How Stephen Hill Brings to Life TC the Television Hero
Updated: Apr 10, 2023
Stephen Hill is grateful to have a new season to grow his character, Theodore "TC" Calvin, into the hero he and fans of the 80s Magnum P.I. show envision. This season, TC has multiple storylines, such as a girlfriend and other sentimental relationships. Roger E. Mosely inspires him to make deep connections with those of his racial background and continue to embody family values within the show. This partially makes TC feel heroic, along with his background as a business owner, a veteran, and a prisoner of war. This rugged background yet a gentle disposition is why Stephen Hill describes TC as having "superhero qualities." TC is the "moral compass of the show" and a "protector," yet he has a vulnerable side to him as well. This is different from what has been shown on television in the past. So often, Black characters are made to be the comical relief characters, not just your everyday person. Hill shares the importance of having a regular yet influential Black figure on television. This is why he honors Roger E. Mosely. Roger E. Mosley, best known for his role as the original helicopter pilot Theodore "TC" Calvin on the 1980s hit show "Magnum, P.I.
Mosely made sure there was a community on the island. When Black people came to the island, they were welcomed and made to feel like family. Hill respected this and paid homage to Mosely within the show through wardrobe, language, and having the same helicopter.
Watch Magnum P.I. and catch the easter eggs, feel a family connection, and be entertained. Also, check out our exclusive interview with Stephen Hill.
MORE ABOUT MAGNUM P.I.
Magnum P.I. is a reboot of the beloved '80s crime series of the same name, starring Hernandez as the ex-Navy SEAL turned smooth-talking private investigator, Thomas Magnum. When Magnum isn't working as a security consultant for the endlessly elusive author Robin Masters, he and his valued team tackle some of the most insane cases Hawaii has ever seen. Season 5 is bound to have many adventures on the Hawaiian horizon, picking up where Season 4 left off.
The cast includes Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Amy Hill, and Tim Kang.
Eric Guggenheim, Barbie Kligman, John Davis, Justin Lin, John Fox, David Wolkove, and Gene Hong executive produce. CBS Studios is associated with Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
MAGNUM P.I. | Sundays on NBC (9-10 p.m. ET); Special Two-Episode Season Premiere: Sunday, Feb. 19 (9-10 and 10-11 p.m. ET); available next-day on Peacock