Despite only airing for three seasons in the early 1980s, ABC comedy-drama THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO has left a cult following over the last three decades. Starring William Katt, Robert Culp, Connie Sellecca, and JoBlo.com fave Michael Pare, the series chronicled the exploits of a teacher given a superhero suit he doesn’t understand how to use.
22 JUMP STREET and THE LEGO MOVIE directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord will executive produce a reboot of the series at FOX along with screenwriter Rodney Rothman who will script the series. Here is a breakdown of the plot for the reboot.
The new Greatest American Hero Image (1) millerlord__130501154013.png for post 487352will chronicle inner-city teacher Isaac’s adventures after his discovery of a superhero suit which gives him superhuman abilities. Unfortunately for Isaac, he hates wearing the suit, and has to learn how to use its powers by trial and error because he quickly misplaces the suit’s instructions. He also has to deal with a government handler who has very different objectives than him and struggles as to whether should use his newfound gifts to help others or just himself.
Lord and Miller have been on a roll with the success of three franchise (JUMP STREET, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, THE LEGO MOVIE) and several series being picked up by networks. The revamped GREATEST AMERICAN HERO also brings yet another superhero series to television to compete with The CW’s ARROW and THE FLASH, ABC’s AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. and AGENT CARTER, and FOX’s GOTHAM. While not based on a comic book, the theme and story should be a nice change of pace from what the other genre shows have been doing, especially if they lean on the comedy side.
THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO has no premiere date yet, but stay tuned. In the meantime, take a trip down memory lane with the iconic 1981 theme song.