The Hitchhiker (1983)
A shadowy drifter guides viewers into dark, unsettling tales in this provocative cable anthology series that ran from 1983 to 1991.
The Hitchhiker - Series Information
- Original Title: The Hitchhiker
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: Lewis Chesler, Richard Rothstein et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 85
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- First Air Date: November 23, 1983 (Germany - 16), November 23, 1983 (France - 16), November 23, 1983 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: HBO, USA Network
- Alternative Titles: Deadly Nightmares (US)
- Production Countries: France
The Hitchhiker - Plot
A young hitchhiker introduces characters who are about to experience a frightening and sometimes supernatural incident of some kind in this moody anthology series.
The Hitchhiker - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lewis Chesler
- Richard Rothstein
- Riff Markowitz
Main Cast
- Page Fletcher
- Nicholas Campbell
- Garwin Sanford
- Shannon Tweed
- Lawrence Bayne
- Kirstie Alley
- Jill Hennessy
- Stephen McHattie
- Krista Bridges
- Garry Chalk
Writers
- Thomas Baum
- Marjorie David
- Gerry Davis
- Bruce Jones
- Rebecca Taylor
The Hitchhiker - FAQs
What is The Hitchhiker about?
The Hitchhiker is an anthology series in which a mysterious young drifter serves as narrator and guide, introducing standalone stories involving ordinary people who find themselves drawn into frightening, morally charged, and often supernatural situations. Each self-contained episode explores dark themes of crime, desire, and the unknown.
Who plays The Hitchhiker in the series?
The enigmatic title character was portrayed by Page Fletcher for the majority of the series' run. Nicholas Campbell also took on the role of The Hitchhiker in select episodes, giving the recurring narrator figure a slightly different presence across the show's four seasons.
Did The Hitchhiker feature any notable guest stars?
Yes. The anthology format allowed the series to attract a wide range of recognizable talent. Notable guest performers across its 85 episodes include Shannon Tweed, Kirstie Alley, Jill Hennessy, and Stephen McHattie, among many others who appeared in individual standalone stories.
How many seasons and episodes does The Hitchhiker have?
The Hitchhiker ran for four seasons and a total of 85 episodes. Season 1 contained 26 episodes, Season 2 had 13, Season 3 returned with 26, and Season 4 concluded the series with 20 episodes. The show aired from 1983 to 1991.
When did The Hitchhiker first air?
The Hitchhiker first aired on November 23, 1983. The series debuted on HBO before later episodes also aired on USA Network, giving the anthology thriller a broad cable television audience throughout its eight-year run.
What network aired The Hitchhiker?
The Hitchhiker originally aired on HBO and later on USA Network. Its HBO origins gave it a more adult, boundary-pushing tone compared to broadcast television anthologies of the same era, allowing for mature themes and content not typically seen on network TV.
Is The Hitchhiker similar to The Twilight Zone?
The Hitchhiker shares DNA with classic anthology series like The Twilight Zone, using a recurring narrator to frame standalone morality tales with dark or supernatural twists. Similar shows in the genre include Murder in Mind, Cruel Summer, and The Dick Powell Show, which also relied on self-contained dramatic storytelling.
Who created The Hitchhiker series?
The Hitchhiker was created by Lewis Chesler, Richard Rothstein, and Riff Markowitz. The series was a French-American co-production, reflected in its bilingual spoken languages — English and French — and its production country listing of France.
More About The Hitchhiker
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