MacGyver (1985)
The iconic ABC action-adventure series where secret agent Angus MacGyver outwits danger using science, ingenuity, and whatever happens to be nearby.
MacGyver - Series Information
- Original Title: MacGyver
- First Air Year: 1985
- Last Air Year: 1992
- Created by: Lee David Zlotoff
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 139
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 29, 1985 (United States - TV-PG), September 29, 1985 (Canada - PG), September 29, 1985 (Germany - 12), September 29, 1985 (France - 12), September 29, 1985 (India - U), September 29, 1985 (Australia - PG), September 29, 1985 (Brazil - 14), September 29, 1985 (Mexico - B), September 29, 1985 (Spain - 13), September 29, 1985 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Profissão: Perigo (BR)
- Production Companies: Paramount Television, Henry Winkler/John Rich Productions, Columbia TriStar Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
MacGyver - Plot
He's everyone's favorite action hero... but he's a hero with a difference. Angus MacGyver is a secret agent whose wits are his deadliest weapon. Armed with only a knapsack filled with everyday items he picks up along the way, he improvises his way out of every peril the bad guys throw at him. Making a bomb out of chewing gum? Fixing a speeding car's breaks... while he's riding in it? Using soda pop to cook up tear gas? That's all in a day's adventures for MacGyver. He's part Boy Scout, part genius. And all hero.
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MacGyver - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lee David Zlotoff
Main Cast
- Richard Dean Anderson
- Dana Elcar
- Bruce McGill
- Elyssa Davalos
- Robin Mossley
- Susan Chapple
- Michael Des Barres
- Teri Hatcher
- Kevin Hayes
- John Anderson
Writers
- John Sheppard
- Rick Drew
- Paul B. Margolis
- Marianne Clarkson
- Stephen Kandel
Executive Producers
- John Rich
- Henry Winkler
- Stephen Downing
- Jerrold L. Ludwig
MacGyver - FAQs
Where can you stream MacGyver (1985)?
MacGyver (1985) is available to stream on Paramount Plus (Essential and Premium tiers), as well as through the Paramount+ channels on Amazon, Apple TV, and Roku. It can also be watched for free with ads on Tubi TV, or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
What is MacGyver (1985) about?
MacGyver follows Angus MacGyver, a resourceful secret agent who refuses to carry a gun and instead relies on scientific knowledge and everyday objects to escape danger. From defusing bombs with chewing gum to improvising tear gas from soda pop, his ingenuity is his greatest weapon across seven seasons of globe-trotting adventures.
Did MacGyver inspire the word 'macgyver' in dictionaries?
Yes. The series was so culturally influential that the verb 'macgyver' — meaning to improvise a solution using whatever materials are at hand — entered common usage and has been recognized in several English-language dictionaries, cementing the show's lasting legacy in popular culture.
Who are the main actors in MacGyver (1985)?
Richard Dean Anderson stars as Angus MacGyver, with Dana Elcar as his boss Pete Thornton and Bruce McGill as the roguish Jack Dalton. Other notable cast members include Michael Des Barres as the recurring villain Murdoc and Teri Hatcher in a recurring role as Penny Parker.
How many seasons and episodes does MacGyver have?
The original MacGyver ran for 7 seasons and 139 episodes on ABC, airing from September 29, 1985 to May 21, 1992. Season lengths ranged from 14 to 22 episodes, and the series also includes a specials season featuring 5 additional episodes.
Is MacGyver (1985) based on a true story?
No, MacGyver is a fictional character created by Lee David Zlotoff. However, the science behind many of MacGyver's improvised solutions was vetted for plausibility, lending the show a grounded, realistic feel. Some of the MacGyverisms were inspired by real scientific principles, though viewers were advised not to attempt them at home.
What is the content rating for MacGyver (1985)?
MacGyver (1985) carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, reflecting its action-adventure tone that is generally suitable for older children and families. The series features perilous situations and mild violence but avoids graphic content, making it one of the more family-friendly action dramas of its era.
What shows are similar to MacGyver (1985)?
Fans of MacGyver often enjoy other classic action-adventure series such as The A-Team (1983), Knight Rider (1982), Airwolf (1984), and Quantum Leap (1989). The 2016 reboot MacGyver is also a natural next watch, updating the premise for a contemporary audience while honoring the spirit of the original.
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