The Greatest American Hero

1981

Seasons & Episodes

  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0

7.3| 0h30m| TV-14| en
Synopsis

The chronicles of  teacher Ralph Hinkley's adventures after a group of aliens gives him a red suit that gives him superhuman abilities. Unfortunately, Ralph, who hates wearing the suit, immediately loses its instruction booklet, and thus has to learn how to use its powers by trial and error, often with comical results.

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Trailers & Clips

Reviews

Titreenp SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
SeeQuant Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction
Sienna-Rose Mclaughlin The movie really just wants to entertain people.
Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
jonandshellie Is there any wonder why television programming in the 1980's was so diverse, imaginative, and richly entertaining as opposed to the relentless carbon copy cop drama/forensic expert/new age sitcom shows that populate every inch of network television nowadays? "The Greatest American Hero" is an example of a show that thrived and entertained nearly 30 years ago, but wouldn't even get a look from network execs if the idea were presented to them now. "The Greatest American Hero" is part of the same bygone era of television that produced other nearly-forgotten classics like "The A-Team", "Simon & Simon", "Cheers", "Dallas", "The Dukes of Hazzard", "Miami Vice", "Night Court", "Murder, She Wrote", and "Family Ties" for example. The shows were charming, fresh, and full of life and did not dwell on negative story lines, over-charged sexuality, or dreary blue-tinted film-making. Sure the shows were corny and sometimes even unrealistic, but they never failed to entertain and they were all family-friendly which is something you CAN NOT say about just about any show on TV nowadays, cable or network. Hell, up until about a year ago, you couldn't even watch wrestling with your children without having to have them turn their heads to avoid seeing a near-pornographic scene ensue in the ring or some scantily clad woman parading around in tiny underwear that would make even Hugh Hefner blush.This is one of the reasons I love "The Greatest American Hero" so much. It was an imaginative show that had a story (not quite unique or original since it borrowed from several DC comics story lines including The Green Lantern) that was not required to be linear in any way and they could introduce a fresh program each week that was established and easily wrapped up in the hour time slot. The acting was great and the writing was (most of the time) adequate. Like a fine wine, this show has gotten better with age, and as the generation x'ers who watched this show as children and young adults begin to grow into adulthood and approach middle-age, they begin to want to experience the shows of their youth once more and share those joys with their children, exposing a whole new generation to programming that was fast paced and wildly entertaining - thus giving the show a second or even a third life beyond its initial run."The Greatest American Hero" is 1980's prime time programming at its vivid best and is a great example of an hour-long program from the era that adults and kids alike will enjoy and is family-friendly enough to appease even the most protective of parents.
craigclay Other than the red suite and the curly blonde hair, all I remember was that he couldn't land to save his life and every time was a wipe out. The girls at school used to call me "Ralph" due to my curly hair thus you see the popularity of the show with 5th graders.I was 10 years old when this came out and watched every episode yet I can't remember the plot of a single one. I believe it was on during the Friday night line-up, somewhere around Fantasy Island and Loveboat.The theme song was a huge hit. To this day, it comes to me now and again for now apparent reason.This was a great 80's show and a lot of fun. Defintitely one of the top memorable shows (conceptually anyway) of the 80's.
J J Brannon The most prominent clue is that Bill Maxwell is playing a turn on his "I Spy" Kelly Robinson fifteen years down a dead-end road, where his Cold War battles have apparently led him to be mired in eroded ruts.The very opening sequence implies the murder of his long-time black partner.In fact, the entire series -- from the pilot movie -- onward is a witty investigation of the uses and abuses of power, from the roles and capabilities of women (contrast/compare Connie Sellaca's attorney with Rhonda's confused teenager struggling for esteem) to the limits of American adventurism against the continuing threats of the Cold war. Here is a man of conscience chosen by Higher Powers to right wrong who struggles to be a decent father, lover, friend, and inspire kids by his "ordinary" example.My favorite episode is "Lilacs, Mr. Maxwell", where Emmy-winning writer Robert Culp reveals in the Season 2 finale the depths and intelligence of the Bill Maxwell character.Cannell wrote the pilot in an atmosphere of the Iran US Embassy hostage situation and a cultural dearth of idealism. Many viewers saw the red suit comedy and missed the morally ambiguous complexity lying beneath.
michaelf95 One of the most under-rated TV shows of all time. I keep hearing rumors about a new movie version. It seems to be in the early days of planning. The old series is now out on DVD (thank ya Lord...). Been waiting' for that for a long time...Here is my take on who would be great in the new movie version:Ralp: Steve Zahn. Bill: Billy Bob Thorton. Pam: Jennifer Conelly.The series only ran from 81-83 and I guess there was a great deal of tension between Cannell and ABC over the creative direction. But Cannell thankfully won and though the series was too short, what was aired is fantastic!If you've never seen the old series pick up or rent the DVD! Holds up very well despite being 25 years old...