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Lenkov-verse
Peter M. Lenkov
Created byPeter M. Lenkov
Original workHawaii Five-0
Owners
Years2010–2024
Print publications
Book(s)The Official MacGyver Survival Manual: 155 Ways to Save the Day
Films and television
Television series
Audio
Soundtrack(s)
  • Hawaii Five-0: Original Songs from the Television Series
  • Hawaii Five-0 Original Series Soundtrack
Miscellaneous
Related TV seriesNCIS: Los Angeles

The Lenkov-verse (sometimes written as the Lenkoverse)[1][2][3][4] is a media franchise that consists of a group of three interconnected television reboots that share a fictional universe, and their related media. All three of the television series, Hawaii Five-0, MacGyver, and Magnum P.I., were developed by Peter M. Lenkov who also served as the showrunner on the series. They are each American crime dramas that aired on CBS.[c] Hawaii Five-0 revolves around a task force, led by Steve McGarrett, that investigates crimes in Hawaii. MacGyver centers around Angus MacGyver who uses nonviolent methods to keep the world safe, with the help of a team of undercover government agents. Magnum P.I. follows private investigator Thomas Magnum, who solves crimes in Hawaii with the help of his friends. The universe is also connected to the so-called Bellisario-verse, which consists of the entire NCIS franchise and JAG, via two direct crossovers between Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Three television series make up the Lenkov-verse franchise: Hawaii Five-0, MacGyver, and Magnum P.I.. All series in total amount to 430 episodes across 20 seasons of television. On May 6, 2020, the remaining series in the franchise, MacGyver and Magnum P.I., were renewed for their fifth and third seasons, respectively, for the 2020–21 broadcast season.[5] On July 7, 2020, it was reported that Lenkov was fired from his role as executive producer and showrunner on MacGyver and Magnum P.I, following an investigation into allegations that he created a toxic work environment. Monica Macer and Eric Guggenheim replaced Lenkov as showrunner, on MacGyver and Magnum P.I, respectively.[6] On November 9, 2020, it was announced that the fifth season of MacGyver and the third season of Magnum P.I, would premiere on December 4, 2020.[7] In April 2021, CBS announced that MacGyver would end after its fifth season.[8] Later that month, Magnum P.I. was renewed for a fourth season,[9] which premiered on October 1, 2021.[10] In May 2022, Magnum P.I. was cancelled after four seasons,[11] however, on June 30, 2022, the series was picked up by NBC with a two-season, twenty-episode order, which was later clarified to be split as a two-part fifth season rather than two separate seasons.[12] The fifth season premiered on February 19, 2023[13] and the 2-hour series finale aired on January 3, 2024.[14]

Development

[edit]

Television

[edit]

There are possibilities...the Hawaii Five-0 opportunity popped up and we said, "That's great; let's do it." Those things happen without a lot of planning. It's not anything you plan and set before. It's something that pops up in the writing... It has to be organic or else it feels bolted on. It has to be a natural extension of the story that's going on. For Hawaii Five-0, that's exactly what it is.

—Shane Brennan, producer on NCIS: Los Angeles, on future crossovers with Hawaii Five-0.[15]

Up until the reboot of MacGyver in 2016, CBS's Hawaii Five-0 was the only show in the Lenkov-verse. Debuting in September 2010, the show had enjoyed solid ratings and had helped to boost Hawaii's economy with increased tourist visits to local businesses and cultural sites featured on the show.[16] Despite solid viewership during its first season and the ability to hold its own against powerhouses like ESPN's NFL Monday Night Football and ABC's Castle, Five-0 wasn't pulling the same ratings as CBS's flagship police procedural, NCIS. As such, Peter Lenkov outlined that the second season would have a lot more to it, promising new cast members and an expanded setting, stating, "...we wanted to explore the other islands, and I think we just never got the chance. We're going to do that this year. We have these little ambitions, and that's one of them. Because it's Hawaii Five-0 and not Oahu Five-0, they can go to the other islands. And ultimately we want to explore off the islands. It's a task force, and the idea is there are no real boundaries for them."[17] But an even bigger surprise came two months later on August 18, 2011, just prior to the 2nd season premiere, when NCIS: Los Angeles star Daniela Ruah tweeted, "Aloha hoaloha! Read my lips closely... Kensi will make her way to Hawaii Five-0 this season! Stay tuned... #H50 #NCISLA", hinting that Five-0 would not only expand to other islands, but to other shows. It also left NCIS fans to speculate that Ruah was leaving her show for greener pastures. Shortly after the news was confirmed, however, Ruah tweeted that it was a one-time crossover and that she would be coming back to her regular show[18][19] while NCIS producer Shane Brennan mused "Interestingly, Daniela has never been to Hawaii, so it took no convincing," Brennan also stated that the visit to the show wasn't gratuitous and would have a purpose, jokingly adding, "I'm a bit concerned they might not give her back!"[15]

Five-0 viewers would not have to wait long for a second crossover with NCIS. At the beginning of 2012, CBS approached Brennan with the idea of a two-part crossover event for May Sweeps involving both Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS: Los Angeles to which Brennan agreed. While Brennan was thrilled about the "high-octane story" that would bring out the best in both shows, Five-0 producer Peter Lenkov was excited about exploring the relationship between the two main characters of both shows: Five-0 Task Force leader Steven McGarrett and NCIS's Sam Hanna, who became friends during their military service.[20] "Chris and LL are going to come to Hawaii" Lenkov said. "There's a bit of a history there."[21] The two-part episode, titled "Pa Make Loa (Touch of Death)", drew big ratings for both shows. Five-0 saw over 14 million viewers(Live/Delayed DVR figures combined)[22][23] while NCIS: Los Angeles saw over 18 million viewers(Live/Delayed DVR figures combined).[24][23] NCIS producer Shane Brennan remarked that the reaction with fans and critics seemed largely positive and added "Crossovers are not easy to pull off when you're working in the same town, and when you've got the other show being shot a five-hour flight away, it's particularly challenging."[25] Nonetheless, Brennan again expressed optimism for a future crossover with Five-0, stating, "I think the audiences are willing to accept crossovers when both shows operate in the same world and that was certainly the case with NCIS and Hawaii Five-0. Having them overlap in terms of crimes was very easy for us to do. Whether or not we'll do more is up to CBS. It's something I'd be very happy to do again." Lenkov was equally acquiescent, stating, "It just seemed like a natural to continue the relationship."[21]

