On This Day: 30th September, 1984

24 years ago today saw the premiere of the third season, the return of Patricia McPherson as Bonnie Barstow, and a new dashboard for K.I.T.T. The episode was Knight of the Drones, and it saw Michael and K.I.T.T. hunt down a killer who escaped from jail in a car that seemed to drive itself. It was filmed on location in San Francisco, and features an extended chase sequence inspired by the movie Bullitt. The guest cast featured Jared Martin, Barbara Stock, Jim Brown, Evan Kim and The Barbarian Brothers.

Knight Rider Archive at KnightCon '08!

I attended KnightCon 2008 in Halifax, West Yorkshire over the weekend. It was a great experience, with a host of replicas, a memorabilia display, and an exclusive video presentation with messages from Jack Gill, Peter Parros, Catherine Hickland, and of course, David Hasselhoff and William Daniels.

Well done to Steve and Rob who put together a great show!

Look for a feature with more photos and video in the coming days!



- Paul

NBC Official Site Updated

Paul Campbell's character Billy Morgan -- who is already one of the most popular new additions to the series -- has been given his own blog: Billy's Notes From the Underground. In it, he reveals what's going on in his personal, "behind-the-episodes" life. The first few posts give insight into Billy's thoughts about his promotion , his ex-girlfriend, and life in the SSC/K.I.T.T.-Cave.

The writers of Knight Rider have also got their own space to speak to their audience. NBC has established a Knight Writer's Blog, and Gary Scott Thompson has made the first, introductory message:

"We’ll be posting on this blog regularly to give you some insight on the inner workings of the show. Feel free to post your questions in the comments section below and we’ll try to answer as many of them as possible as we go along. -GST"

Knight Industries Research has also gone live. This is a restricted website for employees of Knight Industries Research and Development only. Enter your name and password to access your KR work computer account!

How Did Knight Rider Score?

The numbers have started to come in for the series premiere. TV By the Numbers show that Knight Rider came in third with 7.3 million viewers, behind ABC's Dancing With The Stars where 15.6 million tuned in, and the Fox Network's Bones with 9.61 million. The episode outperformed CBS' comedy offerings The New Adventures of Old Christine and Gary Unmarried, and Cw's America's Next Top Model.

Perhaps most importantly of all, Knight Rider came in #1 in the Males 18-34, Males 25-54, and Kids 2-11 demographic categories, so the show certainly found its audience.

Overall not as bad, especially since the number of downloads and DVR captures are yet to be taken into account.

Journey to the End of Knight - Teaser

NBC aired a commercial for next week's episode Journey to the End of Knight. Thanks to the guys at Knight Rider Online, you can see it here:



Wednesday, 8/7c, on NBC. Be there!

On This Day: 1982

The anniversary comes around again! It's 26 years ago today since Knight Rider: The Original Series first premiered on NBC. 26 years since Michael Long stepped into the dark Knight warehouse, and saw that flashing red light. 26 years since "One Man Can Make a Difference." A quarter of a century later, Knight Rider continues to ride!

You can read much more about Glen Larson's pilot movie here:

Knight Rider: Knight of the Phoenix

No Changes for Carrie Rivai

SciFiWire continue to roll out their coverage to conincide with Knight Rider's primetime premiere, and today it's focused on Sydney Tamiia Poitier and her character, Carrie Rivai. Rivai was by far the most controversial character in the pilot, based purely on her introductory scenes involving a supposed lesbian one-night-stand. "I was really surprised that people were thinking about it and that they were so concerned," Poitier says. "Bottom line, to be honest, I don't think you are going to see her have a personal life. She literally lives [in the K.I.T.T.-Cave], and she is head of security, watching everyone 24/7, and has responsibilities. You're not going to see her out on a date with someone or see her wink at somebody... I don't think you're going to see her have any kind of life, unfortunately, but you never know."

There has been talk that Rivai's background has been altered for the series, but Gary Scott Thompson reveals that that is not necessarily so. "My inclination is to leave her as she was," Thompson says. "Why change it? But the thing about my argument is that, in the case of Anne Heche, she was straight, then bi, then a lesbian, then bi, then straight. If [Rivai] is actually bisexual, she would appear different ways, depending on the situation. Of course, in my book, that would make her a much more interesting character, much like Capt. Jack Harkness in Torchwood. If I could use Jack in Torchwood as a role model -- I would absolutely use him as a role model -- I love his conflictedness about... everybody. He's real cool."

That's doesn't mean that Knight Rider is going to follow Torchwood's lead, and introduce overt sexuality into the weekly adventures. "We can't get away with what they do," Thompson adds. "America is extremely [prudish], and we're living in a Republican regime, where it becomes even more [so]. The reality is that there are people who are out there who are bisexual. There are people who are gay, that's the reality... It's, like, deal with it. I mean, trying to shove people back in the closet isn't correct."

