Made AI-car buddy action a global export and Hasselhoff a binational star.
Why it matters
Episode guide
84 episodes across 4 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.
At a glance
A crime fighter, a semi, and KITT — the artificially intelligent Trans Am that was the real co-lead. NBC's Knight Rider (1982–1986), from Glen A. Larson, made David Hasselhoff's Michael Knight a windshield star while William Daniels voiced the car that out-acted half of prime time. Turbo boosts, moral missions, and scarf-adjacent hair defined Friday-night science fantasy. It was buddy-cop TV where the buddy had a scanner bar. Kit, I need you — still a prayer at red lights.
Network & studio
- NBC — broadcast network
Why watch now
The purest high-concept 1980s action toy — Hasselhoff and KITT chemistry is the whole meal. Glorious sincerity, excellent car.
Cultural impact
Knight Rider made a talking car a franchise and cemented Hasselhoff as a transnational TV star. KITT remains one of the medium's greatest non-human characters. Later reboots keep failing upward toward the original's charm.
Creators
Glen A. Larson
Key cast
- David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight
- William Daniels as KITT (voice)
- Edward Mulhare as Devon Miles
Flash facts
- NBC series created by Glen A. Larson; aired 1982–1986.
- Starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight.
- KITT, the AI car, was voiced by William Daniels.
- Premise: a high-tech crime-fighting partnership funded by a foundation.
- Famous for turbo boost jumps and the red scanner bar.
FAQ
Who starred in Knight Rider?
David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight.
Who voiced KITT?
William Daniels.
When did it air?
On NBC from 1982 to 1986.
What is KITT?
Knight Industries' artificially intelligent supercar and Michael's partner.
Official & further reading
External sites for further reading — TV Flash is not affiliated with these networks or studios.
Back to the decade
More from the 1980s — Glitz, Soaps & Nighttime Neon. All shows.
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