Automan (1983)
Glen A. Larson's short-lived but fondly remembered sci-fi superhero series that brought a glowing holographic crime-fighter to ABC in the early 1980s.
Automan - Series Information
- Original Title: Automan
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 1984
- Created by: Glen A. Larson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 15, 1983 (Brazil - 10), December 15, 1983 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Glen A. Larson Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, The Kushner-Locke Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
Automan - Plot
Automan is an American science fiction superhero television series produced by Glen A. Larson. It aired for only 12 episodes on ABC between 1983 and 1984.
Automan - Trailer
See the holographic hero in action with this look at the series:
Where to Watch Automan
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Automan - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Glen A. Larson
Main Cast
- Desi Arnaz Jr.
- Chuck Wagner
- Heather McNair
- Gerald S. O'Loughlin
- Robert Lansing
- Tom Everett
- Branscombe Richmond
- Hari Rhodes
- Michael Gregory
- Bart Braverman
Writers
- Sam Egan
- Larry Brody
- Glen A. Larson
- Bruce Kalish
- David Garber
Automan - FAQs
Who created the TV series Automan?
Automan was created by Glen A. Larson, the prolific television producer behind other beloved 1980s genre hits such as Knight Rider and Battlestar Galactica. Larson also served as a writer on the series and produced it through his own Glen A. Larson Productions banner.
What is Automan about?
Automan follows Walter Nebicher, a nerdy police computer programmer played by Desi Arnaz Jr., who creates a holographic superhero called Automan. Together they fight crime in ways the regular police force cannot. The show blends science fiction, action, and light comedy in a distinctly 1980s style.
Who stars in Automan?
The series stars Desi Arnaz Jr. as Walter Nebicher and Chuck Wagner as the holographic hero Automan. The supporting cast includes Heather McNair, Gerald S. O'Loughlin, Robert Lansing, Tom Everett, Branscombe Richmond, Hari Rhodes, Michael Gregory, and Bart Braverman.
How many episodes does Automan have?
Automan ran for 13 episodes across its single season, airing on ABC between December 1983 and 1984. Despite its short run, the show developed a cult following among fans of 1980s science fiction and superhero television.
Why was Automan cancelled after one season?
Automan struggled with low ratings during its ABC run and faced stiff competition in its timeslot. The high production costs associated with its ambitious special effects — particularly the glowing light-suit visuals — made renewal difficult to justify, and ABC chose not to commission a second season.
Where can you watch Automan today?
Streaming availability for Automan varies by region. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across platforms including rental, purchase, and streaming services. Availability can change, so checking regularly is recommended for the most up-to-date options.
Is Automan similar to TRON or Knight Rider?
Very much so. Automan drew clear visual and thematic inspiration from Disney's TRON (1982), featuring a glowing computer-generated hero navigating the real world. Its crime-fighting premise and buddy dynamic also echo Knight Rider, another Glen A. Larson creation from the same era.
When did Automan first air on television?
Automan premiered on December 15, 1983, on ABC. The series ran through 1984 before being cancelled. It remains a fondly remembered curiosity of early 1980s genre television, celebrated for its ambitious visual effects and its cheerful blend of sci-fi and action-comedy.
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