SciFiWire: Knight's Poitier Still Lesbian?

Reviews Everywhere

Knight Rider made its return to primetime television on NBC last night, and the reviews have been flooding in. Predictably, the majority of them have not been favourable, criticising the young cast (especially Justin Bruening and Deanna Russo), Gary Scott Thompson's script and the action sequences.

Ain't It Cool News have declared the show "the Fall's worst new scripted hourlong so far" and rounded up several bad reviews from the press. UK site Den of Geek describe the show as "moronic", and are staggered that "they’ve been able to nimbly limbo under the incredibly low bar that the pilot set... I was frankly shocked how much of a clunker a script they cobbled together for this show. It makes some of this years other new shows seem like they’ve been written by channeling Ernest Hemingway. I’ll go as far to say that this is actually worse than a really bad Hoff-era episode, and that’s saying something."

BuddyTV.com have a more positive, and realistic outlook: "TV critics seem determined to mock its cheesiness, implausibility and general lack of coherence. The frustrating thing is that those critics don’t seem to understand the context in which Knight Rider should be viewed. To compare the series to other serious dramas is a mistake. One cannot review Knight Rider using the same criteria one uses when reviewing Mad Men or Lost. Is Knight Rider cheesy? Of course it is, but why should that surprise anyone? This is a show about a talking car that solves crimes." They suggest that "a more accurate review would judge Knight Rider on the basis of what it’s trying to accomplish. The show has no delusions that it will win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series or top the critics' "best of" lists at the end of the year. Knight Rider is about fun. It’s a show with sexy stars in ridiculously dire circumstances getting into fast car chases. On that basis, Knight Rider is a rousing success."

SyFyPortal call the show "television's most promising series of the year." Writer Michael Hinman goes on to say, "there was just enough in this first episode of Knight Rider to get me wanting to come back for more. I am not sure exactly what more I can expect... I think I'm not quite ready to give up on Knight Rider just yet."

As the screenwriter William Goldman once said, "Nobody knows anything" -- it's how the audience responds that counts. We'll know soon how many tuned in to see the premiere, and in a few weeks we'll know how well the show retains its audience. In the meantime, here's what David Hasselhoff had to say about the reaction to the Original Series: "You know, I read all this stuff and said, 'Hey, we got bad reviews. That means we're gonna be a hit.' I don't know why, but it seems to be a formula every time."

Coming Soon Interview KR Stuntman Dan Wynands

ComingSoon.net have been talking to the man behind Knight Rider's action sequences, stunt-coordinator Dan Wynands. A veteran of such hit movies as The Fast and the Furious, xXx, Gone In 60 Seconds and The Dark Knight, he gives some insight into the behind-the-scenes processes that bring an action-heavy show like Knight Rider to life.

"We have a certain number of cars we've gotten from Ford, and yes we are under pressure not to damage them," he says. "We like to do things with a little speed and close proximity to other vehicles, so it's a bit of a challenge. On the current series, we have six [K.I.T.T. cars] now. We also have the K.I.T.T. car that transforms. You go into attack mode, which is another variety, [and] it transforms into an F-150 four-wheel-drive truck. It has a bit of a Transformers taste to it."

Transformers was cited as an inspiration for NBC to ressurrect the Knight Rider franchise, and critics have often stated that a TV show can't compete with the kind of action and effects of the summer blockbusters. "Financially, we are a little restricted at times but not as much as you would think," Wynand says. "They're not too tight on the purse strings when it comes to doing the action, which an action series obviously needs. Basically, it's a matter of time. We don't have the opportunity to work in and set up bigger chase sequences that involve more wrecks and stronger and bigger stunts."

Wynand hopes to get the actors performing some of their own stunts as the season progresses, and reveals what Justin Bruening has in store: "The one thing we do in Knight Rider, we do have a lot of green screen for when we put our principle actors in the car. I'm trying to tie them more into the real work we do. I've actually got some business to do this Friday with Justin Bruening who's our Michael Knight Rider guy, and I'm gonna tie him onto the hood of our Knight Rider car. I'm trying to bring some of the feature film world tricks to help sell our actors in there. It is a challenge."

ComingSoon.net: Exclusive - Knight Rider's Stunt Dude, Dan Wynands

Magazine Watch - SFX

The UK's SFX Magazine has a huge 5-page feature on NBC's new Knight Rider in their latest issue. Entitled The Road Warrior, they talk at length with showrunner Gary Scott Thompson about the series. He talks about how the low expectations of the critics are driving the writers to raise their game ("You could just feel the hate... Hopefully we can change some minds about it, but to have a preconceived notion of it is challenging"), how he has ensured that the writers are on-set for the filming process ("That's the person that wrote the script. It's a big advantage to the director and an even bigger advantage to the actors"), and also how pleased he is with the SSC, or K.I.T.T.-Cave ("Seeing it as a model and plans is one thing, but then you step into the set and say, 'Uh, we're going to need more than 30 extras, because this place is huge!'").

