Knight Rider is heading for the big screen. In August 2025, TheWrap and The Hollywood Reporter reported that the Cobra Kai team of Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg were in early talks to write, direct and produce a Knight Rider film for Universal Pictures, with David Leitch's 87North among the producers. No cast or release date has been confirmed yet.
Here is the story of the NBC hit that made a talking Pontiac Trans Am the coolest co-star on 80s television. For more classic shows, browse our TV series collection.
Knight Rider Fact File
| Aired | 26 September 1982 - 4 April 1986 |
|---|---|
| Created by | Glen A. Larson |
| Network / Studio | NBC; Glen A. Larson Productions and Universal Television |
| Main cast | David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Patricia McPherson, Rebecca Holden, Peter Parros, William Daniels (voice of KITT) |
| Seasons / episodes | 4 seasons, 90 episodes |
| Setting | Across the United States, with Michael and KITT working for the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) |
| Signature item | KITT, a customised 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a red scanner light |
Seasons
| Season | Year | Episodes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1982-1983 | 22 episodes. Pilot Knight of the Phoenix introduces Michael and KITT |
| 2 | 1983-1984 | 24 episodes. Rebecca Holden joins as technician April Curtis |
| 3 | 1984-1985 | 22 episodes. Patricia McPherson returns as Bonnie Barstow; KITT gets a restyled look |
| 4 | 1985-1986 | 22 episodes. Peter Parros joins as RC3; the finale airs on 4 April 1986 |
Episode counts follow the original NBC run of 90 episodes, with the pilot counted in season one.
How It Began
Glen A. Larson, the producer behind Battlestar Galactica and Magnum, P.I., described his idea as a Lone Ranger story with a car. In the pilot, a wounded detective is given a new face and identity by dying billionaire Wilton Knight (Richard Basehart) and becomes Michael Knight. KITT's red scanner nodded to Larson's Cylons.
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The Hoff and the Car
David Hasselhoff became a household name as Michael Knight, but the real scene-stealer was KITT, the Knight Industries Two Thousand. William Daniels gave the car a dry, warm personality and asked not to be credited so the car would keep its mystery. Edward Mulhare's Devon Miles ran FLAG, while the truck Goliath and KITT's evil twin KARR were the best foes.
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Peak Years and Pop Culture
Across four seasons the show turned the black Trans Am into one of the most famous cars on television. Toys and T-shirts followed. Stu Phillips' synth theme took on a life of its own, later sampled by hip-hop artists and, in 2005, honoured by BMI as one of the most downloaded ringtones.
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Spin-offs, Revivals and What's Next
Hasselhoff, Mulhare and Daniels reunited for the NBC TV film Knight Rider 2000 (1991), which introduced the Knight 4000. The syndicated Team Knight Rider ran for one season in 1997-1998, and NBC revived the format in 2008 with Justin Bruening and a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR voiced by Val Kilmer, running for 17 episodes. Now the Universal film is in development.
Achievements
Awards and Recognition
- Primetime Emmy nomination (1983) for Outstanding Film Sound Editing for a Series
- BMI award (2005) for Stu Phillips' theme as one of the most downloaded ringtones
Legacy
- 90 episodes across four NBC seasons
- Four further screen outings: Knight Rider 2000, Knight Rider 2010, Team Knight Rider and the 2008 series
- A Universal feature film in development (reported 2025)
Behind the Scenes
KITT began as a production Pontiac Trans Am, with roughly four cars in use at a time; from season three, customiser George Barris restyled them. A car with a hidden right-hand driving position made KITT appear to drive itself. Daniels and Hasselhoff never recorded together and first met at a Christmas party after the show became a hit.
FAQs
How many seasons of Knight Rider are there?
The original Knight Rider ran for four seasons and 90 episodes on NBC, from 26 September 1982 to 4 April 1986.
What car was KITT in Knight Rider?
KITT was a customised 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. In the 2008 revival, KITT became a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR.
Who was the voice of KITT?
William Daniels voiced KITT throughout the original series, uncredited at his own request. Val Kilmer voiced the 2008 version.
Who created Knight Rider?
Glen A. Larson created the series, produced by Glen A. Larson Productions with Universal Television.
Is there a new Knight Rider film?
One is in development: in August 2025 the Cobra Kai creators were reported to be in early talks to make it for Universal Pictures. No release date has been announced.
Shop the Knight Rider Collection
Our Knight Rider range features fan-made tribute designs, printed to order in the UK.
Find more classic shows in our TV series collection, or design your own with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: The A-Team: Seasons, Cast, the Van and the 2010 Film and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Seasons, Cast and Legacy.
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