Knight Rider (1982 TV Series) Overview

Basic Information

• Genre: Action, Crime, Science Fiction
• Creator: Glen A. Larson
• Original Network: NBC
• Original Air Dates: September 26, 1982 - April 4, 1986
• Seasons: 4
• Episodes: 90

Main Cast

• David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight
• Edward Mulhare as Devon Miles
• Patricia McPherson as Dr. Bonnie Barstow (Seasons 1, 3, 4)
• Rebecca Holden as April Curtis (Season 2)
• Peter Parros as Reginald Cornelius III
• William Daniels as the voice of KITT
• Narrated by Richard Basehart

Plot and Characters

• Michael Knight: Former police detective Michael Arthur Long, given a new identity after a near-fatal injury.
• KITT: An AI-powered, indestructible car that assists Michael Knight.
• FLAG: Foundation for Law and Government, an organization fighting crime, led by Devon Miles.

Production

• Executive Producers: Glen A. Larson, Robert Foster, R.A. Cinader
• Production Companies: Glen A. Larson Productions, Universal Television
• Location: California
• Running Time: 48 minutes per episode

Music

• Composers: Stu Phillips, Don Peake, Morton Stevens
• Theme Music: Composed by Stu Phillips and Glen A. Larson

Vehicles

• KITT Car: A modified 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with advanced AI, designed by Michael Scheffe.
• Stunt Works: Stuntman Jack Gill worked on driving scenes, often with modifications for camera work.

Reception and Legacy

• Initially received negative reviews but gained a cult following and positive retrospective reviews.
• The first season has a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Syndication and Releases

• Syndicated in the U.S. starting fall 1986.
• Available on DVD and Blu-ray in various regions.
• Released by Universal Studios and Mill Creek Entertainment.

Spin-offs and Media

• Television Films: Knight Rider 2000, Knight Rider 2010
• Spin-offs: Team Knight Rider, Code of Vengeance
• Comics and Music: French comic strip K2000; theme sampled in various songs.
• Digital Media: A digital pinball table inspired by Knight Rider was released.

Cultural Impact

• The Knight Rider theme has been incorporated into music and pop culture.
• The series has been referenced in various media and inspired other television concepts.