Michael Long, an undercover police officer, is shot while investigating a case and left for dead by his assailants. He is rescued by Wilton Knight, a wealthy, dying millionaire and inventor who arranges life-saving surgery, including a new face and a new identity--that of Michael Knight. Michael is then given a special computerized and indestructible car called the Knight Industries Two Thousand (nicknamed KITT), and a mission: apprehend criminals who are beyond the reach of the law. The series depicts Michael's exploits as he and KITT battle the forces of evil on behalf of the Foundation for Law and Government.
Michael Long, an undercover police officer, is shot while investigating a case and left for dead by his assailants. He is rescued by Wilton Knight, a wealthy, dying millionaire and inventor who arranges life-saving surgery, including a new face and a new identity--that of Michael Knight. Michael is then given a special computerized and indestructible car called the Knight Industries Two Thousand (nicknamed KITT), and a mission: apprehend criminals who are beyond the reach of the law. The series depicts Michael's exploits as he and KITT battle the forces of evil on behalf of the Foundation for Law and Government.
The show's consistent portrayal of individual heroism and a privately funded organization (FLAG) operating outside traditional government structures to combat crime and injustice aligns with right-leaning themes of self-reliance and skepticism of bureaucracy.
The series features a largely traditional cast, with its primary hero being a white male. The narrative consistently portrays traditional identities in a positive light, focusing on action-adventure without incorporating explicit DEI themes or critiques of traditional roles.
The classic action-adventure series 'Knight Rider' does not include any discernible LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The show, a product of its era, focuses on heterosexual protagonists and traditional crime-fighting narratives, resulting in no depiction of queer identity.
The show primarily focuses on Michael Knight and KITT, with action centered on car chases and Michael's physical confrontations. Female characters, while present in various roles, are not depicted engaging in or winning direct physical combat against male opponents.
Knight Rider (1982–1986) is the original series, establishing its own characters and their genders. There is no prior source material, historical record, or previous installment for its characters to be compared against, thus precluding any gender swaps as defined.
As the original television series, Knight Rider (1982–1986) introduced its characters for the first time on screen. There was no prior established canon or earlier screen version for its characters to be compared against, thus precluding any race swaps.
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources