Women's Health July 25, 2026 0 Comments

Why Tom Selleck’s ‘Her Alibi’ Is the Unexpected Classic That’s Still Winning Hearts—and What It Means for Your Next Movie Night

You know, when most people hear Tom Selleck’s name, what instantly jumps to mind? Classic detective vibes from Magnum, P.I., or his strong, steady presence on Blue Bloods—and who could forget the comedic charm in Three Men and a Baby (1987)? Yet, here’s the kicker—how often do we pause to remember that Selleck had this smooth romantic side, too? Not just gruff detective or charming dad, but a genuine romantic lead. Take 1989’s Her Alibi, for example. This flick isn’t just another ’80s throwback; it’s a nostalgic gem where Selleck proved he could light up a romantic comedy just as fiercely as he could crack a case. It’s kinda wild, right? An icon known for tough roles slipping into something softer and totally owning it—makes you wonder why we didn’t see more of that side of him. So, buckle up as we rewind and spotlight those sometimes overlooked, romantic moments when Tom Selleck brought that undeniable charm to the screen. LEARN MORE

There are certain projects Tom Selleck is most recognized for, those typically being Magnum, P.I., Blue Bloods or Three Men and a Baby (1987), but folks tend to overlook the moments in which he brought a bit of romance to the screen—and it’s something we wish he did more often! In 1989, Tom Selleck showed the world that he could shine as brightly in a romantic comedy as he could as a crime-fighting private eye when he appeared in Her Alibi. The film has been celebrated for its nostalgia and spot amongst several other romantic comfort movies of the 80s. Here, take a look back at Her Alibi and the handful of other moments in which Tom Selleck shined as a romantic lead.

Tom Selleck in ‘Her Alibi’

In Her Alibi, Selleck stars as a struggling mystery novelist suffering from writer’s block and a decline in sales. To find inspiration for his work, he sits in on courtroom trials, only to be taken one day by a beautiful woman accused of murder. Nina (played by Paulina Porizkova) immediately captivated Selleck’s Phil, and in an attempt to free who he believes is an innocent woman, he poses as her false alibi, pretending to be a priest whom she was having an affair with. Upon Nina’s release, she moves into Phil’s home, and the writer begins to pen a new tale inspired by Nina’s story. However, as time goes on and Nina reveals more and more about herself (and her unusual skillset), Phil begins to worry that Nina might actually be capable of the crime she was accused of committing—and he may be her next target.

Paulina Porizkova,Tom Selleck, Her Alibi, 1989 — Paulina Porizkova, Tom Selleck, Her Alibi, 1989©Warner Bros./ Courtesy: Everett Collection.

Tom Selleck brought his usual charm to the role, and despite not necessarily being a critical hit, many still celebrate it for its nostalgia. “I remember watching this as a child and loving it,” wrote a Reddit user in a post about the film. “As an adult, I can see it’s cheesy and a tad predictable, but easy viewing. There are some great lines from Tom Selleck and a hilarious scene involving an arrow.” Another user shared, “It was a decent movie. My mom is a huge Selleck fan, so we watched it a lot in my younger years.”

”Everyone’s expecting great things from Her Alibi, but whatever happens, I really enjoyed making this film, and it gave me a chance to try something different,” the actor shared with The Chicago Tribune back in 1989 leading up to the film’s release. ”My character is totally unlike Thomas Magnum, or the guy in Three Men.”

Tom Selleck’s other romantic roles

Tom Selleck, Ellen DeGeneres, The Love Letter, 1999© DreamWorks /courtesy Everett Collection

Another beloved romantic comedy featuring Tom Selleck is 1999’s The Love Letter. When Helen, a bookstore owner, receives an unsigned love letter in the mail, the gears start turning trying to figure out who wrote it. However, as the letter gets mistakenly passed around their sleepy town into the hands of several individuals, each believes the letter was meant for them in this sweet comedy about finding love when you least expect it.

Though not necessarily romances or romantic comedies, Selleck has brought romantic storylines to life in films including Three Men and a Little Lady (1990) and of course, during his famous stint on Friends. Though we wish we could have seen this hunky actor bring on the flirtation just a few more times, we love the films and series he’s given us!