The Bionic Woman

Proved a female-led super-science spin-off could stand alone in ratings and merch.

Why it matters

Episode guide

58 episodes across 3 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.

At a glance

Jaime Sommers — tennis pro, bionic rebuild, federal agent — flipped the Six Million Dollar template with Lindsay Wagner's warmth and steel. The Bionic Woman (ABC/NBC, 1976–1978) spun out after Jaime's introduction opposite Steve Austin and ran on ear-whistle action and quieter character beats. Network hopping didn't dim the brand for kids of the era. Wagner won Emmy recognition; the character became a feminist action figure in slow-mo. Better. Stronger. Faster. Her turn.

Network & studio

• ABC — broadcast network
• NBC — broadcast network
• American Broadcasting Company — production studio

Why watch now

Wagner's star turn and the rare female-led network action hit of the 1970s. Bionic franchise essential, not optional side dish.

Cultural impact

The Bionic Woman proved a woman could anchor a prime-time action franchise and made Lindsay Wagner an icon. It expanded the bionics mythos beyond Steve Austin. The character remains a touchstone in discussions of women in TV action.

Creators

Kenneth Johnson

Key cast

• Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers
• Richard Anderson as Oscar Goldman
• Martin E. Brooks as Dr. Rudy Wells
• Lee Majors as Steve Austin

Flash facts

• Spin-off of The Six Million Dollar Man featuring Jaime Sommers; aired 1976–1978.
• Starred Lindsay Wagner, who won Emmy recognition for the role.
• Aired across ABC and NBC during its run.
• Richard Anderson's Oscar Goldman continued as a connecting franchise figure.
• Used the parent show's signature slow-motion bionic action language.

FAQ

Back to the decade

More from the 1970s — Relevance Goes Prime Time. All shows.