Automan (1983-1984) was a short-lived but memorable science fiction series created by Glen A. Larson—the same producer who gave us Knight Rider, Battlestar Galactica, and Magnum P.I. The show featured an artificially intelligent computer construct as its hero, making it unique among 1980s television's AI portrayals [1].
The series starred Desi Arnaz Jr. as Walter Nebicher, a police officer and computer programming genius who was stuck behind a desk despite his skills. To prove himself, Walter created what he hoped would be "the ultimate crime-fighting program"—an artificially intelligent hologram that could take on criminals face-to-face [1][2].
Automan (played by Chuck Wagner) was designed as "the world's first automatic man"—an amalgam of all the most handsome men on the planet, made of solid light. Unlike traditional robots or androids, Automan was a holographic construct that could leave the computer world and manifest in the real one, provided there was enough electrical power to sustain him [2].
Automan's companion was Cursor, a floating, shifting polyhedron that served as his sidekick and assistant. Cursor's most remarkable ability was "drawing" holographic objects from the computer world into reality—including vehicles, weapons, and tools [1].
The most commonly drawn objects were:
Autocar: A holographic sports car based on a Lamborghini Countach LP400. In the fictional world, it could make 90-degree turns without losing control and could overtake by "strafing" rather than turning—exactly like a video game [1][2].
Autochopper: A holographic helicopter based on a Bell JetRanger. Unlike real helicopters, it could land anywhere [1].
Airplane: A futuristic holographic aircraft [1].
Motorcycle: Additional vehicles appeared in various episodes [1].
Weapons and Tools: Cursor could also generate handguns and other objects as needed [1].
The special effects team created these using black props with reflective tape—wireframe effects that deliberately emulated the visual style of Disney's Tron (1982) [1].
As a being of solid light, Automan possessed several unique abilities:
However, Automan had a critical limitation: maintaining his holographic form required enormous amounts of electrical power. He could typically only manifest at night, when less electricity was being used by the city. If he ran out of power, he would simply vanish until the computer could recreate him [2].
Unlike the more serious tone of shows like Knight Rider, Automan embraced humor and self-awareness. In one notable scene, when asked about his astrological sign, Automan couldn't answer—Walter suggested he tell people "you're an Apple II" [3].
The show also referenced contemporary video game culture: Automan mentions Pac-Man and Donkey Kong as his friends from the "video game universe" [3]. This playful approach to AI—as something existing in a parallel video game-like reality—was groundbreaking for its time.
Automan lasted only 13 episodes (December 1983 - April 1984) before cancellation, but it left a memorable mark on 1980s pop culture. Its visual style influenced later productions, and the concept of an AI hero created by a human programmer fighting crime was innovative.
The show has since developed a cult following among fans of 1980s television and those interested in the evolution of AI portrayal in media.
See the AI in Sci-Fi TV article for more on television's AI characters.
[2] Automan - International Hero
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