“The Six Million Dollar Man” is an American science fiction and action television series that aired from 1973 to 1978. The show follows the story of a former astronaut, USAF Colonel Steve Austin, who is portrayed by Lee Majors. After Austin is involved in a NASA test flight accident, he is rebuilt with bionic implants that give him superhuman strength, speed, and vision. With his new abilities, Austin works as a secret agent for the OSI (Office of Scientific Intelligence) to fight crime and protect the country.
The show was a huge success and became a cultural phenomenon, with many viewers tuning in every week to watch Austin take on new missions and villains. The character of Steve Austin was a symbol of strength and resilience, and his bionic implants were a testament to the power of technology. The show also spawned a spin-off series, “The Bionic Woman,” which followed the story of a female character with similar bionic implants.
Despite its popularity, the show faced some criticism for its portrayal of violence and its use of special effects. However, it remains a beloved classic of the science fiction genre and has influenced many other works of fiction and pop culture. Overall, “The Six Million Dollar Man” is a groundbreaking series that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling action, memorable characters, and futuristic technology.
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Main Characters
Steve Austin
Steve Austin, portrayed by Lee Majors, is the main character of “The Six Million Dollar Man” TV series. He is a former astronaut and test pilot who suffered a near-fatal accident and was rebuilt with bionic limbs and implants, giving him superhuman strength, speed, and agility. Steve works for the OSI (Office of Scientific Intelligence) as a secret agent, using his bionic abilities to complete missions and fight crime. He is known for his bravery, quick thinking, and resourcefulness.
Rudy Wells
Dr. Rudy Wells, played by Martin E. Brooks, is the scientist responsible for creating and maintaining Steve’s bionic implants. He is a brilliant and dedicated physician who is always looking for ways to improve Steve’s abilities and keep him functioning at peak performance. Rudy is also a friend and mentor to Steve, providing him with guidance and support both on and off the job.
Oscar Goldman
Oscar Goldman, portrayed by Richard Anderson, is the director of the OSI and Steve’s boss. He is a shrewd and pragmatic leader who is always looking for ways to protect national security and advance the interests of the United States. Oscar is initially skeptical of Steve’s abilities, but he comes to respect and admire him over time, forming a close bond with both Steve and his fellow bionic agent, Jaime Sommers.
Overall, the main characters of “The Six Million Dollar Man” are complex and well-developed, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Their interactions and relationships form the heart of the show, providing viewers with a compelling and engaging story that keeps them coming back for more.
Plot and Themes
Bionic Limbs
The Six Million Dollar Man follows the story of astronaut Steve Austin, who is severely injured in a crash while testing an experimental aircraft. To save his life, the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) rebuilds him using bionic limbs and implants, giving him superhuman strength, speed and vision. The show explores the theme of what it means to be human, and how technology can enhance and change our abilities.
The bionic limbs and eye are a central part of the show’s plot, with Austin using his newfound abilities to complete dangerous missions and save lives. The show’s use of technology was ahead of its time, and it paved the way for other sci-fi shows that explore the relationship between humans and technology.
Secret Agent
After his transformation, Steve Austin becomes a secret agent for the OSI, using his bionic abilities to complete dangerous missions and fight crime. The show explores themes of espionage, patriotism and loyalty, as Austin uses his skills to protect his country and its citizens.
The Six Million Dollar Man was a groundbreaking show for its time, featuring action-packed episodes that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The show’s popularity led to a spin-off series, The Bionic Woman, which followed the adventures of another bionic hero.
Overall, The Six Million Dollar Man was a trailblazing show that explored the relationship between humans and technology, and the ways in which it can enhance and change our lives. Its themes of action, adventure and patriotism continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a classic of the sci-fi genre.
Episodes and Seasons
Pilot Movies
The Six Million Dollar Man began with three pilot movies that aired in 1973. These movies introduced the character of Steve Austin, played by Lee Majors, a former astronaut who is severely injured in a crash and rebuilt with bionic limbs and implants. The three pilot movies are titled “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Wine, Women and War,” and “The Solid Gold Kidnapping.”
Season Breakdown
The Six Million Dollar Man ran for five seasons from 1974 to 1978 and consisted of a total of 100 episodes. The show also had several television movies that aired after the series ended.
- Season 1: The first season consisted of 13 episodes that aired from January to May 1974. The season introduced the character of Steve Austin and his bionic abilities.
- Pilot Movies: The three pilot movies were edited and aired as the first three episodes of the first season.
- Season 2: The second season consisted of 22 episodes that aired from September 1974 to March 1975. This season introduced the character of Jaime Sommers, played by Lindsay Wagner, who becomes the Bionic Woman in a two-part episode.