They also have a brief interview with Justin Bruening, who talks about the difference in approach between the TV movie and the series, the attention being paid to scripts and characterisation, and his relationship with his talking car. "[Mike] is very much the Lone Ranger, but at the same time he has to learn to be part of a team," he says. "I feel like Mike gets annoyed with K.I.T.T. as he would a girlfriend, because K.I.T.T. is always telling him what to do and the right way to do it."

It's all in issue #175, November 2008, on sale now!

Paul Campbell Talks KR, and Halloween Episode

SciFiWire have a short piece where they talk to Paul Campbell, known to fans of re-imagined Glen A. Larson shows as Billy. "I do seem to be the record-holder for characters named 'Billy' in re-imagined television shows," Campbell said. However, the character he plays on Knight Rider is going to stand apart from his earlier role. "I don't think I left much of a mark with the [Battlestar Galactica] character. He was so humorless. Now I play something much different."

Details have started to emerge about a Halloween episode which will feature nods to Campbell's Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood. Billy goes to a costume party as Torchwood's Captain Jack Harkness, and when he isn't recognised someone suggests he dress up as Battlestar's Billy. "I say, 'Oh, I'm not anything like that character in Battlestar. Did you watch that show?' " Campbell said. "I thought it was a hilarious gag. I don't know if it is too insider... but it is funny, and little things like the connection to Battlestar will set the blogs ablaze."

SciFiWire: Battlestar's Billy is Knight's Too

Happy Birthday, Justin Bruening!

Many Happy Returns to Justin Bruening, who turns 29 today! Best wishes from Knight Rider fans around the world, and good luck for tonight's premiere!

Tonight... Knight Rider

Buckle up as Knight Rider returns to TV screens! Tonight on NBC, 8 pm, Knight in Shining Armor:

"In the series premiere, Mike's new mission brings him face-to-face with people from a past he does not remember – Mike (Justin Bruening) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) are assigned a seemingly easy package delivery – until they realize the package is actually a man with vital top secret code decryption built into his DNA. The mission gets complicated when the enemies, including a mysterious woman (guest star Paula Garces, The Shield), seem to know a great deal about Mike and a past he can’t recall."

Be there!

Justin Bruening Talks Val Kilmer

Justin Bruening has been talking to SciFiWire about new K.I.T.T. voice Val Kilmer, and likens the actor's version of the AI to the role that Kilmer created in 1984's Real Genius.

"The first movie I thought of that I thought made him perfect for the role was Real Genius," Bruening said. "I thought if he played the voice that way like he did in that movie, it would be frigging brilliant. It probably is not a movie he would pick, and he was a lot younger then, but that character was highly intelligent, quick-witted and [has] a lot of the characteristics that K.I.T.T. sort of has, without the logic. He comes back with the robotic quick wit and has his own kind of banter."

Kilmer, of course, is not on the set to feed Justin and the other actors with his lines; in fact, Wire reveals that Kilmer was actually out of the country during the filming of Knight Rider's first five episodes. On set, Bruening works with a "voice double", John Burdell, who "captures the cadence and rhythm of Val's style and plays off us well," Bruening says. "He says things in ways that he would imagine how [Kilmer] would answer. We knew we needed an actor who brings something to the role. The emotion is huge."

Justin and the rest of the cast have yet to meet Val. Bruening jokes, "Maybe he will show up at the season-five Christmas party." If he did, it would be a case of deja vu... David Hasselhoff didn't meet original K.I.T.T. voice William Daniels until their Christmas party!

SciFiWire: Cast Hasn't Met Knight's Kilmer

KR in SciFiWire TV Smackdown

SciFiWire have included Knight Rider in their Fall TV Smackdown, and pitted it against new syndicated series Legend of the Seeker.

"After getting great ratings with Knight Rider's TV movie last spring, it's no surprise NBC decided to go forth with a new series," Kathie Huddleston writes. "Executive producer Gary Scott Thompson has said that he has plans to take the new series far beyond the TV movie and yet revisit some of the things that made the original series such a hit, by amping up the special effects and bringing back the turbo boost from the 1982 series. There is plenty of competition to face in the 8 p.m. Wednesday timeslot, with Fox's Bones and ABC's Pushing Daisies, but this new Knight Rider may appeal to the entire family, considering its early timeslot. While NBC's take on the Bionic Woman is a reminder that not all iconic television shows were meant to be remade, if Thompson can achieve the right mix of fun and drama (with lots of car special effects and action), the series will find an audience."

