Happy Birthday, Justin Bruening!

Many Happy Returns to Justin Bruening, who turns 30 today! Best wishes from Knight Rider fans around the world!

Tonight on Fiver - Knight Rider!

Tonight sees the debut of last year's Knight Rider TV movie at 8pm on Fiver!

"Sarah Graiman (Deanna Russo) is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles' (Bruce Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first K.I.T.T. 25 years ago -- and that her father is in serious danger.

"Sarah and K.I.T.T. track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Justin Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure K.I.T.T. and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search."

Fiver is available as channel 176 on Sky, channel 152 on Virgin, and channel 30 on Freeview! A +1 service is available on Sky channel 177.

All UK fans, don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - I Love The Knight Life

Don't miss the series finale of Knight Rider at 8pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"Everyone needs a little help -- A plane carrying a 10 year-old federal witness has crashed or so it seems. Mike (Justin Bruening) tries to help the DEA Agent Jessie Renning, by informing her that the crash has been faked and that the drug dealer that killed his father has kidnapped the boy. Considering this information for a brief moment, she instead arrests him for hindering her investigation. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) tries to make a deal with the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for autonomy for the SSC's future cases. Running out of time, Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) need to find the boy before he is forced to tell where the drugs have been hidden and is killed."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Be there!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight and the City

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider at 8pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"Everyone needs a little help -- A plane carrying a 10 year-old federal witness has crashed or so it seems. Mike (Justin Bruening) tries to help the DEA Agent Jessie Renning, by informing her that the crash has been faked and that the drug dealer that killed his father has kidnapped the boy. Considering this information for a brief moment, she instead arrests him for hindering her investigation. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) tries to make a deal with the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for autonomy for the SSC's future cases. Running out of time, Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) need to find the boy before he is forced to tell where the drugs have been hidden and is killed."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Be there!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Fly By Knight

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider at 8pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"Everyone needs a little help -- A plane carrying a 10 year-old federal witness has crashed or so it seems. Mike (Justin Bruening) tries to help the DEA Agent Jessie Renning, by informing her that the crash has been faked and that the drug dealer that killed his father has kidnapped the boy. Considering this information for a brief moment, she instead arrests him for hindering her investigation. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) tries to make a deal with the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for autonomy for the SSC's future cases. Running out of time, Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) need to find the boy before he is forced to tell where the drugs have been hidden and is killed."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Be there!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Fight Knight

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider, tonight at 8pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"Down for the count -- Mike's (Justin Bruening) old Army friend recruits his help to investigate the suspicious death of a tough-as-nails drill sergeant Jack Burber. Mike learns that the drill sergeant was participating in an underground fight club for military veterans for extra money. In order to find out what really happened, Mike has to infiltrate the fight club and try not to get himself killed in the ring."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Be there!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Exit Light, Enter Knight

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider at 8pm on the Sci-Fi Channel UK!

"Bait and switch -- Mike (Justin Bruening) jumps into the thick of a bank heist and tries to stop it, but instead becomes one of the robbers' hostages. Oddly, the robbers do not seem interested in the bank's money. Apparently, they have a specific plan that includes the safe deposit boxes and the husband of one of their hostages. Unable to communication with K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) and his team, Mike tries to enlist the help of the other hostages to stop the robbers from escaping. Unfortunately, one of the so-called hostages is one of the robbers, which makes Mike's job even more difficult."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Be there!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight To King's Pawn

K.A.R.R.!

It's the one that we've all been waiting for... Knight To King's Pawn!

"Time to fight back -- Sarah is not coping well with her father's death and decides to leave town. Concerned, Mike goes looking for her and in return gets the answers he has been searching for about his past. Meanwhile, the NSA has decided to dismantle the SSC now that Dr. Graiman is dead and they can then move forward with K.I.T.T.'s nemesis K.A.R.R. With Torres' permission they take out K.I.T.T.'s chip that contains his personality and memories and place it in K.A.R.R. Upset by what has happened, Mike, Sarah, Billy and Zoe devise a plan to find where K.I.T.T. has been taken and get him up and running and destroy the evil K.A.R.R. once and for all."

It's on the Sci-Fi Channel UK at 8pm, and you do not want to miss this one!

