Jason King (1971)
The original hip international playboy — suave, stylish, and always one step ahead of danger.
Jason King - Series Information
- Original Title: Jason King
- First Air Year: 1971
- Last Air Year: 1972
- Created by: Dennis Spooner, Monty Berman
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 15, 1971 (United States - NR), September 15, 1971 (Germany - 12), September 15, 1971 (France - 12), September 15, 1971 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Le Mystérieux Jason King (CA)
- Production Companies: Scoton, ITC Entertainment
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Jason King - Plot
Jason King — a suavely sophisticated former secret agent turned novelist — travels the world searching for material to fill his books, encountering an endless parade of glamorous women, exotic locales, menacing villains and daring intrigue! Before Austin Powers swung into action, Jason King set the standard for the hip crime-fighting international playboy!
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Jason King - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dennis Spooner
- Monty Berman
Main Cast
- Peter Wyngarde
- Ronald Lacey
- Clifford Evans
- Toby Robins
- Richard Marner
- Madeline Smith
- Clinton Greyn
- John Hallam
- Dennis Price
- Lee Patterson
Writers
- Donald James
- Tony Williamson
- Dennis Spooner
- Gerald Kelsey
- Robert Banks Stewart
Jason King - FAQs
Who is Jason King and what makes him unique?
Jason King is a flamboyantly dressed, brilliantly witty former secret agent who reinvented himself as a bestselling novelist. Played with irresistible panache by Peter Wyngarde, he globe-trots in search of story material, stumbling into genuine danger along the way — equal parts charming rogue and surprisingly capable hero.
Is Jason King the inspiration behind Austin Powers?
Jason King is widely cited as a key inspiration for Austin Powers. Peter Wyngarde's extravagant wardrobe, outrageous moustache, and self-satisfied wit clearly influenced Mike Myers' creation. The show predates Austin Powers by over two decades, establishing the template for the flamboyant, irresistible international playboy long before Myers sent it up.
Where can you watch Jason King today?
Streaming availability for Jason King varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any subscription, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series. Physical media releases have also made the show accessible to dedicated collectors of classic British television.
Who played Jason King and how was the character created?
Peter Wyngarde brought Jason King to life, having first played the character in the spy series Department S. The character proved so popular that creators Dennis Spooner and Monty Berman spun him off into his own series in 1971, letting Wyngarde's magnetic screen presence carry an entire show on its own.
How was Jason King received by critics and audiences?
Jason King earned a devoted following for its playful tone, lavish production values, and Wyngarde's magnetic central performance. Critics noted its self-aware campiness as a deliberate strength rather than a flaw. It remains fondly regarded as one of ITC Entertainment's most distinctive and stylistically bold productions of the early 1970s.
Is Jason King based on a true story or real person?
Jason King is a fictional character, though his archetype — the debonair, globe-trotting British adventurer — draws on the broader cultural mythology of the 1960s spy boom. The character first appeared in Department S before earning his own series, making him a product of television invention rather than real-world biography.
What are some shows similar to Jason King?
Fans of Jason King tend to enjoy The Avengers, Danger Man, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. — all stylish, wit-driven spy adventures from the same golden era of British and international television. The New Avengers and La Femme Nikita offer a slightly later take on the same blend of action, glamour, and intrigue.
How many episodes does Jason King have in total?
Jason King ran for a single season of 26 episodes, airing on ITV1 between 1971 and 1972. While the run was relatively brief, the show packed in a remarkable variety of exotic locations and colourful plots, giving Peter Wyngarde ample room to make the character an enduring icon of early 1970s British television.
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