Despite the seemingly good rapport between the production crews of Five-0 and NCIS, the two shows would not see another crossover again nor was there a single crossover between Five-0 and another show until 2016, when viewers saw the debut of Lenkov's second "universe" offering, the CBS reboot of the 1985 ABC series, MacGyver. Immediately, Peter Lenkov hinted that MacGyver was not only in the same universe as Hawaii Five-0 but that he was forced to cut a scene in the pilot episode of MacGyver where Jack Dalton's sniper rifle had "ALOHA" painted on the barrel of the gun as a nod to Five-0's Steve McGarrett. "...the idea was that he knew McGarrett...in the military. I still would like to take advantage of that," Lenkov told the press, adding, "Somehow we'll do a cross-over and those two guys knew each other. I'm hoping."[26] While Lenkov's wish for a McGarrett/Dalton crossover never came to fruition (Hawaii Five-0 ended in 2020 and George Eads who plays Dalton left MacGyver in the middle of season three), the first season of MacGyver officially and firmly placed the series in the same fictional universe as Five-0 with the episode, "Magnifying Glass".[27] In the episode, MacGyver and the Phoenix Foundation travel to Northern California to track down a copycat serial murderer who has been mimicking San Francisco's infamous Zodiac Killer. When they find out that the killer has been mentored and trained remotely from Oahu by Dr. Madison Gray (a serial killer who fled Hawaii for California in a preceding Five-0 episode[28]), Jack Dalton notifies Steve McGarrett of the 5-0 Task Force that Gray has returned to Hawaii.[29] This plot thread continued into Five-0, with the episode, "Hahai i na pilikua nui (Hunting Monsters)"[30] in which Chin Ho Kelly follows up on Dalton's tip-off, telling McGarrett "that call from your friends at the Phoenix Foundation wasn't wrong".[31] After this set-up, Five-0 actors Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, and Taylor Wily crossed over into the MacGyver episode "Flashlight". In the episode, The Phoenix Foundation is sent to Oahu to help the Hawaii Police Department and Five-0 with rescue and recovery efforts and ends up working closely with Chin Ho Kelly and Kono. The episode closes out with Kamekona traveling to California to cater MacGyver's birthday party with a shrimp buffet.[32] The Phoenix Foundation was subsequently mentioned in the Five-0 episode that aired immediately following "Flashlight" when Steve McGarrett tells Kono that The Phoenix Foundation appreciated the help from herself and Chin Ho Kelly.[33] After Henry Ian Cusick joined MacGyver as the new owner of The Phoenix Foundation, Cusick tweeted a selfie of himself and actor Jorge Garcia (of Five-0), proclaiming, "Look who came out to playyayy!!!" Immediately, fans speculated on whether this meant that Garcia was coming to MacGyver and reprising his role as Jerry Ortega or as a completely new character. CBS would later confirm that Garcia was going to reprise his role as Jerry in the 5th season with a Tweet which read, "Anyone call for a conspiracy theorist? @jorgegarcia (Jerry Ortega from @HawaiiFive0CBS) will guest star on an upcoming episode of #MacGyver!", confirming the next crossover event between MacGyver and the cancelled Hawaii Five-0.[34]

Numerous Five-0 characters guest starred in the first season of Magnum, most notably Kimee Balmilero and Taylor Wily who had recurring roles before a full crossover aired between the two shows in their tenth and second seasons, respectively.[35][36][37] In a third season episode of Five-0, McGarrett, Williams, Bergman, and Kamekona, have a discussion about the television show Magnum, P.I. and its theme song, causing a continuity issue when the two series later crossover. Lenkov said "That was at a time when I had lost hope that I could get [my Magnum reboot] launched. I had been trying to do it for so long, I thought there was just no way it was going to happen, so I did a little tribute in that episode. But we'll take that one out of rotation."[38]

Other actors, such as Henry Ian Cusick, Corbin Bernsen, Lance Gross, Elisabeth Röhm, Patrick Monahan, Andre Reed, and Janel Parrish have played various characters in the different series, also causing continuity issues that were not addressed.[39][40][41][42] In March 2021, Katrina Law was cast in the recurring role of Jessica Knight in NCIS, the parent series of NCIS: Los Angeles, furthering the continuity concern.[43]

Franchise overview

[edit]

Television series

[edit]
Series Television seasons
2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24
Hawaii Five-0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MacGyver 1 2 3 4 5
Magnum P.I. 1 2 3 4 5

Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020)

[edit]
Main article: Hawaii Five-0 (2010 TV series)

Hawaii Five-0 is the first series in the universe and is a reboot of the 1968 TV series of the same name. The rebooted series uses the numerical zero in place of the letter O (Five-0 instead of Five-O).[44] It premiered on September 20, 2010, and aired 240 episodes over a ten-season run before concluding on April 3, 2020. The series focuses on a fictional state police task force, known as "Five-0" led by Steve McGarrett, that is set up by the Hawaiian governor to fight major crimes in Hawaii including murder, kidnapping, and terrorism. The series is filmed on location in Hawaii.

MacGyver (2016–2021)

[edit]
Main article: MacGyver (2016 TV series)

MacGyver is the second series in the universe and is a reboot of the 1985 TV series of the same name. It premiered on September 23, 2016, and aired 94 episodes over a five-season run before concluding on April 30, 2021. The series focuses on the fictional "Phoenix Foundation" which is a covert organization masquerading as a think tank. The titular character, Angus MacGyver uses a talent for problem solving along with an extensive knowledge in science to solve problems. The series is set in Los Angeles, California, but is filmed in Atlanta, Georgia.

Magnum P.I. (2018–2024)

[edit]
Main article: Magnum P.I. (2018 TV series)

Magnum P.I. is the third and final series in the universe and is a reboot of the 1980 TV series of the same name. It premiered on September 24, 2018, and ended on January 3, 2024. The series focuses on a Navy SEAL turned private investigator named Thomas Magnum who investigates various crimes around Hawaii. Like Hawaii Five-0, the series is filmed in Hawaii.

[edit]

The universe is also connected to the NCIS franchise series, NCIS: Los Angeles, which had two direct fictional crossovers with Hawaii Five-0. Potential crossover opportunities between Magnum P.I. and NCIS: Hawaiʻi were considered possible as both series film in Hawaii.[45]

Other media

[edit]

Two of the television series have also spawned other media that are related to the series' themselves. On October 4, 2011, a television soundtrack entitled Hawaii Five-0: Original Songs from the Television Series was released featuring music that was used in Hawaii Five-0.[46] In addition, a survival manual was released on September 17, 2019, entitled The Official MacGyver Survival Manual: 155 Ways to Save the Day that gives instructions on how to "MacGyver" things as seen in MacGyver.[47] An additional television score from Hawaii Five-0, featuring music written for the series by Brian Tyler and Keith Power was released in July 2023.[48]

Season overview

[edit]
SeriesSeasonEpisodesOriginally releasedShowrunner[61][62][63][64][65][66]RankRating[67]Average viewers
(million)		Status
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
Hawaii Five-0124September 20, 2010 (2010-09-20)May 16, 2011 (2011-05-16)CBSPeter M. Lenkov227.511.26[49]Released/Ended
223September 19, 2011 (2011-09-19)May 14, 2012 (2012-05-14)267.611.83[50]
324September 24, 2012 (2012-09-24)May 20, 2013 (2013-05-20)356.810.36[51]
422September 27, 2013 (2013-09-27)May 9, 2014 (2014-05-09)217.511.66[52]
525September 26, 2014 (2014-09-26)May 8, 2015 (2015-05-08)207.812.28[53]
625September 25, 2015 (2015-09-25)May 13, 2016 (2016-05-13)257.011.04[54]
725September 23, 2016 (2016-09-23)May 12, 2017 (2017-05-12)Peter M. Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim157.612.15[55]
825September 29, 2017 (2017-09-29)May 18, 2018 (2018-05-18)186.811.00[56]
925September 28, 2018 (2018-09-28)May 17, 2019 (2019-05-17)Peter M. Lenkov266.210.01[57]
1022September 27, 2019 (2019-09-27)April 3, 2020 (2020-04-03)Peter M. Lenkov, David Wolkove, and Matt Wheeler21TBA9.68[58]
MacGyver121September 23, 2016 (2016-09-23)April 14, 2017 (2017-04-14)CBSPeter M. Lenkov and Craig O'Neill276.19.80[55]Released/Ended
223September 29, 2017 (2017-09-29)May 4, 2018 (2018-05-04)38N/a8.59[56]
322September 28, 2018 (2018-09-28)May 10, 2019 (2019-05-10)51N/a7.63[57]
413February 7, 2020 (2020-02-07)May 8, 2020 (2020-05-08)Peter M. Lenkov and Terry Matalas44TBA7.50[59]
515December 4, 2020 (2020-12-04)April 30, 2021 (2021-04-30)Monica MacerTBATBATBA
Magnum P.I.120September 24, 2018 (2018-09-24)April 1, 2019 (2019-04-01)CBSPeter M. Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim37N/a8.26[57]Released/Ended
22014September 27, 2019 (2019-09-27)January 31, 2020 (2020-01-31)26N/a8.91[60]
6April 10, 2020 (2020-04-10)May 8, 2020 (2020-05-08)
316December 4, 2020 (2020-12-04)May 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)Peter M. Lenkov, Eric Guggenheim, and Gene HongTBATBATBA
420October 1, 2021 (2021-10-01)May 6, 2022 (2022-05-06)Eric Guggenheim and Gene HongTBATBATBA
520February 19, 2023 (2023-02-19)January 3, 2024 (2024-01-03)NBCTBATBATBA

