizing of the private investigator was a fan-favorite gag.

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM.