Säsong
Avsnitt
Spelarserver
Mannen med sex miljoner dollar
19747
DramaAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy
Släppt
18 jan. 1974
Land
USA
Följ Steve Austins äventyr, en astronaut som cybernetiskt förbättrades och blev hemlig agent, anställd av OSI, under ledning av Oscar Goldman och övervakad av den forskare som skapade hans cybernetik, Rudy Wells. Steve använder den överlägsna styrka och hastighet som hans bioniska arm och ben ger, samt den förbättrade synen från hans artificiella öga, för att bekämpa fiendens agenter, utomjordingar, galna forskare och en mängd andra skurkar.
About
Quick guide
The Six Million Dollar Man follows a rebuilt astronaut turned secret agent.
Steve Austin, a former USAF colonel, survives a fatal crash and is surgically enhanced with bionic arm, legs, and eye, giving him superhuman strength, speed, and vision. Working for the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) under Director Oscar Goldman, he tackles covert threats ranging from rogue agents to mad scientists and extraterrestrials. The series blends 1970s science‑fiction with espionage drama, featuring slow‑motion action sequences and a distinctive electronic soundtrack that became iconic. It ran for five seasons on ABC, spawning crossover episodes with The Bionic Woman and three TV reunion movies, cementing its place in early television sci‑fi history.
What to know
- Steve Austin is a former USAF colonel who becomes a bionic super‑agent.
- His body is replaced with a bionic arm, legs, and an artificial eye.
- He works for the OSI, led by Oscar Goldman and overseen by scientist Rudy Wells.
- Episodes mix espionage, alien threats, and mad scientists.
- The show uses slow‑motion effects and an electronic “dit‑dit” sound cue.
- There are 99 episodes and three TV movies, plus a crossover with The Bionic Woman.
- The series ran from 1973 to 1978 and is known for its 1970s aesthetic.
Watch if
If you enjoy 1970s sci‑fi action that mixes espionage, high‑tech gadgets, and a touch of humor, this series offers classic adventure with memorable characters and iconic sound effects.
Skip if
If you prefer modern storytelling, sophisticated special effects, or realistic military tactics, the vintage production values and period‑style dialogue may feel dated.
fast pacedintense actionfamily friendlycrime violencepsychological elements
Protagonist
Steve Austin is a former USAF colonel who survives a devastating crash and is rebuilt with advanced bionic parts. His character is grounded in 1970s optimism about technology while also showing the moral dilemmas of using power for national security. Austin balances his personal trauma with the demands of covert missions.
Bionic Enhancements
Austin’s bionic arm, legs, and left eye give him superhuman strength, speed, and vision. The arm can lift a bulldozer‑sized load, the legs enable him to run at 60+ mph, and the eye has a 20:1 zoom and infrared capability. These upgrades are showcased through iconic slow‑motion action sequences.
Office of Scientific Intelligence
The OSI is a fictional U.S. government agency that employs Austin as a covert operative. Under Director Oscar Goldman, the office provides missions, equipment, and oversight. The organization’s bureaucratic style adds a layer of procedural realism to the show’s plotlines.
Supporting Cast
Key allies include scientist Rudy Wells, who manages Austin’s bionic hardware, and Oscar Goldman, the OSI director who issues directives. Recurring characters such as Jaime Sommers, the Bionic Woman, appear in crossover episodes, enriching the narrative with additional bionic protagonists.
Episode Structure
Each 50‑minute episode follows Austin on a single mission, often involving an alien, mad scientist, or enemy agent. The narrative blends suspense, action, and a touch of humor. Episodes end with a resolution that reflects the period’s sense of hope in technology.
Cultural Impact
The series popularized the concept of cybernetic enhancement and inspired a generation of sci‑fi shows. Its distinctive theme music and electronic sound effects became cultural touchstones. The show remains a staple in retro television collections and nostalgic discussions of 1970s TV.
FAQ
25 Q&A
What is the basic premise of The Six Million Dollar Man?
The series centers on Steve Austin, a former USAF colonel who is rebuilt after a fatal crash, receiving bionic arm, legs, and eye. He then works as a covert agent for the OSI, using his enhanced abilities to fight threats. The show blends sci‑fi with espionage drama. 【1†L49-L57】
Who is Steve Austin and why is he called the Six Million Dollar Man?
Austin is a USAF colonel who becomes a bionic super‑agent after a crash. The title refers to the $6 million cost of his reconstruction, which was equivalent to about $41.6 million in 2024 dollars. This cost earned him the nickname. 【1†L49-L56】
What bionic parts does Steve Austin have?
Austin’s body is replaced with a bionic arm, both legs, and a left eye that provide superhuman strength, speed, and vision. The arm is comparable to a bulldozer’s power, the legs allow him to run over 60 mph, and the eye has a 20:1 zoom and infrared capabilities. 【1†L81-L86】
Who is Oscar Goldman?
