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MacGyver

MacGyver

19858
DramaKriminalAction & Adventure
Släppt
29 sep. 1985
Land
USA
Produktioner
Paramount TelevisionHenry Winkler/John Rich ProductionsColumbia TriStar Television
Han är alla människors favoritsäkerhetshjälte... men han är en hjälte med skillnad. Angus MacGyver är en hemlig agent vars list är hans dödligaste vapen. Utrustad med bara en ryggsäck fylld med vardagliga saker han samlar på vägen improviserar han för att komma ur varje fara de onda kastar på honom. Att tillverka en bomb av tuggummi? Att fixa en bils bromsar medan du kör i den? Att använda sodavatten för att göra tåregas? Det är allt i MacGyvers dagliga äventyr. Han är delvis Boy Scout, delvis genii. Och helt hjälte.

About

Quick guide

A 1980s action‑adventure about a resourceful agent who solves problems with science instead of guns.

Angus MacGyver is a secret agent who relies on scientific knowledge and everyday objects instead of firearms. The 1985‑1992 series follows his assignments with the Phoenix Foundation and the Department of External Services, featuring inventive solutions, a Swiss Army knife, and duct tape. Each episode presents a self‑contained crisis that MacGyver resolves with clever improvisation. The tone is light, family‑friendly, and focuses on problem‑solving rather than violence. Viewers witness MacGyver neutralize threats ranging from bomb‑laden trucks to political conspiracies, all while avoiding weapons and relying on quick thinking. The series blends action with science education, making it popular among families and young viewers.

What to know

  • Seven seasons, 139 episodes, 45‑48 minutes each
  • Aired on ABC from 1985 to 1992
  • Main character Angus MacGyver works for the Phoenix Foundation and DXS
  • MacGyver uses a Swiss Army knife and duct tape, never a gun
  • Episodes feature science‑based problem solving and inventive gadgets
  • The show earned the term "MacGyverism" for improvised fixes
  • Light, family‑friendly tone with low violence
  • Villains include Murdoc, a skilled assassin

Watch if

If you enjoy light action, science‑based puzzles, and a hero who prefers ingenuity over guns, MacGyver offers entertaining, family‑friendly adventures that showcase clever problem‑solving in a 1980s TV style.

Skip if

If you prefer high‑octane gunplay, graphic violence, or complex political thrillers, this gentle, science‑based series may feel slow and tame.

intense actioninvestigation heavylight tonefamily friendlydialogue heavypolitical themespsychological elementsfast paced
Premise and Setting
The series follows Angus MacGyver, a former military scientist turned field agent, who tackles missions for the Phoenix Foundation and the Department of External Services. Each episode places him in a life‑or‑death scenario where he must use scientific knowledge and everyday objects to neutralize threats. The tone is upbeat, with a focus on ingenuity rather than brute force.
MacGyver: The Protagonist
MacGyver is portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson as a quiet, methodical problem‑solver who values brains over weapons. He carries a Swiss Army knife, duct tape, and a pocketful of science tools, and he avoids firearms because of a childhood incident. His calm demeanor contrasts with the high‑stakes situations he faces.
Swiss Army Knife and Duct Tape
These two items become MacGyver's signature tools. The Swiss Army knife offers a range of functions, while duct tape can repair, construct, or disarm devices. Their versatility highlights the show's theme that ordinary objects can solve extraordinary problems when combined with knowledge.
Villains and Challenges
MacGyver confronts recurring foes such as the assassin Murdoc, as well as a variety of criminals, terrorists, and corporate conspiracies. Each episode introduces a new challenge that tests his ingenuity, reinforcing the idea that intellect can outpace force.
Tone and Style
The series maintains a light, family‑friendly atmosphere, with minimal graphic violence. Dialogue is often witty but grounded, and the pacing balances action with clear explanations of MacGyver's science‑based solutions, making it accessible to viewers of all ages.
Episode Structure and Format
Episodes are self‑contained, typically following a three‑act structure: an opening set‑up, a problem‑solving arc, and a resolution that often involves a clever invention. This format allows new viewers to jump in without needing extensive background knowledge.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
MacGyver popularized the term "MacGyverism" for improvised solutions. The show inspired future science‑focused action series and remains a reference point for creative problem solving on television.

