| Knight Rider | |
|---|---|
 Franchise logo | |
| Created by | Glen A. Larson |
| Original work | Original series (1982) |
| Owner | Universal Studios |
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) | Knight Rider 2000 (1991) Knight Rider 2010 (1994) Knight Rider (2008) |
| Television series | Knight Rider (1982–1986) Team Knight Rider (1997–1998) Knight Rider (2008–2009) |
| Games | |
| Video game(s) | Knight Rider (1986) Knight Rider (1988) Knight Rider Special (1994) Knight Rider: The Game (2002) Knight Rider: The Game 2 (2004) |
Knight Rider is an American entertainment franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The core of Knight Rider is its three television series: the original Knight Rider (1982–1986) and sequel series Team Knight Rider (1997–1998) and Knight Rider (2008–2009). The franchise also includes three television films, a short-lived spinoff series, computer and video games, and novels, as well as KnightCon, a Knight Rider convention. Beginning with the original television series and continuing with the subsequent films and series, the franchise has developed a cult following and spawned many pop culture references.
The original Knight Rider series followed the adventures of Michael Knight, a modern-day crime fighter who uses a technologically advanced, artificially intelligent automobile. This car, named KITT, is virtually indestructible, due to a high-tech coating applied to it. Knight Rider stories usually depict either average citizens, or ethical heads of corporations, being bullied into subservience to an overbearing or ruthless criminal organization. The protagonist(s) of each particular series is instructed by the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) to assist in some manner. The protagonist(s) has the assistance of a high-tech, self-aware, and nearly indestructible vehicle.