Watch The Greatest American Hero Online - Full Episodes

The early 1980's was a period of time for television that saw a combination of elements being introduced in programming. Shows were being introduced that combined elements of science fiction, drama and comedy all in one package. One such show was 'The Greatest American Hero'. This show gained a wide following and helped to make William Katt and Connie Sellecca household names as well as bringing classic Robert Culp back.

What made this show so unique was the combination of factors that played such a large part in the show's plot. You had an element of science fiction because of the alien life forms, action and adventure thanks to the super hero element, drama and crime thanks to the human story aspect and comedy thanks the lead character's ignorance of the alien's language and his inability to read and instruction manual.

The show centers around Ralph; played by William Katt, a teacher finding himself at odds with veteran FBI agent, Bil; played by Robert Culp, who has harassed one of Ralph's troubled students. During the course of the argument the two find themselves stunned as they witness an alien spacecraft hovering over them. Although the craft disappears, Ralph discovers that he has been left a gift from the race; a suit that gives its wearer superhuman powers. However, there is one catch; the instruction book is unreadable so Ralph has no idea exactly what he is capable of doing.

Throw into the mix Ralph's girlfriend Pam; played by Connie Sellecca, who happens to be an attorney and it's no wonder the action and laughs abound. Part of what made this show such a must watch was the fact that each week Ralph would discover some new power that the suit would endow him with. Audiences were as eager to find out what Ralph would be able to do next as they were to watch the action and antics that would ensue from Ralph and Bill's adventures.