FAQ

49 Q&A
Does MacGyver have a son?
Yes, MacGyver has a son named Sean Colton, who appeared in the original series.
Who is MacGyver's best friend?
MacGyver's best friend in the original series was Pete Thornton.
What city does MacGyver live in?
In the original series, MacGyver lived in Los Angeles. In the reboot, he lives in Atlanta.
Who is Riley Davis?
Riley Davis is a computer expert and hacker on the MacGyver reboot team.
Who is Desi Nguyen?
Desi Nguyen is a former Delta Force operative and a key member of the MacGyver reboot team.
Who is MacGyver's main enemy?
MacGyver faced many enemies, but a recurring one in the original series was the Russian spy, Boris.
What is the Phoenix Foundation?
The Phoenix Foundation is a secret organization that MacGyver works for, dedicated to solving problems and helping people.
How was Richard Dean Anderson cast as MacGyver?
Richard Dean Anderson was cast as MacGyver after impressing the show's producers with his performance in the TV series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
What is the plot of the MacGyver reboot?
The reboot follows a younger MacGyver who leads a team to save the world using his scientific knowledge and resourcefulness.
What kind of knife does MacGyver use?
MacGyver often used a Swiss Army knife, known for its many tools.
Why did they film MacGyver in Vancouver?
The MacGyver reboot was filmed in Vancouver because it offered tax incentives and a skilled film production infrastructure.
What is a 'MacGyverism'?
A 'MacGyverism' is a clever, improvised solution to a problem using everyday objects.
What is MacGyver's first name?
MacGyver's first name is Angus.
Did MacGyver ever use a gun?
While MacGyver preferred to avoid guns and solve problems non-violently, he did use them sparingly when necessary.
Did MacGyver live in LA or Vancouver?
In the original series, MacGyver lived in Los Angeles. The reboot series is filmed in Vancouver, but the character's primary residence in the reboot is Atlanta.
Are the new MacGyver and the old MacGyver in the same universe?
The reboot is a reimagining and not directly in the same universe as the original, though it pays homage to it.
What is MacGyver's signature jacket?
MacGyver's signature jacket is a brown leather bomber jacket.
What was the first episode of MacGyver about?
The first episode of MacGyver was about MacGyver going undercover to stop terrorists from stealing a deadly nerve gas.
What happened in the MacGyver series finale?
In the original series finale, MacGyver faked his own death to escape a former CIA colleague who wanted to use his skills for evil.
What is MacGyver's watch?
MacGyver famously wore a Casio watch, which he sometimes used for its features.
What happened to MacGyver's parents?
MacGyver's parents were lost in a plane crash when he was a teenager.
Why was MacGyver anti-gun?
MacGyver was anti-gun because he believed in finding peaceful, inventive solutions rather than resorting to violence.
Who played MacGyver in the original show?
Richard Dean Anderson played MacGyver in the original show.
Did the actor who played Pete Thornton go blind?
No, Dana Elcar, the actor who played Pete Thornton, did not go blind. He developed glaucoma later in his career, which affected his vision.
Who plays MacGyver in the new show?
Lucas Till plays MacGyver in the new show.
What science did MacGyver use?
MacGyver used everyday science and common items to solve problems, like using a paperclip to pick a lock or a soda can to make a simple explosive.
What is the history of the MacGyver franchise?
The original MacGyver TV show started in 1985 and was popular for many years. It led to movies and a rebooted series later on.
What was the deal with the reused footage in old MacGyver episodes?
Sometimes, old footage was used again in MacGyver episodes to save time and money on filming.
What happened to the Phoenix Foundation?
The Phoenix Foundation was a group MacGyver worked with to help people. It was involved in many missions throughout the series.
When did the MacGyver reboot series end?
The rebooted MacGyver series ended in 2021.
What happened to MacGyver's home/houseboat?
MacGyver lived on a houseboat for a while, but its fate wasn't always clearly shown.
What did MacGyver do in the pilot episode?
In the first episode, MacGyver helped stop a bad guy from using a dangerous chemical weapon.
Was there a MacGyver movie planned?
Yes, there were plans and discussions for a MacGyver movie, but it didn't happen.
What was the most dangerous stunt MacGyver performed?
The show often featured MacGyver in dangerous situations, but a single 'most dangerous' stunt is hard to pinpoint as many were risky.
What is the significance of the Swiss Army knife?
The Swiss Army knife was a useful tool for MacGyver, allowing him to build or fix things in many situations.
When did the original MacGyver series end?
The original MacGyver series ended in 1992.
What is the DXS in MacGyver?
The DXS was a secret government agency that MacGyver sometimes worked for.
What was MacGyver's first apartment/house like?
MacGyver's first known living space was a mobile home.
What is Murdoc's relationship to MacGyver?
Murdoc is a recurring villain and assassin who is MacGyver's arch-nemesis.
How many seasons of MacGyver are there?
The original MacGyver series had seven seasons. The rebooted series also had five seasons.
Did MacGyver have a girlfriend?
MacGyver often avoided serious romantic relationships because his work was too dangerous.
Where can I watch MacGyver?
MacGyver episodes can be found on various streaming services and for purchase online.
Who is Wilt Bozer?
Wilt Bozer is a friend and associate of MacGyver, often helping him with his missions, and he is also a filmmaker.
How did MacGyver get his name?
MacGyver's first name, Angus, was revealed later in the series, and his last name is MacGyver.
Why wasn't MacGyver allowed to have a girlfriend?
MacGyver believed having a girlfriend would put her in danger due to his dangerous job.
How did MacGyver's character change over the seasons?
While his core resourcefulness remained, MacGyver grew more experienced and sometimes faced tougher emotional challenges as the series progressed.
What was the biggest challenge in producing MacGyver?
A big challenge was creating believable and unique ways for MacGyver to solve problems using everyday items in each episode.
What happened to Jack Dalton?
Jack Dalton was a mercenary pilot who worked with MacGyver but left the series.
Who is Murdoc?
Murdoc is a dangerous and skilled assassin who is MacGyver's main enemy.

Skådespelare

Richard Dean Anderson
Richard Dean Anderson
Angus MacGyver
Dana Elcar
Dana Elcar
Pete Thornton