To see who wins this round of the smackdown, check out Wire's article at:

SciFiWire: TV Smackdown II: Rider Vs. Seeker

SciFiWire Interview Bruening and Russo

SciFiWire are running a piece where they talk to Justin Bruening and Deanna Russo about the stunts they perform in the new series. They reveal that the cast members will do as much of the stunt work as allowed, following in the footsteps of Matt Damon in the Bourne movies, which were also produced by Knight Rider head honcho Doug Liman.

"I like to use Bourne Identity as the template for what I can do, because it looked real when Matt Damon did his own stunts and fights," Bruening says. "Bourne was PG-13, and that's the kind of fights we have in this. The physical fighting, when you're honestly fighting, is as close and intimate as it can get. My character has been in the Special Forces unit and is highly trained, and it has to look that way."

Bruening studied meditation and a martial-arts stick-fighting technique from Thailand in preparation for the role. "I've always been athletic all my life, but this special training helped me a lot," Bruening said. "And Deanna learned a lot, too. To borrow a phrase, I pity the fool who ever tries to hurt her."

Deanna Russo agrees, and has also put in a lot of work training for her role. "I did a ton of fight training, a few months of it, before we started filming," she says. "I got stronger and learned more tricks myself to make my character more interesting to watch. When I did a few of the stunts, people said not many of the girls could do that."

SciFiWire: Bourne Inspires Knight Stunts

Deanna Russo's Official Site Gets KR Makeover!

Deanna (Sarah Graiman) Russo's Official Website has had a bit of a Knight Rider makeover as the series premiere quickly approaches:



Be sure to head over there and check it out!

Deannarusso.com - Deanna Russo's Official Website

Expect to see more exclusive Knight Rider content at the official sites of the other stars in the coming weeks:

Justinbruening.com - Justin Bruening's Official Website

Yanceyarias.com - Yancey Arias' Official Website

Brucedavison.com - Bruce Davison's Official Website

New NBC Video: Series Premiere Preview!

In anticipation of the new series' Wednesday debut on NBC, the network have posted a series of new videos on the Official Site. In this preview from A Knight in Shining Armor, Mike comes to Sarah's rescue. Check it out:



This video is currently only available to fans in the States.

New NBC Video: K.I.T.T. Is Back!

In anticipation of the new series' Wednesday debut on NBC, the network have posted a series of new videos on the Official Site. Check it out:



This video is only available to US residents.

New NBC Video: Driving School

In anticipation of the new series' Wednesday debut on NBC, the network have posted a series of new videos on the Official Site. The first is Driving School, and follows Justin Bruening as he heads to the Ford High Performance Racing School to learn the tricks of the trade!



Unfortunately, the video is only available to fans Stateside.

Knight Rider Online Interview Paul Campbell

Knight Rider Online have updated the latest in their series of interviews with the cast. This time it's Paul Campbell, who plays Knight Research tech Billy Morgan. He talks to them about his character, about comic relief, and drops some hints about what's to come...



Knight Rider Online: Paul Campbell On-Set Interview

Two New NBC Commercials!

Not one, but two new commercials running on NBC in the States for next Wednesday's television premiere of Knight Rider. The first includes the surprise Turbo Boost from the debut episode (A Knight In Shining Armor -- not such a secret anymore!), and includes the narration: "Next Wednesday on NBC we're changing an American Icon from the inside out! It's the ultimate car, and the one man fast enough to handle it!"



The second, shorter TV spot includes some new footage from some of the later episodes, and we're told that "Only one thing could give an ex-Army Ranger even more muscle." And that's K.I.T.T.!



Well done to my friends over at Knight Rider Online for the captures.

More Interviews Over at Online...

Knight Rider Online continue to roll out their exclusive content after they were granted access to the Santa Clarita set. The latest updates include interviews with Sydney Tamiia Poitier (Carrie Ruvai) and Yancey Arias (Alex Torres), and some close looks at the real-life details of the Satellite Surveillance Chamber (K.I.T.T.-Cave) set. Online have shared their videos; be sure to visit the site for more...



Knight Rider Online: Sydney Tamiia Poitier On-Set



Knight Rider Online: Yancey Arias On-Set

Knight Rider Online: Objects in the K.I.T.T.-Cave

NBC to Ramp Up Their Knight Site

Monsters & Critics report that we can expect some interesting updates at NBC's Official Knight Rider Site:

"Fans will be able to investigate the back stories of some of their favorite characters in the Knight Industries micro-site. Plus, a new behind-the-scenes production blog featuring the writing staff and Billy's Blog will provide even more insight. Additionally, users will find an all-new K.I.T.T. game and interactive Attack K.I.T.T. and K.I.T.T. cave."

Monsters & Critics: NBC digital ramps up series website extras

More on that K.I.T.T.Napping...

