Automan 

A computer-generated superhero and his human creator fight crime in the city.

Creator:

Glen A. Larson

Stars:

Desi Arnaz Jr., Chuck Wagner, Heather McNair

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Desi Arnaz Jr.	...	Walter Nebicher 13 episodes, 1983-1984
Chuck Wagner	...	Automan 13 episodes, 1983-1984
Heather McNair	...	Roxanne Caldwell 13 episodes, 1983-1984
Gerald S. O'Loughlin	...	Capt. E. G. Boyd 13 episodes, 1983-1984
Robert Lansing	...	Lt. Jack Curtis 13 episodes, 1983-1984
Cursor	...	Self 13 episodes, 1983-1984

Storyline

Walter Nebicher is the police department's resident computer expert, although his immediate superior gives no respect as to his contribution to the force. To fix that, he creates a special program that creates Automan, an artificially intelligent computer construct that looks real, sounds reals and, given enough power, can have an actual physical presence outside the computer that feels real. Together, Walter and Automan along with Cursor, a small floating droid that can create any object Automan needs, battle the criminal elements of the city.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as series title | one word series title | city | superhero | light | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Sci-Fi

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Automan's costume was a blue body suit with Scotch-light reflectors. Bright lights were shone on them toned down in post-production.

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Crazy Credits

And "Cursor" as Himself

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Connections

Referenced in The Big Box: The Thirsty Dead (2010)

User Reviews

Automan ran out of juice rather quickly.

Another case of a show I really enjoyed as a kid being taken off the air rather quickly. Whatever a kid enjoyed to watch back in the 70's and 80's always seemed to get the quick hook back then. This one is brought to us by the same guy who did "Buck Rogers" and the lesser known "Manimal". It also came on about the same time as the latter. The show was about a computer guy who somehow creates this strange computer dude or brings him into this world, can not remember so well now as I have not seen the show in a very long time. What I remember the most about this one though is the cool car which I debated with a kid at school was faster than the car on "Knight Rider". Which how there was any debate for anybody who has seen both shows is beyond me this car went so fast and could do 90 degree turns for crying out loud. I also remember "Automan" losing his power whenever more machines and such were used. The effects were very Tron-like and not bad for a television show made back in the 80's. Why shows such as these got such a quick hook is beyond me, well not really my guess is they just cost to much to produce as opposed to the quirky comedies that usually went on way to long (Happy Days anyone).

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 December 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Automan - Der Superdetektiv

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Glen A. Larson Productions, The Kushner-Locke Company, 20th Century Fox Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min (12 episodes) 70 min (pilot episode)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1