TV Series Rewriting Finale Endings: A Fan-Driven Phenomenon

Introduction

In the world of television, the final episode can often be a crucial decision point for a series. While many shows end on their original, intended finales, there have been instances where TV networks were forced to rewrite and re-aired episodes to appease fans. One of the most famous cases is the Magnum P.I. series, where the show's original ending was altered due to fan backlash.

Magnum P.I.: An Outcry That Changed History

One of the most well-known cases of a TV series altering its ending occurred with the original Magnum P.I.. The series aired originally from December 11, 1980, to May 8, 1988, and was known for its adventures and the rugged yet lovable character of main actor Tom Selleck's Magnum.

Original Plan

During the seventh season of Magnum P.I., in 1987, a decision was made to end the series by killing off the titular character. According to plan, Magnum would be allegedly killed in a warehouse, and the series would conclude with a voiceover from Higgins, which said, "Please come back, Magnum." This was to be a definitive ending, but it sparked a strong reaction from fans.

Fan Reaction

There was a widespread outcry from fans who were unsatisfied with this ending. An intense letter-writing campaign, along with many phone calls to the network, CBS, to voice their displeasure was initiated. The fan response was so significant that the network was pressured to change their minds.

Logo of the 'International Magnum P.I. Fan Club' became a symbol of this fan activism. The network, recognizing the potential damage to its ratings and the show's legacy, decided to produce a new eighth season.

Epilogue

The eighth season finale saw a significant shift in the narrative. In the new ending, Magnum returned to his daughter, whose presumed death had drawn his past into question. Recommitting to his daughter, Magnum decided to leave the field of private investigation to focus on her needs. The final scenes showed them walking along the beach and then cutting to a television in a living room where the viewer sees Tom Selleck watching the episode, nodding and then turning off the TV, saying "Good Night".

Other Instances of Critical Finale Rewriting

While the Magnum P.I. case remains one of the most prominent, there have been other instances of finales being re-shot. However, these are few and far between. For example, Hold Me While I Die (HIMYM) issued a re-shot of the final episode for its 10th anniversary, while Lost re-issued the finale as a Blu-ray bonus feature. These re-shoots were done to either clarify certain plot details or to provide an extended version of the show's conclusion.

Why TV Networks Re-shoot Finales

The decision to re-shoot a finale is often driven by fan pressure, as seen in the Magnum P.I. case, or by the network wanting to improve on an original ending. However, it is not a common practice, and it can also be seen as a last-ditch effort to salvage a critical episode that may have been perceived as weak or unsatisfying.

Some shows, even if canceled, have returned to create new endings, but these are typically filmed before the original finale. For instance, Heroes had its series finale re-shot with a new ending when the producers decided to revive the show later on.

Conclusion

While it is rare for a network to re-shoot and re-air a finale, the Magnum P.I. case clearly demonstrates the power of fan opinion in television. It is a testament to the deep emotional connection audiences create with characters and stories, and how that connection can influence the course of a show's ending.

The re-shooting of TV series' finales remains a rare and noteworthy event within the industry, as it is a clear indicator of both fan power and network responsiveness.