The 1980s was arguably the last decade with a strong, standalone style, defined mostly by the music of the era, fashion, cinema and TV.

Fewer channels, smaller budgets, no internet and an all-round different society meant that mainstream TV shows were seen by almost everyone at the time, but have now faded into fond memory and ascended to cult status. Examples include Knight Rider, Airwolf, The A-Team, an array of epic cop shows like Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice and of course Magnum, PI.

Silver Screen Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images

30 years later, the amount of TV on offer has increased exponentially and studios have resorted to rebooting old ideas and repackaging them for new audiences. Some attempts are successful, like Ron Moore's reimagining of Battlestar Galactica, but many fail to hit their mark.

The idea of rebooting Magnum PI was floated some time ago. It was originally believed the series would take the form of a sequel, rather than a reboot, focusing on Magnum's daughter, Lily Catherine, who has chosen to follow a similar career path as her father.

But that approach was later rejected in favour of an all-round reboot, which arrives on CBS in the fall. From the director of Fast & Furious, Justin Lin, the first footage from the remake indicates a complete change of style – and the fact that the YouTube trailer has almost as many thumbs down than thumbs up gives an indication of how fans are feeling: seriously divided.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. When decorated former Navy SEAL Thomas Magnum returns home to Hawaii, he embarks on a new mission: Solving cases in style as a private investigator! With a modern take on the classic series, new drama #MagnumPI joins the @CBS fall lineup Mondays 9/8c. pic.twitter.com/8HoryTBQcI — Magnum P.I. (@MagnumPICBS) May 31, 2018

From 1980 to 1988, the exploits of the Hawaii-based private investigator Thomas Magnum (played by Tom Selleck) enthralled audiences across the world. A strapping, six-foot, moustachioed babe magnet, he lived the dream lifestyle and embarked on exciting adventures every week.

Selleck's happy-go-lucky Magnum was an all-round good guy, only flawed by sometimes acting like a spoiled brat.

Magnum, PI was many things at different times. It was a serious drama – including anti-war post-Vietnam story arcs; it was a tongue-in cheek-comedy unafraid to have fun with the format and make fun of itself; it was a clever murder mystery… all of which made it addictive viewing.

From time to time, Magnum would even break the fourth wall.

CBS

The new series stars Jay Hernandez (Magnum), Zachary Knighton (Orville "Rick" Wright, Stephen Hill (Theodore "T.C." Calvin) and Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins.

Yes, the guardian of the Robin Masters estate has been re-gendered. Now, let's be clear, this is an interesting idea that we do not object to. Take Starbuck in the aforementioned reimagining of Battlestar Galactica – that was inspired.

But while there was little backstory to change from Dirk Benedict's Starbuck, the rich history of John Hillerman's Higgins was essential to his character as he regaled tale after tale of serving in the Sudan or the Suez in '56 on a camel patrol, tracking down the Egyptian 3rd Division.

The married couple-like relationship between Selleck's Magnum and Hillerman's Higgins was the cornerstone of what made the original series so good to watch. The mere thought of the inevitable sexual tension between Hernandez and Weeks is cringeworthy.

CBS

[1980 vs. 2018]

Moreover, the fact that both Magnum and Higgins had both served their respective countries in different wars meant this was a common area that was gently used over the duration of the series to strengthen their bond.

At the time that Magnum, PI was made, the Vietnam War and its aftermath was still a controversial subject. It ended 30 years after America's first involvement and was considered a failure, witnessed by the entire world. Applying a watered-down I-saw-the-horrors-of-combat formula to the characters and substituting a totally different conflict is not the same. (Higgins is a disavowed MI6 agent now.)

In terms of the reboot, they're all heroes for having served their country. The original series dealt with – on many occasions and very successfully – the much more complex issues facing returning veterans.

CBS

In the original series, Magnum was a Navy SEAL during the Vietnam War, the first conflict that this particular unit of US special forces was deployed. But today, this is just shorthand to indicate that the character has an especially impressive skill set.

Chris Pratt is an ex-US Navy SEAL in Jurassic World. Tom Cruise is an ex-US Navy SEAL in The Mummy reboot. In the TV adaptation of Lethal Weapon, the character of Martin Riggs has gone from being a former Green Beret to an ex-US Navy SEAL.

When Magnum, PI was first shown in 1980, it was a fresh approach to a tried-and-tested theme. But when many of those ideas are used repeatedly – over a period of 30 years – they are going to become clichéd. It's unavoidable.

Back in the '80s, before it was mimicked ad nauseum, the success of Magnum PI stemmed from its characters, their developing relationships, the dialogue and the storytelling.

At no point during the show's 162-episode run did Magnum ever perform a handbrake turn in the Ferrari, simultaneously sliding and shooting at an oncoming truck, jump onto the oncoming truck that plummets over the side of a cliff with the Ferrari, leap into the air and miraculously grab the skid of TC's helicopter, all with a cheesy grin plastered on his face.

CBS

A sequel-of-sorts might have worked, but you can't recreate the original Magnum. Set and made in the '80s, it was a reflection of that time. It simply won't translate as a reboot with the same characters. Times have changed.

Oh, and no 'tache? Unforgiveable.

Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter account.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io