The Best Episodes of Magnum, P.I.

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Updated May 15, 2024 36.5K views 104 items
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Voting Rules
Best Magnum, P.I. episodes, no matter how popular they are.

There are so many heart-pumping episodes of Magnum, P.I., that have you solving mysteries in a beautiful setting, but which ones really stand out? Do you like "Did You See the Sunrise?" the best, or is "Home From the Sea" your favorite episode of Magnum, P.I.? To determine once and for all what the best episodes of Magnum, P.I. are, let's rank these Magnum, P.I. episodes from best to worst.

Magnum, P.I. is an American crime drama. It stars Tom Selleck as the title character and features a talented cast which includes John Hillerman and Larry Manetti. Magnum, P.I. premiered on CBS on December 11, 1980. A reboot series of Magnum, P.I. premiered on CBS in 2018.

Vote up your favorite episodes of Magnum, P.I., and vote down any bad episodes that you really didn't enjoy, despite how much you love the series as a whole. It can be tough to put one Magnum, P.I. episode over the other when there are so many good ones, which is why you can vote on however many episodes you like.

Most divisive: The Sixth Position
Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Episodes of Magnum, P.I.
  • Did You See the Sunrise? (2)
    1
    225 votes

    Did You See the Sunrise? (2) features a nail-biting showdown between Magnum and his nemesis, the elusive KGB agent Ivan. Guest stars James Whitmore and Juul Haalmeyer light up the screen with their performances, as they join Magnum on his quest to avenge a fallen friend.

  • Home From the Sea
    2

    Home From the Sea

    September 29, 1983
    187 votes

    Home From the Sea is a heart-wrenching tale on the Fourth of July that finds Magnum drifting aimlessly in the vast Pacific, recalling cherished moments with his father. A stunning performance by Gerald McRaney as Magnum's dad takes it up a notch.

  • Death and Taxes
    3

    Death and Taxes

    October 29, 1986
    147 votes

    Death and Taxes is a classic whodunit with a twist, as Magnum is enlisted to safeguard a convicted murderer on a perilous journey. Full of cutthroat intrigue and suspense, this episode delivers a suspenseful punch.

  • Did You See the Sunrise? (1)
    4
    126 votes

    Did You See the Sunrise? (1) sets the stage with a bang, as Magnum's wartime companion Mac comes to visit, only to reveal a shocking secret that plunges everyone into peril. Between close calls and tender memories, this emotional episode tugs at the heartstrings.

  • Memories Are Forever (2)
    5

    Memories Are Forever (2)

    November 05, 1981
    22 votes

    Memories Are Forever (2) continues the intense emotional journey from part one, as Magnum struggles with his past love while on a mission to bring down a drug lord. Blending romance, danger, and espionage, this episode cements its place in the series' lore.

  • Unfinished Business
    6
    January 20, 1988
    99 votes

    Unfinished Business opens up old wounds, as Magnum reconnects with a woman from his past to defend her from a sinister stalker. The blend of romance, suspense, and tender memories leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.

  • Operation: Silent Night
    7
    December 15, 1983
    111 votes

    Operation: Silent Night serves up some Christmas spirit, as Magnum seeks to reunite a lost family in time for the holidays. Get ready for warm fuzzies sprinkled with a dash of danger in this festive favorite.

  • Resolutions (2)
    8

    Resolutions (2)

    May 01, 1988
    9 votes

    Resolutions (2) delivers a gripping conclusion, as Magnum battles to save both himself and his dearest friends in an explosive finale. Chock-full of high-stakes action, this episode leaves fans breathless for more.

  • Laura
    9
    February 25, 1987
    97 votes

    Laura sees Magnum taking on a case for a beautiful and mysterious woman, played by guest star Mimi Rogers. This episode delivers a masterful blend of romance, danger, and intrigue, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

  • Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts
    10

    Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts

    October 07, 1987
    19 votes

    Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts takes a surprisingly philosophical turn, as the series delves into questions of fate, existence, and doughnuts. Guest star June Lockhart wins fans over with her portrayal of the enigmatic Miss Davenport.

  • Limbo
    11
    April 15, 1987
    101 votes

    Limbo finds Magnum grappling with a near-death experience, leaving viewers to ponder the meaning of life, love, and friendship. With stellar performances from the regular cast, this episode is a moving touchstone for the series.

  • Echoes of the Mind (2)
    12

    Echoes of the Mind (2)

    October 04, 1984
    59 votes

    Echoes of the Mind (2) concludes the gripping two-parter narrative with more intense emotions and thrilling turns. Sharon Stone's performance as the mysterious Diane/Deanna heightens the tension in this mind-bending episode.

  • The Curse of the King Kamehameha Club
    13

    The Curse of the King Kamehameha Club

    February 19, 1981
    82 votes

    The Curse of the King Kamehameha Club delivers a blend of Hawaiian tradition and riveting mystery as the King Kamehameha Club gets plagued by a string of accidents. The dynamic combination of native folklore and classic whodunit intrigue makes this episode a cultural gem.

  • The Black Orchid
    14

    The Black Orchid

    April 02, 1981
    28 votes

    The Black Orchid unfolds a heartrending tale of love lost, as Magnum investigates the murder of a recluse who asked for his protection. With a dash of romance and a touch of dark mystery, this episode casts a spell on the viewers.

