The Best Episodes of Magnum, P.I.

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Updated May 15, 2024 36.7K 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.

  • The Kona Winds
    31
    October 10, 1985
    55 votes

    The Kona Winds stirs up an atmospheric storm of secrets and revelations, as Magnum confronts the past during a destructive hurricane. Enhanced by the brooding backdrop of dangerous winds, this episode is as unforgettable as it is spine-chilling.

  • Beauty Knows No Pain
    32

    Beauty Knows No Pain

    April 16, 1981
    19 votes

    Beauty Knows No Pain unravels the dark underbelly of the beauty industry, as Magnum delves into major headlines. With suspense, glamour, and cutting social commentary, this episode hits the nail on the head with style and substance.

  • The Arrow That is Not Aimed
    33
    68 votes

    The Arrow That is Not Aimed brings together ancient Japanese culture and modern crime-solving as Magnum collaborates with a master samurai to retrieve stolen artifacts. With a fascinating blend of tradition, action, and suspense, this cross-cultural adventure is a fan favorite.

  • China Doll
    34
    December 18, 1980
    68 votes

    China Doll is a tense thrill ride through a world of international intrigue and dangerous enemies. As Magnum protects a Chinese refugee from a deadly threat, the action-packed episode keeps viewers glued to their seats.

  • Echoes of the Mind (1)
    35

    Echoes of the Mind (1)

    September 27, 1984
    23 votes

    Echoes of the Mind (1) launches a psychologically thrilling two-parter with Sharon Stone enchanting the viewers as the mysterious Diane/Deanna. Gripping and emotionally charged, this episode sets the stage for a mesmerizing conclusion.

  • Dead Man's Channel
    36
    October 15, 1981
    46 votes

    Dead Man's Channel welcomes viewers to an adrenaline-pumping adventure, as Magnum rescues a kidnapped financier's daughter. With treacherous booby traps and heart-pounding action sequences, this episode is an exhilarating thrill ride.

  • The Woman on the Beach
    37
    October 22, 1981
    76 votes

    The Woman on the Beach weaves an alluring and tragic story, as Magnum encounters a mysterious woman who seemingly vanishes into the ocean. With atmospheric visuals and a haunted romanticism, this episode stands out as a moody masterpiece.

  • The Case of the Red Faced Thespian
    38
    51 votes

    The Case of the Red Faced Thespian brings a tantalizing triple murder mystery into the mix. As Magnum helps clear the name of a visiting actor, the plot thickens with each thrilling revelation, keeping the audience hooked until the final curtain.

  • Forever in Time
    39

    Forever in Time

    November 11, 1987
    12 votes

    Forever in Time sees a time-twisting mystery unfold, as Magnum investigates a woman who appears to have leaped straight out of the past. The dash of history and mesmerizing performances by Sharon Stone and James Hampton cement this episode as a fan favorite.

  • Forty Years From Sand Island
    40
    12 votes

    Forty Years From Sand Island intrigues viewers with a fascinating real-life legend, as a Pearl Harbor survivor is targeted by a mysterious killer. The powerful blend of history, suspense, and twists create a chillingly captivating episode.

  • Tigers Fan
    41

    Tigers Fan

    November 04, 1987
    5 votes
    Lieutenant Tanaka is murdered while working undercover. The official Police report states that Tanaka died in a car accident, but Thomas believes that something is being covered up, and sets about trying to answer the many questions about his friend Tanaka's death, uncovering switched identities and drug-running in the process...
  • Letter to a Duchess
    42

    Letter to a Duchess

    November 10, 1983
    5 votes
    Magnum is preparing for this year's big surf-ski race, while in a chance meeting, Higgins meets Lady Wilkerson, an English Duchess whom he has been smitten with after two brief encounters years before (which she does not identify him from). She is in the islands incognito, and must sell some valuable family jewels after being strapped financially, but Higgins ends up saving her from two men who accost her in an alleyway. As smitten with the woman as ever, Higgins offers her a job on the Estate, and plans to reveal his feelings towards her via a letter, but due to a mix-up and misunderstanding, she assumes the letter to be from Thomas instead, whom it becomes apparent she has eyes for, blind to Higgins' desires. But these confused matters of the heart seem trivial when the Duchess is kidnapped by the two men who had made a grab for her previously...
  • Holmes Is Where the Heart Is
    43
    55 votes

    Holmes Is Where the Heart Is is a delightful nod to the world's most famous detective, with magician Harry Blackstone Jr. guest-starring as the eccentric Sherlock Holmes wannabe. This episode's winning mix of mystery, humor, and camaraderie make it an irresistible watch.