Cast and characters

[edit]
Main articles: List of Hawaii Five-0 (2010 TV series) characters and List of MacGyver characters
See also: List of NCIS: Los Angeles characters

Lenkov has been noted on his use of gender flipping of characters in his reboots. The character of Kono Kalakaua was portrayed by Zulu as a male character in the original Five-O but by Grace Park as a female character in the rebooted Five-0.[68] Jean Smart was cast to play Governor Pat Jameson in the reboot as opposed to Paul Jameson in the original,[69] and Larisa Oleynik was cast to play Jenna Kaye in the reboot as opposed to Jonathan Kaye in the original.[70] In MacGyver, the character of Peter Thornton was renamed to Patricia Thornton, while in Magnum the character of Jonathan Higgins was renamed to Juliet Higgins to allow for gender flipping.[71][72] Names of original Five-O cast members and characters although changed but non-gender swapped serve as the namesake for rebooted Five-0 characters, actors Richard Denning and Danny Kamekona from the original Five-O serve as the namesake for Governor Richard Denning and confidential informant Kamekona Tupuola in the reboot; while characters Doc Bergman and Che Fong serve as the namesake for Max Bergman and Charlie Fong, respectively, in the reboot.. Numerous Five-0 recurring characters who never received main billing have also appeared in Magnum as the same character including Larry Manetti as Nicky "The Kid" DeMarco,[73] Shawn Mokuahi Garnett as Flippa,[74] William Forsythe as P.I. Harry Brown,[74] and Willie Garson as Gerard Hirsch.[75] In addition a few actors who portrayed characters on original versions of the series have returned to portray the same or different characters in their respective reboots. Although not officially portrayed by the original actor who played the original Steve McGarrett, Jack Lord appeared in a seventh season episode of the reboot as an unnamed character; the episode replicated the appearance of Lord by using CGI effects along with a body and voice double.[76] Dennis Chun, the son of Kam Fong Chun who played the original Chin Ho Kelly, who stars as Duke Lukela in Five-0 and Magnum, previously portrayed minor characters on both the original Five-O and Magnum.[77] Al Harrington portrayed series regular Ben on the original Five-O as well as other minor characters on the original Five-O and Magnum series, in the 2010 reboot of Five-O he stars as recurring character Mamo Kahike.[78] Ed Asner portrayed August March in the 1968 Five-O and also reprised his role in the second and third seasons of the rebooted series.[79] Manetti previously starred as the original Rick in the original Magnum before portraying DeMarco in the rebooted Five-0 and Magnum.[73] The universe has also been cited for causing Lost reunions between cast members. Daniel Dae Kim, Jorge Garcia, Henry Ian Cusick, and Five-0's recurring star Terry O'Quinn and guest stars Rebecca Mader, Tania Raymonde and others all appeared on Lost as well as Five-0 with Kim, Garcia, and Cusick, also appearing on MacGyver.[80]

Main characters

[edit]
Series Character Appearances Actor Duration
Franchise Universe
Hawaii Five-0 MacGyver Magnum P.I. NCIS: LA
Hawaii Five-0 Steve McGarrett Main Does not appear Alex O'Loughlin 2010–2020
Danny "Danno" Williams Main Does not appear Guest Scott Caan 2010–2020
Chin Ho Kelly Main Guest Does not appear Guest Daniel Dae Kim 2010–2017
Kono Kalakaua Main Guest Does not appear Grace Park 2010–2017
Mary Ann McGarrett Also starring Does not appear Taryn Manning 2010–2013, 2016, 2019
Max Bergman Main Does not appear Masi Oka 2010–2017, 2019
Lori Weston Also starring Does not appear Lauren German 2011–2012
Catherine Rollins Main Does not appear Michelle Borth 2010–2016, 2018–2020
Lou Grover Main Does not appear Chi McBride 2013–2020
Jerry Ortega Main Guest Does not appear Jorge Garcia 2013–2019, 2021
Tani Rey Main Does not appear Guest Does not appear Meaghan Rath 2017–2020
Kamekona Tupuola Main Guest Recurring Does not appear Taylor Wily 2010–2020
Duke Lukela Main Does not appear Recurring Does not appear Dennis Chun 2010–2022
Noelani Cunha Main Does not appear Recurring Does not appear Kimee Balmilero 2016–2021[d]
Junior Reigns Main Does not appear Guest Does not appear Beulah Koale 2017–2020
Adam Noshimuri Main Does not appear Guest Does not appear Ian Anthony Dale 2011–2020
Quinn Liu Main Does not appear Guest Does not appear Katrina Law 2019–2020
MacGyver Angus MacGyver Does not appear Main Does not appear Lucas Till 2016–2021
Jack Dalton Does not appear Main Does not appear George Eads 2016–2019
Patricia Thornton Does not appear Main Does not appear Sandrine Holt 2016–2017
Riley Davis Does not appear Main Does not appear Tristin Mays 2016–2021
Wilt Bozer Does not appear Main Does not appear Justin Hires 2016–2021
Matty Webber Does not appear Main Does not appear Meredith Eaton 2017–2021
Samantha Cage Does not appear Main Does not appear Isabel Lucas 2017–2018
Desi Nguyen Does not appear Main Does not appear Levy Tran 2019–2021[e]
Russell Taylor Does not appear Main Does not appear Henry Ian Cusick 2020–2021[f]
Magnum P.I. Thomas Magnum Guest Does not appear Main Does not appear Jay Hernandez 2018–2024
Juliet Higgins Guest Does not appear Main Does not appear Perdita Weeks 2018–2024
Orville Wright Guest Does not appear Main Does not appear Zachary Knighton 2018–2024
Theodore Calvin Guest Does not appear Main Does not appear Stephen Hill 2018–2024
Kumu Tuileta Does not appear Main Does not appear Amy Hill 2018–2024[g]
Gordon Katsumoto Does not appear Main Does not appear Tim Kang 2018–2024

Crossovers

[edit]
See also: NCIS (franchise) § Outside the NCIS franchise

The first crossover Five-0 had actually occurred outside the Lenkov-verse and occurred between Five-0 and NCIS: Los Angeles. During the second season episode "Ka Hakaka Maikaʻi", Daniela Ruah made a guest appearance as her NCIS: LA character Kensi Blye.[81]

A second crossover event with the two series happened with "Touch of Death" later in the same season.[82]

Note: Due to the amount at which Five-0 actors crossover into Magnum, guest-appearances by Five-0 actors in Magnum are listed in a separate table.