  • Memories Are Forever (1)
    15

    Memories Are Forever (1)

    November 05, 1981
    7 votes
    While working on a routine divorce case, Thomas catches a brief glimpse of a woman on a passing boat that he is certain is Michelle, the girl he married during the Vietnam war seven years ago, and whom he previously believed to have been killed shortly afterwards in a bombing raid. All he has of the brisk sighting is some blurred photos he managed to take, and T.C. and Rick, whilst not completely convinced, help as he scours the local area looking for her. But there are several parties that intend to see that Thomas is unable to make contact with Michelle, and the search sees them stumbling into dangerous political territory.
  • No Need to Know
    16
    January 08, 1981
    77 votes

    No Need to Know takes a deep dive into the sinister side of military secrecy, as Magnum investigates a fallen friend's past. The chilling revelations make for an unforgettable episode, brimming with tension and intrigue.

  • Paper War
    17
    November 12, 1986
    98 votes

    Paper War is a fun-filled jab at the bureaucratic side of life, as Magnum teams up with Higgins and the gang to save Robin's Nest. The on-point humor combined with subtle social commentary make this episode a standout.

  • On Face Value
    18

    On Face Value

    March 15, 1984
    16 votes

    On Face Value reveals a gripping tale of corruption and deceit in the world of high fashion. Magnum comes face-to-face with danger as he unravels the truth behind a friend's disfigurement, making this episode a thrilling watch.

  • Try to Remember
    19
    January 28, 1982
    70 votes

    Try to Remember is a thrilling race against time as Magnum loses his memory after a car accident, trying to piece together evidence of a heist before it's too late. The tension-filled episode keeps viewers on the edge, wondering if Magnum can regain his memory in time.

  • Going Home
    20

    Going Home

    October 31, 1985
    51 votes

    Going Home sees Magnum reconnecting with his roots as he returns to his childhood home, uncovering a poignant story of love, and loss. With emotionally charged flashbacks, this episode is a heartfelt tearjerker.

  • Lest We Forget
    21

    Lest We Forget

    February 12, 1981
    35 votes

    Lest We Forget takes an emotional turn, as Magnum helps an old flame find justice for her murdered father. With sparks of romance and a bittersweet sense of nostalgia, this heart-rending episode is unforgettable, just like its title suggests.

  • Forty
    22

    Forty

    February 11, 1987
    15 votes

    Forty takes Magnum on an introspective journey as he faces midlife uncertainty, while solving a case of embezzlement and murder. This episode expertly weaves humor, human drama, and riveting action, making it a milestone of the series.

  • J. "Digger" Doyle
    23
    April 09, 1981
    95 votes

    J. 'Digger' Doyle showcases a delightful partnership between Magnum and Erin Gray's Detective J. "Digger" Doyle. With mystery, humor, and an undeniable chemistry, this episode charms its way into fan's hearts.

  • Murder 101
    24

    Murder 101

    November 15, 1984
    25 votes

    Murder 101 invites viewers to a masterclass of mystery, as Magnum stumbles upon a homicide at a college campus. With each cunning twist and turn, this intellectual whodunit grips the audience, making a spellbinding spectacle.

  • Let Me Hear the Music
    25

    Let Me Hear the Music

    February 21, 1985
    6 votes
    Magnum has been hired by country musician Lacy Fletcher to unearth five songs written over twenty-five years ago by legendary singer George Lee Jessup shortly before his death. Jessup wrote the songs for his girl-friend, but when Thomas tracks her down, the woman denies ever knowing Jessup or any knowledge of the songs, and it seems that Lacy is not the only person searching for the songs...
  • Death of the Flowers
    26

    Death of the Flowers

    December 10, 1986
    6 votes
    While Rick is planning a surprise birthday bash at the Club for Ice Pick, Carol asks Thomas to observe a court case she is presenting before Judge Kearns, who drops the case on a simple technicality. She considers the Judge to be her mentor, but is concerned that of late he has been acting uncharacteristically, and suspects him of taking bribes to dismiss cases. She asks Thomas to help her hopefully disprove her worries. But the investigation sees turns up evidence that implicates Ice Pick, who in turn faces having to implicate the woman he was in love with decades earlier, who is now involved with a crime ring. Carol, Rick and Ice Pick must all face up to the weaknesses and mortality of their mentors and idolised ones...
  • No More Mr. Nice Guy
    27

    No More Mr. Nice Guy

    January 26, 1984
    6 votes
    Thomas is forced to forgo his much-anticipated trip to the Army-Navy game and a reunion with his 1967 championship teammates when Rick, T.C., and Higgins guilt him into remaining in Hawaii and helping Carol save her career by nabbing one of the largest drug distributors in the islands.
  • Little Games
    28

    Little Games

    January 03, 1985
    6 votes

    Little Games sees Magnum flexing his sleuthing skills to prove the innocence of an imprisoned man. As the truth unravels with each cunning twist and turn, this episode enthralls viewers with an enticing game of cat and mouse.

  • Little Girl Who
    29

    Little Girl Who

    November 05, 1986
    6 votes

    Little Girl Who showcases a moving story of a young girl seeking help from Magnum in finding her missing father. This heartrending episode strikes a poignant balance between the emotional drama and the suspenseful unfolding of dangerous revelations.

  • The Jororo Kill
    30
    January 07, 1982
    48 votes

    The Jororo Kill delves into a thrilling assassination plot against a visiting dignitary. Magnum races against time to prevent an international incident as intrigue and suspense keep the audience glued to their screens.