The Internet was abuzz last weekend with the apparent theft of K.I.T.T. from its promotional tour in Canada, reported here. Some news sources reported that the incident was a publicity stunt, but there was no official word. Now some more details have come to light...

"To accelerate the steadily building buzz around the premiere of the Knight Rider series, last week E! Everything Entertainment brought the star of the show, the new and improved K.I.T.T., to a number of high profile events and heavy traffic locations in Toronto including the Virgin Music Festival, where fans were able to have their picture taken with the legendary car. Last Friday, the final day of K.I.T.T.'s celebrity tour, crowds of Knight Rider enthusiasts were left stunned when a man ran out of the crowd, dove into K.I.T.T. and screeched off. Intense speculation spread across news outlets and viral communities promoted by links to YouTube with audience cell phone footage of the 'KITTnapping" action. And now E! is looking for help to find K.I.T.T.

"Toronto's "KITTnapping" officially launched a unique viewer engagement promotion whereby fans have a chance to win a brand new Mustang GT Coupe or a number of limited edition Mio Knight Rider GPS units simply by identifying where K.I.T.T.'s been spotted.

"E! is also looking to the public to post their sightings of K.I.T.T. at eonline.com and watch E! for updated daily K.I.T.T. sightings. Viewers will be encouraged to enter their sightings once daily and during the Wednesday, September 24th premiere episode of Knight Rider, when one lucky fan will walk away with a brand new car!"

E! Announces Integrated Fall Marketing Campaign

Knight Rider Premieres Online Today!

As previously reported, Knight Rider fans in the States can watch the first episode of the new series (A Knight In Shining Armor) online at Hulu.com and the iTunes Store. The BBC reported yesterday that NBC Universal will also make the episode available at the Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com), and Amazon Unbox too.

The episode has its television premiere on NBC next Wednesday, September 24th at 8:00 pm.

BBC.co.uk: Free films and TV shows for IMDB

Knight Rider Archive: New Knight Rider to be Available on iTunes

Knight Rider Archive: New Knight Rider to Premiere on Hulu!

New NBC Promo - The Wait is Over

NBC have updated their Official Knight Rider Site with a new promo, The Wait Is Over. Crank it up, it's almost showtime!



NBC.com: Knight Rider - The Wait Is Over

Knight Rider Online Exclusive Set Visit

The Knight Rider Online team have visited the Knight Rider set in Santa Clarita, and got to meet the cast, view some partial and completed footage, and generally take a good look around. In the first of a series of pieces that will undoubtedly lead up to the show's premiere -- Wednesday, 24th September on NBC -- they speak to none other than Bruce Davison (Charles Graiman). He talks to them about his character, learning technobabble, and how the show has evolved from February's 2-hour movie.



Knight Rider Online: Bruce Davison - On-Set Exclusive

Knight Rider Online: Actors in the K.I.T.T.-Cave - On-Set Exclusive

New Commercial on NBC!

A new commercial has aired on NBC, and in this one "it's finally time to see how K.I.T.T. rolls!"



Well done to the folks at Knight Rider Online for the capture.

The Stu Phillips Scores are Coming to iTunes!

Stu Phillips has announced on Knight Rider Online that his excellent CD Knight Rider: The Stu Phillips Scores will be made available on iTunes (Stateside) later this month. The excellent collection features music that Stu wrote for the first season of the original series, including scores for Knight of the Phoenix, Not a Drop to Drink, Trust Doesn't Rust, and Inside Out, along with a remastered version of the theme tune.

Knight Rider Online Forums: Stu Phillips Knight Rider Soundtrack

K.I.T.T. Taken for a Joyride

Pandemonium in Toronto yesterday when the K.I.T.T. doing the promotional rounds was "stolen" at an event outside of Union Station:



S. Breezy, a member of the local electro hip-hop group The Royal Society, was on the scene and took photos of the incident with his camera-phone, ultimately becoming the first to post images of it to the Internet.

"I just figured... why not? I guess it'd be cool to have a photo with K.I.T.T.," he said. "This guy just dropped his coffee on the ground and jumped in and took off in the car. I wished I'd gotten shots of that moment... the girl beside me who took video was immediately approached by a guy from the Toronto Star, who told her that they wanted to buy the video!"

Breezy lingered around for about 20 minutes, taking in the scene, and waiting for K.I.T.T. to come back, but it never happened.

"The car delivery guy was screaming about insurance, and the woman who left the car unattended was bawling," Breezy explains.

The Royal Society's female vocalist Nikki Awesome was asked how she would feel if 95% of the group's fans ended up being Knight Rider geeks, and she seemed totally okay with the possibility. "The Knight Rider producers should totally approach us for licensing... the track Roborotic is like a dialogue between me and K.I.T.T. -- he just doesn't know it yet!" She laughed about the whole ordeal, and is totally taking in in stride and having fun with it.

