Johann Hunt
Knight Rider has been a favorite since it first hit our screens in the 1980s. The show’s star, David Hasselhoff, and his trusty talking car, K.I.T.T., became pop culture icons. However, despite its fame, there are some facts about the show people may still need to learn. Here are 15 such facts you probably missed about Knight Rider!
The Inspiration Behind Knight Rider
Knight Rider creator Glen A. Larson blended Western and sci-fi influences to craft the show’s concept. He envisioned it as a modern-day Lone Ranger, with K.I.T.T. acting as a high-tech Tonto. Also, the car’s design and personality are said to be inspired by HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Daniels Shaped K.I.T.T.’s Personality
Daniels initially encountered a more robotic version of K.I.T.T. during production. Wanting to imbue the car with human qualities, Daniels pushed for a more expressive voice. This decision allowed K.I.T.T. to exhibit charm and wit, making the vehicle a loved character with a personality.
K.I.T.T. Almost Had A Different Name
Before settling on K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand), the car was initially named T.A.T.T., short for Trans Am Two Thousand. The showrunners eventually chose the final name, reflecting the car’s advanced technology and connection to the fictional Knight Industries, which solidified K.I.T.T.’s iconic status.
Daniels’ Insane Voice Work
William Daniels recorded his lines for each episode of Knight Rider in under an hour. He never watched the episodes. Instead, he focused solely on the scenes involving K.I.T.T. He would read David Hasselhoff’s lines aloud and respond as K.I.T.T. to make sure the car’s voice felt natural.
Glen A. Larson’s Savvy Deal
Larson’s business acumen led to a remarkable merchandise deal. Securing 50% of profits from Knight Rider merchandise, he capitalized on the show’s success long after it ended. His lucrative agreement was unprecedented, ensuring he benefited from the brand’s enduring popularity through toys, models, and apparel.
Daniels’ And Hasselhoff’s Surprising First Meet
In spite of their close on-screen partnership, William Daniels and David Hasselhoff didn’t meet during filming. Their first encounter occurred at the show’s Christmas party, much after Knight Rider became a hit. Their mutual surprise at the meeting showed the unique nature of their collaboration.
K.I.T.T.’s Voice Actor Remained Uncredited
William Daniels chose not to be credited as the voice of K.I.T.T., as he wanted viewers to believe the car had a life of its own. His decision aimed to maintain the show’s and car’s mystery. However, people could recognize William’s voice from the show when he spoke.
A Nod To The Dukes of Hazzard
In the episode “Give Me Liberty…Or Give Me Death,” Knight Rider paid homage to The Dukes of Hazzard. During a race scene, K.I.T.T. jumps over an orange 1969 Dodge Charger. This clearly and deliberately referenced General Lee, the iconic vehicle from The Dukes of Hazzard.
David Hasselhoff’s Off-Screen Proposal
David Hasselhoff’s character, Michael Knight, had a romantic subplot involving his fiancée, Stevie Mason. Off-screen, Hasselhoff proposed to Catherine Hickland, who played Stevie, during the season wrap party. He hid an engagement ring under the hood of a cake shaped like K.I.T.T., which made the proposal memorable.
Hasselhoff’s Dual Role
Hasselhoff briefly played both Michael Knight and his evil twin, Garthe Knight. However, the dual role proved to be too demanding. The character of Garthe was quickly written out, which allowed him to focus on his primary role as Michael Knight for the remainder of the series.
The Multiple K.I.T.T. Cars
Knight Rider used several Pontiac Trans Ams to portray K.I.T.T. Different cars were designated for driving scenes, self-driving stunts, and high-impact jumps. This variety of vehicles allowed the show to film complex action sequences while preserving the illusion that K.I.T.T. was a single, multifunctional car.
The Knight Rider Reboot
In 2008, the show was rebooted with Val Kilmer voicing K.I.T.T. Justin Bruening, who starred as Mike Traceur, the son of Michael Knight. Despite the hype, the reboot lasted only 17 episodes before it was canceled. It provided fans with a modern take on the classic series.
K.I.T.T.’s Evil Twin: K.A.R.R.
K.I.T.T. wasn’t the only advanced car in Knight Rider. The show introduced K.A.R.R. (Knight Automated Roving Robot), K.I.T.T.’s evil counterpart. Voiced by Peter Cullen, K.A.R.R. presented a darker, more sinister version of the intelligent vehicle, which created dramatic tension in the series.
The Iconic Theme Song
The Knight Rider theme song, composed by Stu Phillips, remains legendary decades after the show aired. It was so popular that it became one of the most downloaded ringtones in 2005, even winning an award. The tune, inspired by Léo Delibes’ ballet Sylvia, continues to be instantly recognizable.
Hasselhoff’s Career Boost
Before Knight Rider, Hasselhoff was known for his role in The Young and the Restless. However, his portrayal of Michael Knight catapulted him to international fame. The success of Knight Rider paved the way for his later roles, most notably in Baywatch, which made him a television star.