The Incredible Hulk

During an experiment gone bad, radiation turns a scientist into a raging green behemoth whenever he becomes agitated. Unable to control his transformations, David Banner searches for a cure as he crosses the country, fugitive-style, with a dogged tabloid reporter on his trail.

The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982) is a American network action drama series created by Kenneth Johnson for CBS. Bill Bixby plays scientist David Banner, who becomes a raging green giant played by Lou Ferrigno whenever his anger rises after a failed experiment exposes him to radiation. Jack Colvin appears as Jack McGee, a dogged tabloid reporter who keeps picking up Banner's trail, while Charles Napier plays investigator John Blake. Across five seasons and more than eighty episodes, the series follows a fugitive structure: Banner drifts from town to town, taking odd jobs and helping strangers while searching for a cure and dodging the pursuit that follows him. Each episode is largely self-contained, built around a new community, a new injustice and a new chance for Banner to hold his temper in check. The mood is melancholic and sympathetic, with a lonely, wandering hero who wants nothing more than to be ordinary again. Fans of The Fugitive, Wonder Woman and Smallville will find resonance in its blend of pursuit, moral drama and superhero transformation. Set in contemporary 1970s America, the show is a classic example of early network superhero television.

Audiences regard the series as a mixed but earnest adventure drama, valued for Bill Bixby's sympathetic performance and its melancholy fugitive premise despite dated effects and repetitive episode formats.

• The Fugitiveshared superhero transformation premise, fugitive chase structure, tragic outsider tone
• Wonder Woman (1975)shared 1970s network superhero series with a tragic divided hero
• Smallvilleshared comic-based superhero drama with a tormented protagonist and a persistent reporter

Created by

Kenneth Johnson

Release Date

1977-11-04

Episode runtime

50 min

Rating

7.0 / 10 (521)

What is The Incredible Hulk about?

A gentle scientist cursed with a raging green alter ego roams America searching for a cure while a relentless reporter closes in.

What is The Incredible Hulk like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Incredible Hulk as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is The Incredible Hulk violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Incredible Hulk as mild.

What did critics think of The Incredible Hulk?

Audiences regard the series as a mixed but earnest adventure drama, valued for Bill Bixby's sympathetic performance and its melancholy fugitive premise despite dated effects and repetitive episode formats.

Which shows are like The Incredible Hulk?

Shows with a similar feel include The Fugitive, Wonder Woman (1975), and Smallville.

How long is The Incredible Hulk?

The Incredible Hulk: 5 seasons, 82 episodes.

Is The Incredible Hulk still running?

No, The Incredible Hulk has ended.

Where can I watch The Incredible Hulk?

In United States, The Incredible Hulk is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home.