The Amazing Spider-Man (1978)
The groundbreaking first live-action Spider-Man series, swinging onto CBS screens in 1978 with Nicholas Hammond as the iconic web-slinger.
The Amazing Spider-Man - Series Information
- Original Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: Homem Aranha (BR), The Amazing Spider-Man (US), Spider-man (ES)
- Production Companies: Danchuk Productions, Charles Fries Productions, Dan Goodman Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Amazing Spider-Man - Plot
The first live-action TV series based on the popular comic book.
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The Amazing Spider-Man - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Nicholas Hammond
- Robert F. Simon
- Chip Fields
- Ellen Bry
- Michael Pataki
- Benson Fong
- Robert Alda
- Richard Erdman
- Randy Powell
- Ted Danson
Executive Producers
- Charles W. Fries
- Daniel R. Goodman
The Amazing Spider-Man - FAQs
Was The Amazing Spider-Man the first live-action Spider-Man series?
Yes, the 1978 CBS series holds the distinction of being the very first live-action Spider-Man television production. It predates all later film and TV adaptations, making it a genuine milestone in superhero entertainment history and a fascinating artifact of late-1970s network television.
Who played Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man?
Nicholas Hammond took on the role of Peter Parker, the mild-mannered photographer who moonlights as the wall-crawling superhero. Hammond brought a grounded, earnest quality to the character that suited the grittier, more realistic tone the CBS production aimed for compared to the comic book source material.
Why was The Amazing Spider-Man cancelled after two seasons?
CBS cancelled the series after just 13 episodes across two seasons, reportedly due to network concerns about an oversaturation of superhero programming. The network was simultaneously airing The Incredible Hulk and Wonder Woman, and executives felt the superhero genre was crowding their schedule too heavily.
Where can you watch The Amazing Spider-Man 1978 series?
Streaming availability for this classic CBS series is limited and varies by region. Your best option is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across all major platforms, including any digital rental or purchase options that may be available in your country.
Is The Amazing Spider-Man based on the Marvel comics?
The series is directly adapted from Marvel's iconic Spider-Man comic books, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. While it retains core elements like Peter Parker's dual identity and his Daily Bugle connections, the show streamlined the mythology to fit the constraints of late-1970s network television production.
How many episodes does The Amazing Spider-Man have?
The series ran for 13 episodes in total across its two seasons on CBS. Season 1 comprised 5 episodes, while Season 2 expanded to 8 episodes before the network pulled the plug. Several episodes were later edited into TV movies for international broadcast, extending the show's reach abroad.
Did Ted Danson appear in The Amazing Spider-Man?
Yes, a young Ted Danson appeared in the series years before his career-defining role in Cheers. He played Major Collings in a guest capacity, making The Amazing Spider-Man one of the earliest television credits for the actor who would go on to become one of America's most beloved TV stars.
What shows are similar to The Amazing Spider-Man 1978?
Fans of this classic superhero series often enjoy Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man, the animated Spider-Man series from 1981, and Iron Man from 1994. For live-action superhero nostalgia, The Incredible Hulk and Wonder Woman from the same era share a very similar tone, style, and network television sensibility.
More About The Amazing Spider-Man
Explore further details about this classic series through these authoritative sources.