Knight Rider Car "K.I.T.T." Stolen & Caught on Camera

Local Band Benefits from Stolen KITT Hoax

NBC Buys a K.I.T.T. From AutoTrader

An interesting story coming out of Grand Rapids, Michigan: News services there are reporting the story of local woman Deb Fralick, who claims that after she put her Mustang up for sale on AutoTrader it was bought by NBC for the new Knight Rider series.

"I just turned 50. So it actually made me feel like I was 18 again," Fralick said after cashing a $19,000 cheque for the car. "This man showed up and didn't drive it, didn't open the door, didn't look under the hood, and just instantly bought it."

According to Fralick, her Mustang is doubling for K.I.T.T. on the TV series' promotional tours, and is the model currently doing the rounds in Canada. If the car ever goes up for sale, the man who bought it from Fralick says she gets the first chance to buy it back.

For the full story, visit Wood TV at the link below:

Wood TV: Local Woman's Car is New K.I.T.T.

The Chronicles of K.I.T.T.

Joe Huth, the co-author of the popular Knight Rider Legacy book and a good friend to this site over the years, has embarked on a new project: He's building a replica of the Knight Industries Two Thousand, and is attempting to create "the most series accurate version of the Season Three K.I.T.T. hero car."

Joe has put together a fascinating blog to document every step of the process, and it's a great read. If you're interested in building a K.I.T.T. replica, or are just a fan of Knight Rider in general, check it out!



Joe Huth's Chronicles of K.I.T.T. Blog

Justin Bruening Video Interview

When BuddyTV visited the Knight Rider set, they got to talk to Justin Bruening about his green screen work and the special effects behind the series. Check it out!



BuddyTV.com: Exclusive 'Knight Rider' Video: Behind the Green Screen

Knight Interviews at SciFiWire

SciFiWire have posted a new interview with Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo and Gary Scott Thompson, in anticipation of the series' September 24th premiere on NBC. They talk about the challenges of exciting the audience for the series, of keeping K.I.T.T. a car of the future, and going back to the drawing board.

"We went back to the original series to look at what made that work," Thompson says. "We went through the pilot, and then, you know, we don't want to disappoint some of the fans of the two-hour [film], so we have four characters coming from that. So we made sure that those four characters clicked into what the new mythology was for the series. Again, it's 25 years later, so we have to update the car, update the people and be in touch with the times. So I think that's really what we did...just try to bring it up to date."

The speculation about David Hasselhoff returning with his version of K.I.T.T. is addressed. Thompson reveals that "David [Hasselhoff] and NBC and myself, we're discussing," although they "haven’t spoken about William Daniels at this point."

Thompson reveals that most of the episodes are stand-alone stories, but they will all be part of a larger mythology. "It's boy and car save world," Thompson says. "We plan on going a long time with this one. We've got great stars here and a great car. We've got a few new cast members, great writers. There's a lot of stories to tell."

SciFiWire: Knight Revs Up its Premiere!

New Knight Rider to be Available on iTunes

NBC Universal announced yesterday that the premiere episodes of their top 10 primetime series -- including the new Knight Rider -- will be available for free on iTunes Stateside a week before their TV debuts! Subsequent episodes will be available the day after the network broadcast for $1.99 in standard definition and $2.99 in high-def.

“The return of our shows to iTunes is terrific news for everyone who loves television and the ease and convenience of Apple’s iTunes,” said Jeff Zucker, president and CEO of NBC Universal. “And now, by offering consumers a variety of new options, our fans have even more ways to enjoy our content.”

Home Media Magazine: NBC Programming Returns to iTunes

Knight Rider Car Show Reports!

It was too late to add it to the Upcoming Events section here at the Archive, but this past weekend was host to the Knights of the West Coast car show. This fantastic gathering brings together fans of the series with an exhibition of K.I.T.T. replicas, and was attended this year by some Knight Rider VIPs: creator Glen A. Larson, Stu Phillips (who wrote the music for the theme and half of the first season), and K.I.T.T.'s designer Michael Scheffe. Knight Rider producer Ron Martinez was also on hand to share stories of his first-hand experiences on the series.

The whole thing took place at the Saugus Speedway -- Knight Rider's spiritual home; it featured in the episodes Knight of the Phoenix, Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular and Knights of the Fast Lane, and was also where Stunt Co-ordinator Jack Gill taught David Hasselhoff how to stunt drive for the role of Michael Knight.



Knight Rider Online: Car Show in Video

Knight Rider Online: Car Show in Pictures

Knight Rider Online: Live from Saugus Speedway

Knight Rider Archive - Updated!

Knight Rider: The Series hits the screens in a few weeks, and we're rapidly approaching the Knight Rider Archive's 10th Anniversary, so what better time for new beginnings?