Lenkov-verse crossovers
Crossover between Episode(s) Type Actors crossing over Date aired
Series A Series B
Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles "Ka Hakaka Maikaʻi"
(Hawaii Five-0 2.6)		 Guest appearance Appearing in Series A: Daniela Ruah October 24, 2011 (2011-10-24)
Main article: Ka Hakaka Maikaʻi

Joe White calls in Agent Kensi Blye from NCIS: Los Angeles Office to review the video of John McGarrett, Governor Jameson, and Wo Fat for Steve, but only recognizes the word "Shelburne".

Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles "Pa Make Loa"
(Hawaii Five-0 2.21)
"Touch of Death"
(NCIS: Los Angeles 3.21)		 Two-part crossover Appearing in Series A: Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, Craig Robert Young
Appearing in Series B: Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim		 April 30, 2012 (2012-04-30) – May 1, 2012 (2012-05-01)
Main article: Touch of Death (crossover event)

Agents Sam Hanna and G. Callen of NCIS: Los Angeles are called in to assist Five-0 finding a suspect, Dracul Comescu. Later, Callen and Sam must return to Los Angeles to stop a possible smallpox outbreak from becoming a reality with Danny "Danno" Williams and Chin Ho Kelly coming along to help.

MacGyver Hawaii Five-0 "Flashlight"
(MacGyver 1.18)		 One-part crossover Appearing in Series A: Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Taylor Wily March 10, 2017 (2017-03-10)
Main article: Flashlight (MacGyver)

The Phoenix Foundation team of MacGyver gets rerouted to Hawaii after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits the coast of Hawai'i Island. While aiding Detective Chin Ho Kelly and Officer Kono Kalakaua from Five-0 task force, they also have to deal with the Chinese intelligence soldiers who use the earthquake to steal top-secret weaponry that the scientists are currently developing.

Hawaii Five-0 Magnum P.I. "Ihea 'oe i ka wa a ka ua e loku ana?"
(Hawaii Five-0 10.12)
"Desperate Measures"
(Magnum P.I. 2.12)		 Two-part crossover Appearing in Series A: Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill

Appearing in Series B: Beulah Koale, Meaghan Rath, Katrina Law, Taylor Wily

January 3, 2020 (2020-01-03)
Main article: Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. crossover

While the Five-0 Task Force take up the case of a stolen list of undercover CIA agents, they cross paths with Thomas Magnum and Juliet Higgins who are investigating the same case. Soon after, Junior Reigns is kidnapped as leverage for the criminals to get the list back, leading to Magnum's team helping Tani Rey and Quinn Liu in a search-and-rescue mission.

Hawaii Five-0 Magnum P.I. "Nalowale i ke 'ehu o he kai"
(Hawaii Five-0 10.18)		 Guest appearance Appearing in Series A: Zachary Knighton February 28, 2020 (2020-02-28)
Main article: Nalowale i ke 'ehu o he kai

Five-0 investigates a murder on a coast guard ship and suspect that pirates are impersonating as Coast Guards to board ships. Meanwhile, Adam hold the key evidence to take down Hawaii's Yakuza once and for all. Also, Noelani enlists the help from Quinn when she suspects that her uncle did not die of a heart attack and thinks it was a murder cover up.

MacGyver Hawaii Five-0 "SOS + Hazmat + Ultrasound + Frequency + Malihini"
(MacGyver 5.8)		 Guest appearance Appearing in Series A: Jorge Garcia February 12, 2021 (2021-02-12)[83]
Phoenix receives help from former Five-0 member Jerry Ortega, who once helped Mac and is known for his conspiracy theories. Ortega has discovered some recruitment efforts by CODEX that he thinks may be valuable. Ortega also learns of a bomb request from CODEX, and Russ realizes Jerry is the best person to impersonate a bomb maker. During the meet, Russ and Bozer are able capture four CODEX members, while Ortega grabs a flash drive off one member. Russ learns from the flash drive that the CODEX recruiting efforts are more widespread than anyone thought.
Guest-appearances by Hawaii Five-0 actors in Magnum P.I.[h]
Actor Character No. of Appearances Season Episodes
Kimee Balmilero Noelani Cunha 16 1 "I Saw the Sun Rise"  • "Sudden Death"  • "Death Is Only Temporary"  • "I, The Deceased"  • "Day the Past Came Back"  • "A Kiss Before Dying"  • "The Day It All Came Together"
2 "Lie, Cheat, Steal, Kill"  • "The Man in the Secret Room"  • "A Bullet Named Fate"  • "The Night Has Eyes"  • "May The Best One Win"
3 "Double Jeopardy"  • "First the Beatdown, Then the Blowback"  • "Tell No One"  • "Cry Murder"
Taylor Wily Kamekona Tupuola 7 1 "From the Head Down"  • "Day of the Viper"
2 "Lie, Cheat, Steal, Kill"  • "Desperate Measures"  • "Mondays Are For Murder"  • "A Game of Cat and Mouse"  • "A World of Trouble"
Dennis Chun Sergeant Duke Lukela 4 1 "Black is the Widow"
2 "The Night Has Eyes"
3 "First the Beatdown, Then the Blowback"
4 "Evil Walks Softly"
Shawn Makuahi Garnett Flippa 4 2 "Lie, Cheat, Steal, Kill"  • "A World of Trouble"
3 "Double Jeopardy"  • "Tell No One"
Larry Manetti Nicky "The Kid" DeMarco 3 2 "Honor Among Thieves"  • "The Man in the Secret Room"
5 "Appetite For Danger" [84]
Kala Alexander Kawika 2 1 "I Saw the Sun Rise"  • "Day the Past Came Back"
William Forsythe Harry Brown 2 2 "Lie, Cheat, Steal, Kill"  • "A Bullet Named Fate"
Willie Garson Gerard Hirsch 1 2 "Blood Brothers"
Meaghan Rath Tani Rey "Desperate Measures"
Katrina Law Quinn Liu
Beulah Koale Junior Reigns
Ian Anthony Dale Adam Noshimuri "A Leopard on the Prowl"

Production

[edit]

Lenkov, Guggenheim, and David Wolkove have all written for Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I, with Lenkov also having written for MacGyver. Lenkov wrote fifty-eight episodes of Hawaii Five-0, seven of MacGyver, and fifteen of Magnum P.I. Guggenheim has written twenty-five episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and sixteen of Magnum P.I. Wolkove has written forty-eight episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and two episodes of Magnum P.I. The series have also used many of the same directors.

