Though these two series have nothing specifically to do with each other, they do have a common trait that attracted Tom Selleck to them. When Rachel Ray asked Selleck why audiences still tune into "Blue Bloods" after so many years, Selleck revealed a core reason why he was drawn to both "Magnum PI" and "Blue Bloods."
"What has always worked for me, or what my appetites are, they go towards character-driven shows," Selleck explained. "Magnum was a character-driven show. I don't remember half the plots, or even way less than half." He explained that he appreciated the "Blue Bloods" script because "it was character-driven in an age where there's just so many procedurals on."
While many would argue "Blue Bloods" is a procedural, the original "Magnum PI" did something unusual, and a bit controversial, for its time: It depicted Vietnam veterans in a more realistic, sympathetic way. "When I created 'Magnum, P.I.' I got thousands of letters from Vietnam veterans thanking me for portraying Vietnam veterans who were something other than killers and drug addicts and crazy and unable to function in society," creator Donald Bellisario told the Television Academy. "It was quite a departure for television at that time." Selleck, also a vet, fought for the veteran aspect too when the studio balked. "Magnum was recognized as the first show to portray Vietnam veterans in a positive way," he told AARP. "I don't want to get too emotional, but I am very proud of this."