If you're an old-time Knight Rider fan, you'll notice that a lot has changed here at the Archive: detailed content on all the Knight Rider TV series and movies, a new Events directory to keep track of world-wide conventions, and a new menu system that should make navigation a lot easier -- a major issue given the density of the site. If you're a newcomer to the dangerous world of the Knight Rider, there should be plenty to keep you busy!

Every incarnation of Knight Rider gets the in-depth treatment, with episode guides, behind the scenes photos, articles, cast and production information and original content. Wherever possible visitors will be able to chart the creation of Original Series episodes from script to screen, and learn about the changes the stories went through before they aired.

There are detailed looks at all the different K.I.T.T.s, from the Trans-Am to the 1957 Chevy, to the Knight 4000 and the new Mustang.

Naturally, with a new series about to start, the focus here will shift to cover as much of the new show as possible, but that doesn't mean that the earlier series will be forgotten: there's still a lot of material in the real-world Knight Rider Archive waiting to come online, and the quarterly updates will continue around the more regular coverage of NBC's Knight Rider: The Series.

I hope you enjoy the site as much as I have enjoyed putting it together, and I hope you'll stick around -- we're all in for a great ride!

- Paul
- Knight Rider Archive

More on Hasselhoff's Possible Return!

David Hasselhoff has been talking about the new series again, this time on KZZP Phoenix Radio. In the interview, he explained that the people who didn't didn't want him to be a part of the new series are no longer at the network, and said: ""I don't have to be in every episode, I'd be in five, I don't care."

The Knight Rider Online team have learned from an "industry insider" that Hasselhoff's return could indeed be more than just a one-shot, or a two-parter.

"As previously reported, Gary Scott Thompson said that he has been in talks with David Hasselhoff to make an appearance in the new show. The only issue was scheduling. An "industry insider" told Knight Rider Online that the Hoff's role might be a bit bigger than we were led to believe. Rather than being a one-time appearance, Hasselhoff would return in a major multi-episode story arc. Negotiations are not final but don't be surprised to see a significant ongoing storyline featuring Hasselhoff in the second half of the season."

Knight Rider Online: The Hoff's role to be expanded in new series (?)

NBC Update Official Site with Cast Photos

NBC have updated their official Knight Rider website with some brand new cast photos from a session in the K.I.T.T.-Cave. There are five shots for each castmember, and you can find them by clicking the link below!



NBC.com: Knight Rider Official Cast Photos

Soapnet Interview Justin Bruening

Soapnet have been tracking Justin Bruening's career since he left All My Children, and have a short interview with the new Knight Rider. He talks about meeting David Hasselhoff, his love of heavy metal music, and the physical nature of the role. "I do 98% of the fights -- as long as it's nothing that potentially can injure me if it's too dangerous," he says. "I come out banged and bruised, but that would happen with anything."

He also reveals that he drives a Ford Mustang in his off-hours -- although his ride doesn't talk.

Soapnet: Justin Bruening - Hot 'Knight'

E! Brings K.I.T.T. to Canada

K.I.T.T. rides into Toronto tomorrow for a whistle-stop tour, giving fans the opportunity to snap one-on-one photos with TV's coolest car before the new series premieres on Wednesday, September 24. Thanks to E!, who will be televising the series in Canada. In addition to the photo opportunity, fans will also be able to enter onsite to win a coveted 2008 Mustang GT Coupe California Edition and one of several special edition Mio Knight Rider GPS units.

There will also be a display at Union Station on Friday, September 12, when the tricked-out machine will spin its wheels performing stunts for the crowd.

The appearance schedule and locations are as follows:

Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 (11am-4pm)
Virgin Music Festival - Ferry Terminal Harbour Street and Bay Street

Monday, September 8 (11am-4pm)
Gardiner Museum - 111 Queen's Park

Tuesday, September 9 (11am-4pm)
Corner of Front and Simcoe

Wednesday, September 10 (11am-4pm)
Corner of Bay and Dundas

Thursday, September 11 (8-10am)
CHCH News Studio - 163 Jackson Street West (Hamilton)

Friday, September 12 (11am-2pm)
Union Station - 65 Front Street West

Newswire: K.I.T.T. Roars into Toronto!

[Thanks to Mblackphoenix over at Knight Rider Online for the tip-off].

The February TV Movie Is on DVD!

TVShowsonDVD.com have an update to the new Knight Rider on DVD situation. Originally a Sept. 9th release was planned for the pilot telepic to debut on disc. Then, in July, the release was suddenly canceled (most likely to be incorporated into an eventual Season 1 DVD release).

Now it transpires that "FYE and Suncoast stores, both part of the Trans World Entertainment Corporation ("TWEC"), are giving away copies of this DVD free, while supplies last, with purchase of certain other TV-DVD sets." More details can be found at FYE's website.