- Season 3: The third season consisted of 22 episodes that aired from September 1975 to May 1976. This season featured several notable episodes, including a two-part episode titled “The Bionic Criminals” and a crossover episode with The Bionic Woman titled “Kill Oscar.”
- Season 4: The fourth season consisted of 22 episodes that aired from September 1976 to May 1977. This season featured another crossover episode with The Bionic Woman titled “Kill Oscar: Part II.”
- Season 5: The fifth and final season consisted of 21 episodes that aired from September 1977 to May 1978. This season featured the final appearance of Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers and the introduction of a new character named Chris Williams, played by Janet Julian.
Overall, The Six Million Dollar Man was a popular show that helped to define the sci-fi/action genre of the 1970s. The show’s unique premise and iconic character have made it a beloved classic that continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans today.
Spin-Offs and Crossovers
“The Six Million Dollar Man” was a popular TV show that aired from 1974 to 1978. It was so successful that it spawned several spin-offs and crossovers. One of the most popular spin-offs was “The Bionic Woman,” which aired from 1976 to 1978. It starred Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers, a former tennis pro who was given bionic implants after a skydiving accident. The show was a hit with audiences and ran for three seasons.
The success of “The Bionic Woman” led to several crossovers with “The Six Million Dollar Man.” In fact, the character of Jaime Sommers was first introduced in a two-part episode of “The Six Million Dollar Man” titled “The Bionic Woman.” The episode was so popular that it led to a spin-off series.
Another crossover episode was “The Return of the Bionic Woman,” which aired in 1975. In this episode, Steve Austin (played by Lee Majors) is reunited with Jaime Sommers (played by Lindsay Wagner) after she is brought back to life with bionic implants. The episode was a hit with audiences and led to the creation of “The Bionic Woman” spin-off series.
In 1987, a made-for-TV movie titled “Bionic Ever After?” aired. The movie was a crossover between “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Bionic Woman.” In the movie, Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers get married and face a new threat to their bionic powers. The movie was a ratings success and gave fans of both shows a chance to see their favorite characters together again.
Overall, the spin-offs and crossovers of “The Six Million Dollar Man” were a testament to the show’s popularity and enduring appeal. They allowed fans to see their favorite characters in new and exciting situations, and helped to keep the franchise fresh and relevant for years to come.
Viewing Options
For those who want to watch “The Six Million Dollar Man,” there are various viewing options available. One can buy or rent the series from online retailers such as Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes. The prices for buying the series range from $14.99 to $24.99, while renting costs around $1.99 per episode.
Another option is to stream the series online. The show is available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. One can watch all five seasons of “The Six Million Dollar Man” on Peacock Premium, which costs $4.99 per month with ads or $9.99 per month without ads. Peacock is available in the United States, but it may not be available in all territories.
For those who prefer to watch the show on traditional television, “The Six Million Dollar Man” can be found on various cable networks, including MeTV and Cozi TV. However, the show’s availability on these networks may vary depending on the viewer’s location.
Overall, there are multiple options available for viewers who want to watch “The Six Million Dollar Man.” Whether one wants to buy, rent, or stream the series, there are various platforms and services available to suit their needs.
Legacy and Influence
The Six Million Dollar Man was a groundbreaking television show that premiered in 1974 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show, which featured a bionic man with superhuman strength and abilities, captured the imagination of viewers around the world and had a lasting impact on popular culture.
The show’s legacy can be seen in its influence on subsequent science-fiction and action television shows and movies, such as The Bionic Woman, Robocop, and Iron Man. The concept of a human being enhanced with technological implants has become a staple of the genre.
The show also had an impact on the way that television dramas were produced. The Six Million Dollar Man was one of the first shows to use slow-motion effects and other visual techniques to enhance the action on screen. The use of these techniques has become common in many action-oriented television shows and movies.
The Six Million Dollar Man also had a significant impact on crime-fighting and law enforcement. The show’s portrayal of a bionic man who could perform superhuman feats inspired many real-life researchers and scientists to investigate the possibilities of using technology to enhance human abilities.
The show’s cast, led by Lee Majors in the title role of Steve Austin, became iconic figures in popular culture. Richard Anderson and Martin E. Brooks also had lead roles in the series. The show’s success also led to several made-for-TV movies and spin-off series.
Overall, the legacy of The Six Million Dollar Man is one of innovation, inspiration, and influence. The show’s impact on popular culture and the entertainment industry is still felt today, nearly 50 years after it first premiered.
