Knight Rider (1982 TV series)
A man who does not exist and his talking car.
Knight Rider is an American action crime drama television series created and produced by Glen A. Larson. The series was the last Larson devised at Universal Television before moving to 20th Century Fox Television, and it has since gained a cult following.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Action / Crime
- Creator
- Glen A. Larson
- Starring
- David Hasselhoff / Edward Mulhare / Patricia McPherson / Rebecca Holden / Peter Parros
- Voices
- William Daniels
- Narrator
- Richard Basehart
- Theme Music Composer
- Stu Phillips / Glen A. Larson
- Composer
- Stu Phillips / Don Peake / Morton Stevens
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Num Seasons
- 4
- Num Episodes
- 90
- List Episodes
- List of Knight Rider (1982 TV series) episodes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The series follows Michael Knight, formerly police detective Michael Arthur Long, who is rescued by billionaire Wilton Knight after a near-fatal gunshot to the face. Given a new identity and a new face through plastic surgery, Michael becomes the primary field agent for the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG). He is partnered with KITT, a heavily modified Pontiac Firebird Trans Am controlled by an artificial intelligence. The show's plot involves Michael and KITT being brought into situations where direct action might provide the only feasible solution. Wilton Knight dies in the pilot episode, and Devon Miles takes over leadership of FLAG, providing directives and guidance. Dr. Bonnie Barstow (seasons 1, 3, and 4) and April Curtis (season 2) serve as chief engineers for KITT.
Reader's Guide
Knight Rider received negative reviews from critics during its initial run, but retrospective reviews have been more positive from both audiences and critics. The series has developed a cult following, largely due to the iconic pairing of Hasselhoff's Michael Knight and the voice of KITT, provided by William Daniels (who requested not to be credited). The show's theme music, composed by Stu Phillips and Glen A. Larson, used synthesizers and drew from a classical piece by Léo Delibes. The series' legacy includes its memorable opening narration and the enduring appeal of a lone crusader and his intelligent car fighting crime.
Did You Know?
- William Daniels, the voice of KITT, requested not to be credited for his role.
- The studio got cars from Pontiac for $1 apiece, often damaged from a train derailment.
- The 'Knight Rider Theme' was composed by Stu Phillips and Glen A. Larson, using synthesizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Knight Rider (1982 TV series)?
Knight Rider is a four-season American action crime drama that aired from 1982 to 1986, following a covert agent and his high-tech, artificially intelligent black car as they battle organized crime. The series was created by Glen A. Larson and produced by Universal Television.
What can KITT do in Knight Rider?
KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) is a Ford Gran Torino fitted with a computerized AI that lets it speak, drive on its own, and pull up data from databases. It also sports a glowing red light strip along its body, a sonic weapon, and a range of defensive and offensive gadgets.
Why is Knight Rider important in TV history?
As Glen A. Larson's final series before his departure to 20th Century Fox Television, Knight Rider became a defining 1980s action property and has maintained a devoted cult following ever since. Its core premise of a human hero partnered with a sentient vehicle has influenced a wide range of later media.
Who stars in Knight Rider (1982 TV series)?
David Hasselhoff plays Michael Knight, the secret agent at the heart of the show. William Daniels provides the voice of KITT, giving the car its distinctive personality across all four seasons.
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