TVShowsonDVD state that "DVD titles to purchase, which qualify you to get this disc, include any of the first four seasons of the original Knight Rider series, either season of Friday Night Lights, the first season of Heroes on DVD (the Blu-ray version isn't included), any of the first three seasons of The Office, the first season of 30 Rock, or the first two seasons of either Miami Vice or Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Purchase any one of the above, and you should be able to drive off with K.I.T.T.! See your local store, or the chain's website, for complete details."

Check out the box art below:



TVShowsonDVD.com: FYE (and Suncoast?) Offer Free DVD (with Purchase) of the 2008 Series Pilot

Magazine Watch - SciFiNow

The UK's SciFiNow Magazine includes Knight Rider in their fall preview, and give a rundown on the new cast of characters. The one-page feature contains plenty of photos, and an interview with Gary Scott Thompson.

It's issue #19, on sale now!

K.I.T.T. Road-Tested by Jalopnik

The guys at Jalopnik have posted an article detailing their experiences test-driving K.I.T.T.

"People point. They stare. The silent back and forth sweep of the red light draws the questions of curious passers-by. Camera phones are wielded, friends are called over and disbelief removed. But in the face of the crushing power of this car, the tight hold that childhood memories maintain over the aura of K.I.T.T. shrink, and become insignificant as you pull runs — again, and again, and again... This GT500KR has all the boost we need."



Check out the original article (and a gorgeous gallery) at:

Jalopnik.com: K.I.T.T. - First Drive

Autoblog Take K.I.T.T. for a Knight Ride

Autoblog.com have posted an article about the new K.I.T.T., and also got to test-drive the car itself (a non-kitted-out version, although it did have the Mio GPS unit with William Daniels' voice installed).

"On the road, K.I.T.T. garnered plenty of stares. Big surprise, right? When the sun went down and we turned on the car's nose-mounted light show, there was more rubber-necking than a carbeque on I-75. We'd have kept it on all day long, but the red LEDs are virtually invisible until dark. And yes, we were dorky enough to purchase the Knight Rider theme song on iTunes, which was fun to jam at stoplights.

"Regardless of whether or not the upcoming rehash of Knight Rider goes boom or bust, the car will always be an icon. And regardless of whether K.I.T.T. is a 1982 Pontiac Firebird or a 2008 Shelby GT500 KR, if it's black, talks, fights crime and has a red light bar, it's still K.I.T.T."



Autoblogs.com: In the Autoblog Garage - K.I.T.T. Shelby GT500 KR

BuddyTV Interview Yancey Arias

BuddyTv.com have posted a video interview with Yancey Arias, who plays Knight Research head-honcho Alex Torres. He talks about the role, the technologies, and being a fan of the original Knight Rider. Check it out!



BuddyTV: Exclusive Video Interview with Knight Rider Star Yancey Arias

New Knight Rider to Premiere on Hulu!

Broadcasting & Cable report that NBC are giving users of Hulu (the video-streaming site they founded with News Corp) a sneak peek of some of their fall shows, streaming them before they debut on the Network!

"The series premiere of Knight Rider and the season premieres of Chuck, Life and Lipstick Jungle will be available on Hulu one week before they appear on NBC's primetime lineup.

Hulu is setting up a dedicated section of the site for new fall programming, where it will aggregate all of the season and series premieres from its participating networks, most notably NBC and Fox.

"The Hulu Fall Lineup, as it is being called, will premiere new episodes of primetime shows for seven straight weeks beginning Sept. 2."

Awesome news!

Broadcasting & Cable: NBC Gives Hulu Sneak Peek at Fall Shows

Don LaFontaine Has Passed Away...

Don LaFontaine, whose lengthy career in voiceover led to him narrating over 5000 film and TV trailers, passed away yesterday due to complications from pneumothorax. He was 68.

He will be familiar to fans of Knight Rider as the narrator of the ads for the TV movie Knight Rider 2000 -- "For four years they rode together, a man who did not exist and a car unlike any other!" -- and the opening titles of Team Knight Rider:

"Ten years ago, all it took was one man... and one car... to get the job done. Now, the Foundation for Law and Government has assembled five highly-skilled operatives and paired them with the most advanced, state-of-the-art vehicles to take on a new breed of outlaw."

You can learn more about the man and his work at his website.

High Expectations for New Knight Rider

The new Knight Rider series is registering a high-recognition factor among potential audiences, Variety has reported. It is one of just six new show so far that hitting more than a 20-percent awareness among audiences, according to the latest fall tracking reports.

More than 60 percent of viewers are aware that Knight Rider is coming back to the air.

More on this story at the following links:

Variety.com: Audiences Click with Revamped Shows

SciFi Wire: Knight Rider Ranks High