“Knight Rider: The Complete Series” (1982-1986)

Television Action

Ninety Episodes

Created by: Glen A. Larson

Featuring: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Patricia McPherson, Rebecca Holden and Peter Parros

Narrator: “Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man, who does not exist.”

“Knight Rider” is a quintessential 1980s action-adventure television series that captured the imagination of a generation. Created by Glen A. Larson, the show ran from 1982 to 1986 and starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a modern-day crimefighter who, with the help of a super-intelligent, artificially intelligent car named KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand), battled criminals, corruption, and futuristic threats. While the premise may seem simple by today’s standards, “Knight Rider” remains iconic for its blend of high-tech gadgetry, charismatic characters, and a futuristic vision that appealed to the audiences of its time.

The show follows Michael Knight, a former police officer who, after being left for dead, is given a new identity and a second chance at life by a mysterious benefactor, Wilton Knight, founder of the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG). Michael’s new mission is to fight for justice against criminals who operate beyond the reach of conventional law enforcement. His most important ally in this endeavor is KITT, a virtually indestructible car equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the ability to drive autonomously, turbo-boost over obstacles, and communicate with Michael via a snarky, witty personality.

At its core, “Knight Rider” was a show about the relationship between man and machine, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and companionship in an era where the idea of AI and advanced technology was still relatively new. The partnership between Michael and KITT forms the emotional heart of the show, with their banter and teamwork often serving as both comic relief and dramatic tension.

Michael Knight: Played by David Hasselhoff, Michael is the charming and confident hero, embodying the classic traits of a lone-wolf crimefighter. Hasselhoff’s portrayal made him a global star, with his rugged good looks and easygoing charisma. Michael is depicted as a man who has been given a second chance in life, often haunted by his past but determined to make the world a better place.

KITT: Voiced by William Daniels, KITT is perhaps the true star of the show. Unlike typical sidekicks, KITT is an equal partner in Michael’s missions, often outshining his human counterpart with his intelligence, loyalty, and sarcastic sense of humor. The car’s artificial intelligence is one of the show’s most memorable features, giving KITT a personality that made viewers form a unique bond with a machine. Daniels’ dry, sophisticated delivery of KITT’s lines gave the car a distinctive personality, making him a fan favorite.

Devon Miles: Edward Mulhare played Devon, Michael’s boss at FLAG and the person responsible for assigning him missions. Devon is a more traditional figure of authority, offering advice and support from a distance. He serves as the link between Michael and the shadowy organization that funds and supports his missions.

Bonnie Barstow: Patricia McPherson portrayed Bonnie, KITT’s chief mechanic and a tech expert who helps maintain the car’s advanced systems. Bonnie added a layer of technical expertise to the show, making her one of the few women in 1980s TV involved in such a high-tech role.

“Knight Rider” was a product of its time, capturing the fascination with cars, technology, and futuristic visions that were prevalent in 1980s pop culture. The idea of a car that could talk, think, and solve problems resonated deeply with viewers, especially in a decade obsessed with sleek, powerful vehicles and the rise of personal computing.

One of the core themes of the show was justice—Michael Knight as a modern-day knight, using his wits and KITT’s advanced technology to take down villains who often seemed untouchable. In many ways, the show reflected the era’s fascination with vigilantism, where lone heroes would operate outside the constraints of traditional law enforcement to deliver justice. The character of Michael Knight embodied the “one man can make a difference” mantra that was central to many action-adventure shows of the time.

The dynamic between Michael and KITT also allowed the series to explore the relationship between humans and technology. KITT, despite being a machine, was portrayed with an almost human-like personality, raising questions about the nature of intelligence, loyalty, and friendship. In an era before the internet and smartphones, KITT represented a futuristic vision of technology’s potential, combining artificial intelligence with an ethical compass.

While the dialogue and character relationships were important, “Knight Rider” was also known for its thrilling action sequences, many of which revolved around KITT’s abilities. The car could drive itself, perform impossible stunts, and even survive explosions. One of the most iconic features was KITT’s turbo-boost, which allowed it to jump over obstacles. The show relied heavily on practical effects for these stunts, which gave the action sequences a sense of real danger and excitement.

For a TV show from the 1980s, “Knight Rider” pushed the limits of special effects and action choreography. The visual effects, while dated by today’s standards, were cutting-edge at the time, and KITT’s sleek, black design with the iconic red scanner on the front became an instantly recognizable symbol of cool, high-tech crime-fighting.

“Knight Rider” was a major hit during its original run, particularly among younger audiences who were enthralled by the show’s futuristic concepts and thrilling car chases. The series spawned a variety of merchandise, including toys, video games, and even a short-lived spin-off, Team Knight Rider. David Hasselhoff’s rising star power, combined with the show’s enduring appeal, helped keep “Knight Rider” in the public consciousness long after its original run ended.

In the years since, “Knight Rider” has become a beloved part of pop culture history. The show has seen numerous revivals and reboots, most notably in the form of a 2008 reboot that failed to capture the original’s magic. Despite these attempts to modernize the franchise, the original series remains the definitive version for many fans, largely due to the chemistry between Hasselhoff and the iconic KITT.

“Knight Rider” is a show that, despite its dated special effects and somewhat formulaic plots, still holds a special place in television history. Its futuristic vision of technology, combined with the charm of its lead characters and thrilling action sequences, made it a hit in the 1980s and has helped it remain a cult favorite for generations. The series is a perfect representation of the optimism and imagination of its era, where the possibilities of technology seemed endless and the idea that “one man can make a difference” was at the heart of every episode.

For those looking for a nostalgic trip back to a time of talking cars, brave heroes, and high-octane action, “Knight Rider” is a must-watch, providing both entertainment and a glimpse into the future as seen through the eyes of 1980s television.