  • I Witness
    44

    I Witness

    May 03, 1984
    11 votes
    When the King Kamehameha Club is robbed late one evening by thieves wearing animal masks to conceal their identities, Lt. Tanaka becomes so frustrated by the inability of Higgins, Rick and T.C. to agree about what transpired that he enlists Thomas's help in getting their stories straight. Since the men tell widely divergent versions of the night's events designed to show themselves in the best possible light as the evening's hero, it takes Thomas quite some time and effort to uncover the inside man at the club who tipped off the robbers.
  • Mad Buck Gibson
    45

    Mad Buck Gibson

    November 26, 1981
    19 votes

    Mad Buck Gibson introduces the eccentric, larger-than-life character of Buck Gibson, played by Darren McGavin, as Magnum becomes caught up in a mix of wilderness adventure and dangerous criminals. This wild episode is full of twists, humor, and excitement.

  • Of Sound Mind
    46
    January 06, 1983
    36 votes

    Of Sound Mind twists and turns as Magnum inherits a fortune from a supposed stranger, only to find himself immersed in deception and murder. The intricate plot lines and skillful storytelling make this episode a mind-bending pleasure.

  • Way of the Stalking Horse
    47

    Way of the Stalking Horse

    February 20, 1986
    18 votes

    Way of the Stalking Horse blends intrigue and equestrian flair, as Magnum tackles a deadly conspiracy. The fast-paced plotting, sharp dialogue, and impressive horse-riding sequences make for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Don't Say Goodbye
    48
    March 26, 1981
    34 votes

    Don't Say Goodbye is a bittersweet tale of love and danger as Magnum fights to protect former love Lily, who has gone undercover to expose a gun-smuggling ring. While sparks fly between the two, the gripping action and emotional story make this episode a standout.

  • The People vs. Orville Wright
    49

    The People vs. Orville Wright

    April 01, 1987
    4 votes
    Rick insists that Thomas searches for Ice Pick when he suddenly vanishes, seemingly pulling a disappearing act to avoid some information that could land him in very hot water. But when Rick is arrested for allegedly killing a hit-man that was contracted to murder Ice Pick, Thomas finds himself in the midst of an even more tangled investigation, especially when Rick doesn't deny any of the charges and gives a full confession...
  • Almost Home
    50

    Almost Home

    December 09, 1982
    4 votes
    When a plucky cocktail waitress is denied permission to scatter her late father's ashes at the Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbour, and faces arrest if she tries to do so, Lt. Maggie Poole advises the woman to contact Magnum. Soon, Thomas finds himself investigating a forty-year-old court martial ruling that decided the woman's father was AWOL during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbour...
  • Past Tense
    51

    Past Tense

    October 21, 1982
    3 votes
    Magnum is out for a morning jog when he is nearly hit by a truck, which moments later is involved in a fatal crash with a car. Meanwhile, T.C. has accidentally made a double booking of Higgins and two tourists, who both want to make flights that morning, and has to compromise by taking all three of them. But the tourist pair turn out to be armed and sky-jack the chopper, and force T.C. to fly to a nearby prison for the daring break-out of an inmate. From there they head to a rendezvous point on a small nearby island, but the damage inflicted on the helicopter during the break-out sees them crash-landing. With the Police short on leads, Thomas and Rick investigate, and the road accident that Thomas was witness to provides a key clue...
  • Let the Punishment Fit the Crime
    52

    Let the Punishment Fit the Crime

    February 23, 1984
    3 votes
    While Higgins is preparing to direct a selection of pieces from Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado' to be staged at the Estate, Thomas is hired by an attractive young woman to find her missing brother, who she claims has disappeared after joining a religious cult. The girl has musical experience and agrees to help out with rehearsals of Higgins' production while Thomas seeks out her missing brother, but Thomas uncovers more than he expects and finds himself dealing with a radical political group and an assassination attempt revolving around a visiting cast member of Higgins' production...
  • The Look
    53