People who have directed episodes of multiple shows in the Lenkov-verse
Name Number directed
Hawaii Five-0 MacGyver Magnum P.I.
Brad Turner 10 3 0
Matt Earl Beesley 3 1 0
Duane Clark 8 4 1
Joe Dante 10 1 0
Bryan Spicer 35 0 9
Christine Moore 2 2 0
Jerry Levine 14 1 0
Sylvain White 8 1 1
Peter Weller 15 3 5
Allison Liddi-Brown 2 0 1
Maja Vrvilo 13 1 1
Brad Tanenbaum 4 1 0
Stephen Herek 3 11 0
Eagle Egilsson 11 5 5
Bobby Roth 2 2 0
Bronwen Hughes 3 0 1
Ron Underwood 4 2 2
Carlos Bernard 4 3 1
Roderick Davis 4 2 1
Krishna Rao 2 0 3
Antonio Negret 3 2 2
Liz Allen Rosenbaum 1 2 0
Gabriel Beristain 2 3 0
Karen Gaviola 6 0 2
Yangzom Brauen 1 2 2
Kristin Windell 1 0 2
Geoff Shotz 1 1 2
Andi Armaganian 1 1 0
David Straiton 0 8 2
Avi Youabian 0 2 2

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lenkov-verse

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The Lenkov-verse is a shared in American television comprising the reboots of three action-adventure series—Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020), (2016–2021), and (2018–2024, with the fifth season on )—all developed and executive produced by . These interconnected shows, collectively spanning 430 episodes across 20 seasons, feature elite teams tackling high-stakes crimes, , and investigations, with settings primarily in for Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., and the U.S. mainland for MacGyver. The universe is defined by explicit crossovers and recurring character appearances that establish continuity, such as the 2017 two-part event between Hawaii Five-0 and MacGyver, the 2020 Hawaii Five-0/Magnum P.I. team-up, and the 2021 guest appearance by a MacGyver actress on Magnum P.I.. Lenkov, a veteran producer known for prior work on series like La Femme Nikita and 24, envisioned the reboots as a modern extension of 1980s classics, blending procedural drama with ensemble dynamics and high-octane action to create a cohesive franchise. While primarily self-contained, the Lenkov-verse has ties to the broader NCIS franchise through direct crossovers between Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as thematic and referential overlaps.

Background and Development

Origins of the Shared Universe

The Lenkov-verse originated with the 2010 reboot of Hawaii Five-0 on CBS, serving as the flagship series of what would become an interconnected franchise. Developed by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Peter M. Lenkov, the series premiered on September 20, 2010, reimagining the original 1968–1980 police procedural with a modern action-oriented approach set in Hawaii. This reboot established the foundational tone of high-stakes investigations and ensemble dynamics that later defined the shared universe. The expansion of the shared universe was explicitly signaled in 2016 with the development of the MacGyver reboot, which Lenkov positioned as part of the same fictional world as Hawaii Five-0. In a November 2016 interview, Lenkov confirmed that the two series inhabited the "same universe," teasing potential crossovers to leverage their thematic similarities in procedural storytelling and character-driven action. The MacGyver series was ordered by CBS in May 2016 (following a February pilot order and subsequent reshoots), with Lenkov continuing as showrunner alongside his role on Hawaii Five-0, marking the deliberate intent to build narrative links between the properties. The franchise solidified in 2018 when CBS confirmed the Magnum P.I. reboot as its third entry, again under Lenkov's showrunning oversight for all series. Announced with a series order in May 2018, the project was described as Lenkov's third successful reboot, explicitly tying it to the existing Hawaii Five-0 and through shared creative vision and crossover potential. By the end of 2024, the Lenkov-verse had collectively aired 430 episodes across its three core series: 240 for Hawaii Five-0 (concluding in 2020), 94 for MacGyver (ending in 2021), and 96 for Magnum P.I. (wrapping in 2024).

Key Creative Personnel

Peter M. Lenkov, a Canadian television producer and writer born in Montreal, Quebec, on May 9, 1964, serves as the central creative force behind the Lenkov-verse. His prior credits include writing and producing episodes of the action series 24 during its fourth season and serving as a producer on CSI: NY and La Femme Nikita. Beginning in 2010, Lenkov developed and acted as executive producer and showrunner for the rebooted Hawaii Five-0, a role he extended to the 2016 MacGyver revival and the 2018 Magnum P.I. reboot, overseeing their production until his termination in July 2020. Lenkov was fired following an investigation into allegations of fostering a toxic work environment on the CBS shows. Lenkov's vision for the emphasized updating the originals into a "modern action universe" tailored to CBS's procedural format, blending high-stakes action with deeper character development to appeal to contemporary audiences. He focused on retaining iconic elements from the source material—such as procedural case-of-the-week structures and ensemble dynamics—while enhancing emotional arcs and serialized mythology to distinguish the reboots from their predecessors. This approach originated with the Hawaii Five-0 reboot, which Lenkov co-developed to "carry the torch" of the original while addressing perceived gaps in character work. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, established screenwriter-producer duo known for films like (2009), co-developed the Hawaii Five-0 reboot alongside Lenkov, infusing it with their signature fast-paced, action-oriented style. Their contributions shaped the reboot's cinematic visuals and ensemble-driven narratives, elements that influenced the interconnected aesthetic of and Magnum P.I. as Lenkov expanded the universe. Other pivotal personnel include John Davis and John Fox, who executive produced through their banner, bringing expertise in action-adventure projects to support Lenkov's oversight. For , collaborated closely with Lenkov as co-developer and , leveraging his scripting experience from Hawaii Five-0 to forge narrative ties across the series, such as shared thematic motifs and procedural rhythms.

Core Television Series

Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020)

Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020) served as the flagship series of the Lenkov-verse, reimagining the classic 1968 procedural as a modern action drama. The premise follows , a SEAL returning to to investigate his father's murder, who is then appointed by the governor to lead an elite, independently operating task force known as Five-0. This unit, granted broad powers including wiretaps and immunity from prosecution, combats major crimes such as syndicates, , and across the , blending high-stakes investigations with intense physical confrontations. The series ran for 10 seasons on , premiering on September 20, 2010, and concluding on April 3, 2020, with a total of 240 episodes produced. Developed and showrun by , it marked the starting point for the by establishing the Five-0 team's operational framework and Hawaiian law enforcement dynamics, which influenced later series through subtle references to the task force's activities. Early seasons delivered strong viewership milestones, with the pilot attracting 14.2 million viewers and ranking as CBS's highest-rated premiere in over a decade, while subsequent consistently topped DVR playback charts, adding millions to live audiences. This success solidified its role as a network staple, averaging over 10 million viewers per episode in season one and maintaining solid performance through the mid-run before a gradual decline. Critically, Hawaii Five-0 received praise for its dynamic action sequences, vibrant on-location filming across Oahu and other , and cinematic visuals that highlighted the state's natural beauty, though it faced criticism for formulaic plotting in later years. The series holds an average Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score of around 50-60% across its seasons, reflecting mixed reception that favored its entertainment value over narrative depth.

