"MacGyver" (1985) TV series 1985-1992

Creator:

Lee David Zlotoff

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | unknown

Release Date:

6 October 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Crime | Drama

Tagline:

His mind is the ultimate weapon.

Plot:

The adventures of a secret agent armed with almost infinite scientific resourcefulness.

Plot Keywords:

Science | Gadget | Brains Over Brawn | Sobriety | Famous Theme

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Richard Dean Anderson	...	MacGyver (140 episodes, 1985-1994)
Dana Elcar	...	Pete Thornton / ... (93 episodes, 1985-1994)

Runtime:

45 min (139 episodes) | USA:60 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (seasons 1-3) | Stereo (seasons 4-7)

Certification:

Brazil:12 (DVD rating) | Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-18 (2005) (DVD) (self applied) | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Henry Winkler/John Rich Productions

Trivia:

MacGyver's Swiss Army Knife went through a few changes over the early episodes. His first and most often used knife was a "Spartan" model from Victorinox. The knife seen in the opening credits of each episode was a Wenger, as noted by its long keychain.

Quotes:

MacGyver: For the past seven years I have done nothing but travel around the world getting shot up, locked up, blown up... and all I have to show for it are a couple of empty rolls of duct tape.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Village of the Giants (#6.23)" (1994)

Greatest show of all time!

This show was excellently written and cast. Richard Dean Anderson was by far the best person for this role and he brought the character the attitude and look that added to his "no drinks, drugs, or guns" outlook that was inspirational and enjoyable for all ages. It'd be refreshing to see another show like this come along, but I don't believe it will.

MacGyver focused on the incurable do-gooder who couldn't say no to someone in trouble, and he always had a scientifically sound, absolutely brilliant solution. He was always as optimistic as possible, and he wasn't one to immediately jump in bed as is the norm for most television. His compadres always added to the action/adventure/comedy, and throughout the season you learn new things about the characters that add so much more depth to the story.

Quirky, smart, clean, nostalgic and full of age-less values... (the mullet and leather jacket didn't hurt either) MacGyver will be around forever, and well it should be.