    The Look

    December 08, 1983
    3 votes
    With help from T.C. and Rick, Thomas is preparing a surprise construction for Higgins' upcoming birthday, when they wager a bet that a presenter on a local radio station is the same woman that was a much-loved presenter for the troops in Saigon. Thomas goes to the radio station to try and confirm whether it is indeed the same person or not and finds that she is the self same person, but now is being terrorised by malicious death threats phoned in to the station. The woman also has been searching for her lover, with whom she lost contact with 12 years ago during the war, when the man was accused of theft and disappeared, and asks Thomas' help in finally finding him...
  • Legacy From a Friend
    54

    Legacy From a Friend

    March 10, 1983
    3 votes
    When his friend Marcus is found dead on the beach the day after he's seen sporting an expensive new car he can't afford, Thomas suspects foul play in the demise of the former lifeguard and volleyball player. A young woman with an ambition to rise in the ranks of the police department joins Thomas in his investigation, and they uncover the married woman, the blackmail, and the fencing operation in the center of Marcus's secret life which led to his death.
  • Round and Around
    55

    Round and Around

    October 24, 1985
    3 votes
    Ron Pennington, a friend of T.C.'s and Magnum's on their basketball team, is shot dead when interrupting an armed grocery store hold-up. T.C., waiting outside for his friend, gets a fleeting look at the robbers as they make their getaway. T.C. tries to mend the rift in Ron's family between Ron and his wayward teenage son that had emerged before Ron's death, as he and Thomas search for the robbers who they assume were responsible for their friend's murder...
  • Thicker than Blood
    56

    Thicker than Blood

    February 26, 1981
    3 votes
    T.C. makes a late-night flight to land on a tanker, but on the journey back he is cornered arrested by the Coast Guard for transporting drugs. Magnum and Rick are certain of their friend's innocence, but are bemused when he intends to accept the charges and refuses their help. Magnum investigates, to find that T.C. trip to the tanker was to collect and bring home a man who once saved T.C.'s life in Vietnam, a deserter who is now a supposedly reformed drug addict, who was calling in an old debt to be flown back in to U.S. territory...
  • Blood and Honor
    57

    Blood and Honor

    November 21, 1985
    3 votes
    Magnum is called back to Naval service by Admiral Hawkes, who has reason to suspect that there is a security leak at his Naval base that is leaking coded information, but can't ask any of his personnel to investigate for any one of them could be the ""mole"" behind the breach. He needs Magnum to root out the mole and plug the leak within three days, when he is due to receive some important submarine manuals written in code, which could be potentially very dangerous if they got into the wrong hands. Thomas' prime suspect is the fiancée of the Admiral's son, but when some stolen classified information is planted in his car, he himself accused of espionage...
  • Heal Thyself
    58

    Heal Thyself

    December 16, 1982
    3 votes
    When Karen Harmon, a nurse whom Magnum knew in Vietnam whom was once traumatised when a wounded soldier she was treating was killed in a bombing, and is now a doctor, is accused of the murder of three patients in her care, he is determined to help her clear her name. All but one of the entire hospital board believe her to be guilty, and when his offer of help is rejected by Karen and her now husband, Thomas feels compelled to look into the case anyway. A hounding reporter determined for a story does not help the issue; and the whole matter only serves to trigger off delayed stress syndrome for Karen from that fateful bombing in 'Nam...
  • Murder by Night
    59

    Murder by Night

    January 14, 1987
    3 votes
    1940s San Francisco: Private Investigator Thomas S. Magnum investigates the murder of newspaper tycoon William Maxfield. The case involves characters that strangely bear a strong resemblance to (modern day) Magnum, T.C., Higgins and Rick...
  • The Hotel Dick
    60

    The Hotel Dick

    October 17, 1985
    3 votes
    Magnum has given up life at the estate to get a ""real"" job as the in-house detective at the large, plush Hawaiian Gardens Hotel, where he must keep trouble out, stop prostitutes who work from the hotel, and most importantly, put an end to the rash of burglaries that have been plaguing the hotel by catching the thief, dubbed ""the Catman of Kawaii"". But he does nothing but irritate his new, snobbish boss by helping a prostitute he's befriended while letting the cat burglar escape him, and must capture the elusive thief before the upcoming International convention of jewellery designers to be held at the hotel, where the burglar is sure to strike if not caught in time...