MacGyver (2016–2021)

MacGyver is an American action-adventure television series that serves as a of the 1985–1992 original, reimagining the titular character as a young operative who relies on resourcefulness and scientific ingenuity rather than to thwart threats. The show follows Angus "Mac" , a former U.S. Army sergeant, who joins the covert to lead a team combating global dangers through innovative problem-solving. Premiering on , the series emphasizes themes of teamwork and ethical dilemmas in , distinguishing itself from the original by incorporating modern technology and a faster-paced . The series ran for five seasons, comprising 94 episodes, and aired from September 23, 2016, to April 30, 2021. It was produced by CBS Television Studios in association with and Executive Producer , who adapted the concept for contemporary audiences while maintaining the core ethos of non-lethal ingenuity. Key elements include MacGyver's signature use of everyday items to create improvised solutions during high-stakes missions, alongside the team's dynamics involving a diverse ensemble that highlights interpersonal conflicts and growth. The show expanded the Lenkov-verse by introducing international plots that occasionally intersected with elements from Hawaii Five-0, broadening the shared universe's scope beyond localized . Reception to the reboot was mixed, with critics praising its energetic action sequences and faithful nod to the original's inventive spirit but critiquing some modernizations as overly formulaic or tonally inconsistent. Viewership peaked in its early seasons, drawing 7–8 million viewers per episode during the 2016–2017 premiere, though ratings declined over time amid competition from streaming services. Despite this, the series garnered a dedicated fanbase for its blend of humor, suspense, and educational undertones on and engineering.

Magnum P.I. (2018–2024)

is an American action crime drama television series that serves as a reboot of the 1980 original, developed by and for . The show centers on , a decorated former SEAL who, after returning from , repurposes his military skills to work as a in , operating from the guest house of author Robin Masters' estate. The series ran for five seasons and 96 episodes from , 2018, to , 2024. Seasons 1 through 4 aired on between 2018 and 2023, while the fifth and final season shifted to in 2023 following the initial network's cancellation. A core element of the series is the buddy-cop dynamic between Magnum and Juliet Higgins, a former agent serving as the estate's , whose evolving partnership drives much of the procedural storytelling. As the final series in the Lenkov-verse, Magnum P.I. integrates into the through its Hawaiian setting and subtle character nods to Hawaii Five-0 and , enhancing continuity without relying on direct crossovers. The show received solid reception for its procedural appeal and action-oriented cases, earning a 6.3/10 rating on from nearly 19,000 users and praise for the central duo's chemistry. After canceled the series in May 2022 amid production challenges, revived it for season 5 due to strong fan demand and syndication potential, though it concluded without further renewal.

Shared Universe Connections

Crossovers and Guest Appearances

The Lenkov-verse features several direct crossovers and guest appearances that explicitly link its core series through character interactions and shared storylines. The first major crossover occurred between MacGyver and Hawaii Five-0 in the MacGyver episode "Flashlight," which aired on March 10, 2017. In this installment, Angus MacGyver (Lucas Till) and his Phoenix Foundation team reroute to Hawaii following an earthquake, where they collaborate with Hawaii Five-0 members Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), Kono Kalakaua (Grace Park), and Kamekona Tupuola (Taylor Wily) to rescue trapped scientists and thwart a criminal plot involving a corrupt FBI agent. Taylor Wily, who played Kamekona, passed away on June 20, 2024. The episode drew 7.73 million viewers, marking a boost over the prior week's installment and highlighting the appeal of the shared universe format. A more expansive two-part crossover event united Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. on January 3, 2020, spanning the Hawaii Five-0 episode "Ihea 'oe i ka wa a ka ua e loku ana?" (Season 10, Episode 12) and the Magnum P.I. episode "Desperate Measures" (Season 2, Episode 12). The storyline revolves around the theft of a CIA list of undercover agents, prompting Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) and the Five-0 team to enlist Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez), Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks), Orville Wright (Zachary Knighton), and Theodore "T.C." Calvin (Stephen Hill) for assistance, while the Magnum team aids in rescuing a kidnapped Five-0 member. Additional Hawaii Five-0 cast members, including Tani Rey (Meaghan Rath) and Junior Reigns (Beulah Koale), appear in the Magnum P.I. portion. This event achieved season-high viewership, with the Hawaii Five-0 episode attracting 8 million viewers and a 0.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic, surging 50 percent week-to-week, while the Magnum P.I. episode garnered 7.83 million viewers. Subsequent guest appearances further reinforced connections, particularly between Hawaii Five-0 and . Recurring Hawaii Five-0 characters like Kamekona Tupuola (Taylor Wily, appearing in seven episodes across Seasons 1–2 of ) and Duke Lukela (Dennis Chun, in four episodes across Seasons 1–4) integrated into narratives, often providing local support or comic relief in investigations. In 2021, Season 5, Episode 8 ("SOS + Hazmat + Ultrasound + Frequency + Malihini," aired February 12, 2021) featured a guest spot by Hawaii Five-0's Jerry Ortega (Jorge Garcia), who assists the MacGyver team with a high-tech CODEX-related case in . Additionally, actor Levy Tran, known for her role as Desi Nguyen on , made a guest appearance in Season 4, Episode 15 ("Dead Man Walking," aired March 4, 2022) as Tia, a lord's , serving as a bridge between the series despite the character difference. Plans for a triple crossover involving all three series were discussed by showrunner Peter M. Lenkov prior to 2020, with intentions to unite Steve McGarrett, Angus MacGyver, and Thomas Magnum in a single event, but logistical challenges—including filming locations and scheduling—prevented its production. Lenkov had specifically aimed to incorporate MacGyver into the 2020 Hawaii Five-0/Magnum P.I. crossover, but it remained a two-series affair. These crossovers and appearances not only expanded the narrative scope of the Lenkov-verse but also demonstrated its potential for larger ensemble events, contributing to elevated audience engagement during key episodes.

Continuity Elements and Easter Eggs

The Lenkov-verse establishes as its central geographical hub, with Oahu serving as a recurring focal point across the three series to reinforce a cohesive world. Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. are predominantly set on the island, depicting its beaches, urban areas, and landmarks as integral to investigations and daily operations. , primarily based in , frequently references Oahu through character backstories and plotlines, such as Jack Dalton's prior experiences there, underscoring the island's role in the shared lore without requiring physical travel in every episode. Lore connections deepen the universe's continuity through institutional ties, notably the Phoenix Foundation from , which aids Hawaii Five-0 in backstory elements. Chin Ho Kelly name-checks the Phoenix Foundation as a potential resource for locating a missing , implying collaborative intelligence sharing. Subsequent episodes build on this, including a phone call from Phoenix contacts to in "Hahai i nā pilikua nui" regarding a suspect on Oahu, and references to new director Matilda Webber in "Puka 'ana," where gratitude is expressed for prior assistance involving former team members and Kono. These mentions portray the Foundation as an off-screen ally, providing covert support that aligns with Five-0's high-stakes operations. Subtle easter eggs further embed interconnectedness, often through visual or dialogic nods that reward attentive viewers. For instance, in a deleted scene from the MacGyver pilot, Jack Dalton's rifle features an "Aloha" engraving on the barrel, alluding to his military service ties in Hawaii and foreshadowing links to Five-0 personnel. Hawaii Five-0 episodes occasionally highlight MacGyver's unconventional problem-solving, as when Chin and Kono discuss impressive rescue techniques reminiscent of Phoenix operations during a crisis response. Timeline consistency supports these elements, with MacGyver's events unfolding from 2016 onward—overlapping the later seasons of Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020)—and Magnum P.I. commencing in 2018, ensuring chronological alignment for contemporaneous threats and alliances across the series.

