The Magnum P.I. reboot provides its own spin on the original Tom Selleck series from the 1980s. That, of course, includes evolving the main characters. Higgins is now a woman, and Magnum has a slightly different backstory than Tom Selleck's Magnum too. The characters of Gordon and Kumu are new additions, and Rick and T.C. are familiar characters done in a new way.
Some characters, however, are more likable than others. Higgins tends to be a little too rude and insulting towards Thomas, but despite that, she is a good friend. Elsewhere, Thomas goes the extra mile to do the right thing, but he's certainly famous for frequently asking for favors, which annoys his friends. Here's how they stack up.
Juliet
Juliet Higgins is very intelligent and a good friend. She has a complicated past as a former MI6 agent, including losing her significant other, Richard. However, she does tend to be petty and brutal, especially where it concerns Magnum.
She frequently gives him a hard time, which significantly lessens the likability of her character. Though she does care for him and is there when he needs her, it doesn't quite make up for her frequent jabs towards him. Still, she's a great character in the show.
Gordon
Gordon Katsumoto is a good man and a good cop. He often assists Magnum and Higgins, as they frequently consult him when it comes to their cases. He's smart, he's strong, and he'll definitely put his life on the line to help others.
Like Higgins, he does tend to give Magnum a hard time, though not to the same degree. Plus, he can certainly hold a grudge, so it's best to avoid getting on his bad side. Nonetheless, he has a good sense of humor, and he's there for his friends, which contributes to his likability.
"Shammy"
Christopher Thornton plays Kenny "Shammy" Shamberg, a recurring character that frequently hangs out with the main characters on the show. Like Magnum, Rick, and T.C., Shammy is also a former war veteran. He's also frequently involved in Magnum's and Higgins's cases, helping them out where need be.
He's loyal, he's talented, and he's a good friend; he can be pushy and impatient, but there's usually a good reason behind it. He's become a big part of the group of friends, and his many wonderful qualities make him quite likable.
Kumu
Kumu is resourceful, caring, and sweet to everyone. She has been through a lot in her life, but she takes it in stride. Although her late husband cheated on her and had a daughter with someone else, Kumu befriends his daughter anyway.
She goes out of her way to help Higgins and Magnum where she can, and she often acts as a maternal figure for Higgins. She's a good person, through and through.
T.C.
T.C. is loyal and supportive of his friends. Though he gives Magnum a hard time for his frequent favors, T.C. would hardly say no to his friend. He operates a successful business, Island Hoppers, and often helps Magnum and Higgins with their cases by using his helicopter to locate people or help them out of a jam.
T.C. is also a gentleman, as he didn't let Kumu sit outside by herself on Halloween in a Season 2 episode, and he was willing to marry Higgins to ensure she could stay in Hawaii instead of having to go back to England after a problem with her visa arose.
Magnum
Thomas Magnum is easily one of the most likable characters in the original series and the reboot. He's laidback, he's got a good sense of humor, and he's great at being a private investigator. He won't stand for betrayals and lies, especially after having suffered those things in his relationship with Hannah (Jordana Brewster).
He's a good guy that's willing to do the right thing every time, even if it doesn't mean a big payday or even any payday. He may ask for favors a lot, but he makes up for that in the distance he's willing to go for his friends and family.
Rick
Rick is a great friend, one that everyone wants by their side. He's there through thick and thin. He always knows someone who can help, especially when it concerns Magnum's and Higgins's cases, as he seems to have connections all over the place, proving how friendly and likable he is.
He's also fiercely loyal, especially to T.C. and Magnum, as they all survived being prisoners of war together, and to Icepick, his father figure who steered him away from a bad path that Rick was taking in life when he met Icepick. Rick is also a hard worker, given he put everything on the line to make his dream of owning and running the La Mariana come true. All in all, he's a good guy to have around.