Oscar Goldman is the director of the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) who oversees Austin’s missions. He is known for his catchphrase, "We can rebuild him; we have the technology," which sets the tone of the series. 【1†L115-L118】
What is the Office of Scientific Intelligence?
The OSI is a fictional U.S. government agency that employs Austin as a covert operative. It provides missions, equipment, and oversight for his operations. The organization’s bureaucratic style adds realism to the plot. 【1†L115-L116】
Who is Rudy Wells?
Rudy Wells is the scientist who designs and maintains Austin’s bionic hardware. He appears in the pilot and subsequent seasons, providing technical support and often advising Austin on how to use his implants. 【1†L117-L120】
How many seasons and episodes were produced?
The series ran for five seasons, from 1973 to 1978, and produced 99 episodes. The episodes were about 50–51 minutes long. 【1†L37-L38】【1†L332-L339】
When did the show first air?
The pilot films aired in March 1973, and the series officially premiered on March 7, 1973. It ran until March 6, 1978, on ABC. 【1†L37-L39】
What were the pilot movies about?
Three TV movies served as pilots, including "Wine, Women and War" and "The Solid Gold Kidnapping." They introduced Austin’s backstory and the concept of bionic enhancement. The pilots were successful enough to launch the regular series. 【1†L60-L64】
Who is Jaime Sommers?
Jaime Sommers is the Bionic Woman, introduced as a tennis player who becomes a bionic hero. She appears in crossover episodes with Austin and later has her own spin‑off series. She is a key supporting character. 【1†L120-L124】
How many TV movies are part of the series?
After the regular series ended, three television movies were produced: "The Return of the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman" (1987), "Bionic Showdown" (1989), and "Bionic Ever After?" (1994). These movies served as reunions and a finale. 【1†L341-L343】
Does the show have a Bionic Woman spin‑off?
Yes, The Bionic Woman ran from 1976 to 1978 and starred Jaime Sommers. It crossed over with Austin in several episodes and shared many production staff. The spin‑off helped expand the bionic universe. 【1†L62-L64】
What inspired the show’s title and concept?
The series is based on Martin Caidin’s 1972 novel Cyborg, which featured a similar bionic protagonist. The show adapted the novel’s premise for television, focusing on the idea of a rebuilt, technologically enhanced hero. 【1†L49-L56】
Who produced the series?
Harve Bennett served as executive producer, with Kenneth Johnson also involved as producer. They were key figures behind the show’s development. 【1†L28-L31】
Who composed the theme music?
The theme music was composed by Oliver Nelson for the regular series, with earlier pilots featuring a song by Dusty Springfield. Nelson’s instrumental theme became iconic for the show. 【1†L233-L236】
How does the show portray its action scenes?
Action scenes are highlighted by slow‑motion sequences and a distinctive electronic sound effect that emphasize Austin’s superhuman abilities. The visual style was influenced by contemporary film techniques and added to the show’s iconic feel. 【1†L233-L236】
Is the series appropriate for children?
The show is considered family‑friendly, with action that is mostly non‑graphic and a tone that encourages ingenuity and moral choice. While it contains some violence and suspense, it is suitable for most age groups. 【1†content_notes】
Does the series contain romance?
Romantic moments occur mainly between Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers. Their relationship develops over crossover episodes and later appears in the Bionic Woman spin‑off, adding a personal dimension to the action. 【1†L120-L124】
What political themes are present?
The series reflects Cold War anxieties and U.S. government secrecy, with the OSI acting as a covert agency. Episodes often involve espionage and national security concerns, echoing contemporary political tensions. 【1†L115-L116】
Is there a science or technology focus?
Bionic enhancement and advanced robotics are central to the plot, highlighting speculative science. Austin’s implants function under realistic constraints, such as temperature sensitivity and space‑gravity issues, adding plausibility to the sci‑fi concept. 【1†L81-L86】【1†L247-L251】
Are there any notable villains?
The show features a range of villains, from rogue government agents to alien adversaries and mad scientists. Their varied motives provide diverse challenges for Austin, keeping each episode fresh. No single villain dominates the entire series. 【1†L49-L57】
What is the tone of the show?
The tone is fast‑paced and action‑heavy, with occasional light humor and dramatic suspense. It mixes 1970s optimism about technology with the gritty reality of covert operations. The show balances serious themes with entertainment. 【1†content_notes】
Did the show influence later television?
The series set a template for future sci‑fi action shows by combining high‑tech gadgets, espionage plots, and a charismatic hero. Elements like slow‑motion effects and electronic soundtracks became staples in later series, influencing shows such as Knight Rider and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 【1†L49-L57】
What happened after the original series ended?
After 1978, the franchise continued with three TV movies and crossover episodes with The Bionic Woman. The movies served as reunions and a final chapter for the characters, but no new series has been produced in recent years. 【1†L341-L343】
Is there a modern revival or reboot?
No official reboot of the television series has been released, though there were discussions and a 1994 TV movie. A feature film adaptation titled The Six Billion Dollar Man was proposed but never reached production. 【1†L341-L343】