Cast and Characters

Recurring and Shared Characters

, portrayed by , serves as the central protagonist and leader of the Hawaii Five-0 Task Force in the series Hawaii Five-0. His background as a former Navy SEAL establishes key ties to , the private investigator in the Magnum P.I. reboot, who shares a similar military history; this connection is highlighted in the 2020 two-part crossover episodes "Ihea 'oe i ka wa a ka ua e loku ana?" (Hawaii Five-0) and "Desperate Measures" (), where McGarrett teams up with Magnum to thwart a threat involving a stolen list of undercover CIA agents. Additionally, McGarrett is referenced in MacGyver as a longtime friend and fellow operative of Jack Dalton, whom he met during their military service, reinforcing the interpersonal links across the . Angus MacGyver, played by Lucas Till, is the inventive lead agent of the Phoenix Foundation in MacGyver, renowned for solving crises using everyday items and non-lethal ingenuity. While MacGyver does not make a direct on-screen crossover appearance in Magnum P.I., the shared universe includes ties such as the 2021 guest appearance by MacGyver cast member Levy Tran in a Magnum P.I. episode as a different character (Tia Min), underscoring the thematic cohesion of problem-solving across the series. Wo Fat, a cunning international criminal mastermind portrayed by Mark Dacascos, functions as a major recurring antagonist primarily in Hawaii Five-0, where he repeatedly clashes with Steve McGarrett over decades-spanning conspiracies involving espionage and personal vendettas. His shadowy operations and influence extend into the shared universe's lore, with indirect nods in MacGyver through similar villain archetypes like Murdoc, though Wo Fat himself remains a pivotal figure in establishing the high-stakes criminal threats that bind the narratives. Jerry Ortega, enacted by Jorge Garcia, provides comic relief as a quirky conspiracy theorist and occasional ally to the Five-0 Task Force in Hawaii Five-0. He crosses over into MacGyver in the episode "SOS + Hazmat + Ultrasound + Frequency + Malihini," where his eccentric insights assist the Phoenix team during a high-risk extraction, exemplifying the lighthearted recurring elements that enhance universe interconnectivity. Several original series actors deliver voice cameos and mentions that bridge the reboots to their predecessors, fostering legacy continuity. , who originated Orville "Rick" Wright in the classic , portrays the suave informant Nicky "The Kid" DeMarco, debuting in Five-0 before recurring in the reboot across multiple season 2 episodes, where he aids investigations with insider knowledge. Similarly, , the original Theodore "T.C." Calvin, appears as the wise mentor Luther Hughes in Five-0 and as T.C.'s trusted barber John Booky in the reboot's episode "A Kiss Before Dying," offering poignant nods to the foundational characters through these multiverse-spanning roles.

Series-Specific Protagonists and Ensembles

In Hawaii Five-0, the ensemble featured Detective Danny Williams, portrayed by , as the wisecracking transplant who partnered closely with team leader , providing grounded investigative insight amid high-risk operations. Chin Ho Kelly, played by , served as a seasoned former detective with expertise in local customs and forensics, anchoring the team's cultural authenticity. Kono Kalakaua, enacted by Grace Park, evolved from a officer and expert surfer into a proficient field operative, contributing agility and undercover skills to the task force. The team's composition shifted notably over the series' 10 seasons, beginning as a tight-knit unit of four core members focused on elite crime-fighting in . Following Chin Ho Kelly's departure after season 7 to lead a new task force in , as detailed by , the ensemble incorporated fresh dynamics with additions like Tani Rey for tactical support and Junior Reigns for military precision, sustaining the group's adaptability against evolving threats. For , the protagonists formed a covert operations team at , with Jack Dalton, played by , as the brash ex-Delta Force agent whose combat prowess and loyalty balanced the group's intellectual pursuits. Riley Davis, portrayed by , brought hacking and cyber-intelligence expertise, enabling rapid technological improvisations central to missions. This ensemble highlighted diverse skill sets, from engineering ingenuity led by Angus MacGyver to Dalton's physicality and Davis's digital acumen, fostering collaborative problem-solving without heavy weaponry. The Magnum P.I. reboot centered on a private investigation firm in , where Juliet Higgins, played by , acted as the disciplined former operative and estate manager who partnered with lead investigator , offering strategic planning and combat training. , enacted by , managed nightlife connections and logistics as a former Marine, while T.C. Calvin, portrayed by Stephen Hill, supplied piloting and security services via his chopper business, emphasizing the team's integrated firm dynamics for case resolutions.

Production History

Network Shifts and Renewals

The Lenkov-verse series, comprising Hawaii Five-0, MacGyver, and Magnum P.I., experienced varying degrees of broadcasting stability on , with each show undergoing renewals before eventual conclusions influenced by ratings and external factors. Hawaii Five-0 maintained a consistent run on from September 2010 to April 2020 across ten seasons, receiving annual renewals despite a gradual decline in viewership in later years. The series finale was planned as the conclusion of season 10, aligning with the network's decision amid softening performance metrics. MacGyver followed a similar trajectory on , premiering in September 2016 and airing through its fifth season until May 2021. The network renewed the reboot for season 5 in May 2020, shortly before the disrupted production schedules across the industry. Season 5 was limited to 15 episodes, with several plots retooled and delayed due to pandemic-related shutdowns and safety protocols. announced the cancellation in April 2021, with the serving as the series endpoint. Magnum P.I. aired its first four seasons exclusively on from September 2018 to May 2022, achieving steady Friday night performance before the network canceled it in May 2022 primarily over escalating licensing and production costs. A robust fan campaign, including petitions and social media advocacy, prompted —affiliated through the production studio —to revive the series for a fifth and final season in June 2022. Season 5, comprising 20 episodes, transitioned to broadcasts starting in February 2023, with episodes also available for streaming on Peacock the following day; production delays from the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes pushed the second half to early 2024, after which opted not to renew. Viewership trends underscored the franchise's reliability on , particularly in the slot, with Hawaii Five-0's pilot episode drawing 14.2 million viewers in September 2010, marking it as one of the network's strongest seasonal launches. The shows collectively anchored 's lineup, contributing to the network's consistent primetime dominance in total viewers during their runs, though later seasons reflected broader industry shifts toward streaming.

Creative Challenges and Personnel Changes

In July 2020, Peter Lenkov was removed as showrunner from and Magnum P.I. following a human resources investigation by into multiple allegations of creating a toxic work environment through verbal abuse, bullying, and inappropriate conduct on set. Lenkov retained his role on until the series concluded in 2020, but his dismissal from the other productions marked a significant disruption to the franchise's creative leadership. The Lenkov-verse faced notable cast departures amid contract disputes and personal tolls. In 2017, actors and Grace Park exited Hawaii Five-0 after seven seasons, citing failed negotiations with for salary parity with their white co-stars, and . Similarly, , who portrayed the titular character in , departed with the series' end in 2021, later attributing his burnout and during the first season to the abusive environment fostered by Lenkov. The further complicated production across the franchise, resulting in shortened seasons and logistical challenges. MacGyver's fifth season was limited to 15 episodes, with several storylines originally intended for season four delayed due to halted filming and incorporated pandemic protocols, including a quarantine-themed episode. Following Lenkov's removal, CBS appointed new showrunners to stabilize the series, with executive producer Monica Macer stepping up as showrunner for MacGyver in season five to maintain narrative continuity and address prior workplace issues. Eric Guggenheim similarly took over Magnum P.I., ensuring the shared universe's creative direction persisted without major interruptions.

