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The Greatest American Hero

  • TV Series
  • 1981–19831981–1983
  • TV-14TV-14
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
5.8K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,021
124
The Greatest American Hero (1981)
Home Video Extra (Clip) from Anchor Bay Entertainment
Play trailer2:01
5 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Adventure
  • Comedy
  • Sci-Fi
A teacher is asked to be a superhero using a special alien suit with powers he can barely understand or control.A teacher is asked to be a superhero using a special alien suit with powers he can barely understand or control.A teacher is asked to be a superhero using a special alien suit with powers he can barely understand or control.
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
5.8K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,021
124
  • Creator
    • Stephen J. Cannell
  • Stars
    • William Katt
    • Connie Sellecca
    • Robert Culp
Top credits
  • Creator
    • Stephen J. Cannell
  • Stars
    • William Katt
    • Connie Sellecca
    • Robert Culp
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 81User reviews
    • 18Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys
      • 1 win & 8 nominations total

    Episodes44

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated

    Videos5

    The Greatest American Hero: Season Two
    Clip 2:00
    The Greatest American Hero: Season Two
    The Greatest American Hero: Season Two
    Clip 1:45
    The Greatest American Hero: Season Two
    The Greatest American Hero: Season Three
    Trailer 2:01
    The Greatest American Hero: Season Three
    The Greatest American Hero: Season One
    Trailer 3:11
    The Greatest American Hero: Season One
    The Greatest American Hero: Season 2
    Trailer 1:45
    The Greatest American Hero: Season 2

    Photos154

    William Katt in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    William Katt and Robert Culp in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    Dennis Lipscomb in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    Connie Sellecca in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    William Katt and Connie Sellecca in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    Connie Sellecca in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    William Katt in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    William Bogert in The Greatest American Hero (1981)
    William Katt in The Greatest American Hero (1981)

    Top cast

    Edit
    William Katt
    William Katt
    • Ralph Hinkleyas Ralph Hinkley
    44 episodes44 eps • 1981–1986
    Connie Sellecca
    Connie Sellecca
    • Pam Davidsonas Pam Davidson…
    44 episodes44 eps • 1981–1986
    Robert Culp
    Robert Culp
    • Bill Maxwellas Bill Maxwell
    44 episodes44 eps • 1981–1986
    Michael Paré
    Michael Paré
    • Tony Villicanaas Tony Villicana
    30 episodes30 eps • 1981–1983
    Faye Grant
    Faye Grant
    • Rhonda Blakeas Rhonda Blake
    28 episodes28 eps • 1981–1982
    Jesse D. Goins
    Jesse D. Goins
    • Cyler Johnsonas Cyler Johnson
    21 episodes21 eps • 1981–1983
    Don Cervantes
    • Paco Rodriguezas Paco Rodriguez
    20 episodes20 eps • 1981–1983
    William Bogert
    William Bogert
    • Les Carlisleas Les Carlisle…
    12 episodes12 eps • 1981–1983
    Paul Carafotes
    Paul Carafotes
    • Joeyas Joey…
    5 episodes5 eps • 1983
    Deborah Mays
    • Tammyas Tammy
    5 episodes5 eps • 1983
    Edward Michael Bell
    • Principal Knightas Principal Knight…
    4 episodes4 eps • 1981–1983
    Robert Weaver
    Robert Weaver
    • Coach Ray Buckas Coach Ray Buck
    4 episodes4 eps • 1981–1983
    Brandon Williams
    • Kevin Hinkleyas Kevin Hinkley
    4 episodes4 eps • 1981
    Glenn R. Wilder
    Glenn R. Wilder
    • Capt. Franklinas Capt. Franklin…
    4 episodes4 eps • 1981–1982
    James Whitmore Jr.
    • Byron Bigsbyas Byron Bigsby…
    3 episodes3 eps • 1981–1983
    Anthony Charnota
    • Mikeas Mike…
    3 episodes3 eps • 1981–1983
    Red West
    Red West
    • Charleyas Charley…
    3 episodes3 eps • 1981–1983
    Eugene Peterson
    • Clarence Carteras Clarence Carter…
    3 episodes3 eps • 1981–1983
    • Creator
      • Stephen J. Cannell
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      William Katt's real life mother, Barbara Hale, played Ralph's mother Paula Hinkley in a few episodes.
    • Quotes

      Pam Davidson: You go in there and you know what's going to happen? You're going to be sent away for so long, when you get out this suit's going to actually be in style.

    • Crazy credits
      Throughout the show's production, save for the original pilot, the copyright disclaimer toward the end of each episode's credits had an error, spelling the name of the United States as "THE UNTED STATES"
    • Alternate versions
      In 1986, three years after the series ended, a pilot film entitled "The Greatest American Heroine" was produced which reunited the original series cast. The pilot was not broadcast, so the film was reedited as an episode of "Greatest American Hero" (complete with original opening credits) for syndication. It was also included on the 2005 DVD release.
    • Connections
      Featured in I Love the '80s: 1981 (2002)

    User reviews81

    Review
    Top review
    Great show. Every episode was a winner. Culp & Katt perfect pair.
    This was one of my favorites. It had everything, drama, comedy, adventure and suspense.

    A space ship landed on earth and left a suit with special "super powers" for William Katt. Robert Culp, the "know it all secret agent", is sent by the government to control this great new weapon. With secrecy of the utmost importance, Culp couldn't even brag to his fellow agents about his fabulous assignment. Part of his job was to keep the suit out of the hands of foreign powers. Because of his "superior" training, he felt he should be allowed to use the suit himself. He constantly projected "senerios" on how it should work and how William Katt should use it. This was high-lighted, in one episode, with Culp trying to use the suit when Katt couldn't. He then learned that the suit was a one man suit.

    Katt was secretly proud of the job he did but his lack of confidence and fear of heights and flying caused problems. Though he was super, when wearing the suit, he couldn't keep from ducking bullets. If he lost his confidence while flying, he'd fall from the sky and crash into buildings.

    Connie Sellecca acted as referee when the two went at each others throats during disagreements.

    It's a great treat in my book. These are great actors with a great story line. Don't miss it.
    helpful•9
    0
    • trouble13
    • Jan 16, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 18, 1981 (United States)
    • Also known as
      • Titta, han flyger
    • Filming locations
      • Santa Clarita, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Stephen J. Cannell Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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