Other Media and Legacy

Adaptations and Tie-Ins

The Lenkov-verse has expanded beyond television primarily through merchandise and limited print tie-ins. A key example is The Official MacGyver Survival Manual: 155 Ways to Save the Day (2019), a guidebook co-authored by Rhett Allain with foreword by series developer and introduction by star , which analyzes the scientific feasibility of improvised gadgets and survival techniques featured in the MacGyver reboot. No comparable novelizations or extended narrative books were produced for Hawaii Five-0 or Magnum P.I.. Merchandise for the franchise includes apparel, accessories, and collectibles distributed by CBS and Paramount. Official items such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, blankets, and standees featuring show logos and character motifs from Hawaii Five-0 are available through the Paramount Shop, emphasizing Hawaiian themes and task force imagery. Comparable products, including clothing lines inspired by Thomas Magnum's iconic Hawaiian shirts, exist for Magnum P.I., while MacGyver merchandise focuses on gadget-themed apparel and accessories sold via similar retail channels. Digital content extensions are minimal, consisting mainly of promotional web videos and behind-the-scenes clips shared on official platforms to highlight crossovers and tech innovations, such as short demos of 's inventions during the 2017 season. Lenkov's departure from in 2020 amid workplace investigations.

Cultural Impact and Reception

The Lenkov-verse has garnered a mixed critical reception, with aggregate scores ranging from 38 for to 66 for Five-0, placing the franchise in the 40-70 range overall. Critics frequently praised the series for their high-octane action sequences and commitment to diverse casting, including a Latino lead in Magnum P.I. (Jay as ) and a gender-swapped female counterpart to the original Higgins character ( as Higgins). However, the shows faced criticism for formulaic procedural plots that prioritized spectacle over character depth or narrative innovation, as noted in reviews of Five-0's reliance on repetitive crime-solving tropes. Audience reception has been more enthusiastic, fostering a dedicated fanbase that contributed to the franchise's longevity and the revival of Magnum P.I. for a fifth and final season on NBC after its 2022 cancellation by CBS, driven by fan campaigns and petitions emphasizing the show's global appeal. Following the conclusion of season 5 on NBC in 2024, additional fan campaigns sought a sixth season, but no renewal was announced as of 2025. Collectively, the series achieved substantial viewership, with Hawaii Five-0 averaging around 7 million U.S. viewers per episode across its 10 seasons and crossovers like the 2020 Hawaii Five-0/Magnum P.I. event drawing approximately 8 million viewers. The franchise's influence extends to revitalizing interest in TV reboots during the , aligning with a broader wave of revivals like and that modernized classic formats for contemporary audiences. It marked diversity milestones in network action dramas, such as introducing female co-leads in (e.g., as Riley Davis) and Magnum P.I., alongside ensembles featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander actors in prominent roles, contributing to greater on-screen representation in procedural genres. Crossovers within the further boosted popularity by leveraging ensemble dynamics to highlight these inclusive elements. In terms of awards, the Lenkov-verse received multiple nominations but no major wins at the Primetime Emmys, including nods for Hawaii Five-0 in stunt coordination and categories. While individual cast members earned recognition at events like the for their performances elsewhere, the ensembles did not secure collective honors from the organization, reflecting the franchise's solid but not award-dominating legacy.

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  49. https://www.tvline.com/lists/every-jag-ncis-hawaii-five-0-macgyver-magnum-crossover/
  50. https://parade.com/554276/paulettecohn/hawaii-five-0-and-macgyver-boss-peter-lenkov-dishes-deets-from-the-crossover-episode/
  51. https://ew.com/tv/tom-selleck-larry-manett-magnum-pi-reunion-blue-bloods/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9162330/
  53. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hawaii_five_0/cast-and-crew
  54. https://screenrant.com/hawaii-five-0-cast-character-guide/
  55. https://ew.com/tv/cbs-hawaii-five-0-ending/
  56. https://www.tvinsider.com/401331/hawaii-five-0-return-season-8-new-cast-members/
  57. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/01/25/features/five-0-redux/five-0-redux-a-midseason-rewind-of-hawaii-five-0-season-10/
  58. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/macgyver_2016/cast-and-crew
  59. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/magnum_p_i_2018/cast-and-crew
  60. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/magnum-pi/cast/1000289094/
  61. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/hawaii-five-0-season-seven-ratings/
  62. https://www.looper.com/194931/the-real-reason-hawaii-five-0-is-ending/
  63. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/macgyver-season-five-cbs-reboot-series-renewed-for-2020-21/
  64. https://deadline.com/2021/04/macgyver-end-canceled-season-5-series-finale-cbs-1234729818/
  65. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/macgyver-canceled-at-cbs-4163064/
  66. https://deadline.com/2022/05/magnum-pi-canceled-cbs-4-seasons-1235018361/
  67. https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/tv/2022/07/10/scott-d-pierce-fan-campaign/
  68. https://deadline.com/2023/06/magnum-pi-canceled-nbc-season-5-part-2-final-season-1235423630/
  69. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/how-to-watch-magnum-pi-season-5
  70. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-entertainment/releases/?view=26129
  71. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/hawaii-five-0-cbs-tv-show-cancelled-renewed-season-eight/
  72. https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/peter-lenkov-fired-cbs-magnum-pi-macgyver-1234700376/
  73. https://www.tvline.com/news/peter-lenkov-fired-hawaii-five-0-magnum-showrunner-cbs-2898987/
  74. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/06/daniel-dae-kim-and-grace-park-leave-hawaii-five-0-over-pay-dispute.html
  75. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/business/media/asian-american-actors-cbs-hawaii-five-0-salary-dispute.html
  76. https://deadline.com/2020/07/lucas-till-macgyver-star-suicidal-toxic-boss-peter-lenkov-1202990136/
  77. https://people.com/tv/macgyver-star-lucas-till-says-he-was-suicidal-during-first-season-due-to-show-runners-abuse/
  78. https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2492598/macgyver-just-shut-down-production-for-the-entire-season-4-abrupt-ending-cbs-2020
  79. https://macgyver.fandom.com/wiki/Season_5
  80. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/macgyver-magnum-pi-boss-peter-lenkov-fired-at-cbs-1302107/
  81. https://www.paramountshop.com/collections/hawaii-five-0
  82. https://alohafunwear.com/collections/shirts-from-the-new-magnum-pi
  83. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/hawaii-five-0/
  84. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/macgyver-2016/
  85. https://magnumpi.fandom.com/wiki/Magnum%2C_P.I._%282018%29
  86. https://www.vulture.com/2010/10/tv_review.html
  87. https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/magnum-pi-jay-hernandez-no-latinx-writers-higgins-reboot-1202895628/
  88. https://deadline.com/2018/02/new-magnum-p-i-lacey-diverse-broadcast-networks-inclusive-pilot-leads-1202276900/
  89. https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-revive-magnum-p-i-bring-back-our-ohana-for-season-6
  90. https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hawaii-five-0-seal-team-swat-bull-macgyver-madam-secretary-renewal-cbs-1203185826/
  91. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/tv-show-reboots/
  92. https://comiconverse.com/macgyver-2016-representation-matters-15841
  93. https://www.quora.com/Why-was-the-gender-of-Higgins-changed-with-the-reboot-of-Magnum-PI
  94. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hawaii-five-0-boss-defends-diverse-cast-says-stars-were-offered-unprecedented-raises-1019121/
  95. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1600194/awards/
  96. https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/hawaii-five-0
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