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Day Turns Into Knight

Tonight we have Part Two of Knight Rider's big "reboot"!

"Mike and K.I.T.T. continue on their quest to stop a terrorist from detonating a nuclear weapon and killing the ambassador -- Mike (Justin Bruening) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) are now transporting a bomb in the trunk of the car, but in order for it not to explode they must stay above 100 miles-per-hour. Trying to come up with a plan to disable the bomb, they load K.I.T.T. onto the plane to buy some time and keep up their speed. Clinging to life, Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) manages to give a clue to find where the terrorist is hiding. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) receives some upsetting news about her dad. Bruce Davison, Yancey Arias and Paul Campbell star. Smith Cho recurs and Rick Hoffman and Richard Roundtree guest star."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Watch as Day Turns Into Knight at 8pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

Knight Rider 2008 - Now Available on DVD!

Fans of the Justin Bruening Knight Rider can now own the series on Region 1 DVD! The 4-disc set includes every episode from the first season, plus the feature-length pilot episode that reintroduced the show in February of last year.

"An iconic TV classic is back and better than ever in the reinvented, updated, and super-charged Knight Rider Season One. From executive producers Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity franchise), David Bartis (The O.C.) and Glen Larson (Battlestar Galactica) comes this action-packed series about the coolest car ever created, K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Three Thousand), that's equipped with artificial intelligence capable of hacking into any computer, the weapons system of a jet fighter, and incredible custom body technology that allows it to transform into other vehicles. Relive every Season One episode as an elite team of crime-fighters work with K.I.T.T. to track down elusive, high-tech villains. You won't want to miss this fast-paced ride to the wild side!"

Special features include featurettes The Icon Reborn, K.I.T.T. - From 2000 to 3000 and Knight Rider - Legacy, and the commentary track for the pilot episode with Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo and Executive Producer Dave Bartis seems to have been ported over from the earlier Suncoast release of the TV movie.

The collection runs at approximately 802 minutes, and the video is presented in anamorphic widescreen. Audio is English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, and English subtitles are also be provided.

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Don't Stop the Knight

Tonight it's all change for Knight Rider.

"Mike and K.I.T.T. try to rescue a kidnapped foreign ambassador from a terrorist in time for peace talks -- Mike and K.I.T.T. are sent on an endless string of mini-missions by a crazy terrorist in exchange to keep Ambassador Olara Kumali (guest star Vanessa Williams) alive, but they soon realize that they are part of a bigger plan. Trying to outsmart the terrorist, Rivai and a team of FBI agents find themselves in an explosive situation. Meanwhile, Sarah and Dr. Graiman try to fix a sick robot. Yancey Arias and Paul Campbell star. Smith Cho recurs and Rick Hoffman guest stars."

This is Part One of the pivotal story arc that sends the show back to its roots, and the beginning of the end for three of the series' co-stars.

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't Stop The Knight, Sci-Fi Channel UK, 8pm. Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight Fever

Be there for tonight's Knight Rider episode, Knight Fever, on the UK Sci-Fi Channel at 8pm!

"K.I.T.T. may have met his match when he falls victim to a destructive computer virus -– Mike (Justin Bruening) must stop the spread of a computer virus that threatens a total global meltdown. The job gets much harder when K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) is infected. Meanwhile, Mike’s jealousy begins to show when Sarah (Deanna Russo) reconnects with an old flame (guest star Jeffrey Pierce, The Nine), who may be the key to solving the latest mission. Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Paul Campbell, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight of the Zodiac

Be there for tonight's Knight Rider episode, Knight of the Zodiac at 8pm on the UK's Sci-Fi Channel!

"Mike, K.I.T.T. and Billy head to Vegas to take on a money laundering ring -- Mike (Justin Bruening) goes undercover in Vegas to bust a money laundering operation. Billy (Paul Campbell) joins Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) on the mission, only to spark a romantic adventure of his own. Meanwhile, Dr. Graiman (Bruce Davison) locks horns with an old rival and former flame, who comes to assess how "green" the K.I.T.T. Cave is. Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Three Hours of KR

Be there for three hours of Knight Rider from 6 pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel! First up is a repeat of the first two episodes -- A Knight in Shining Armor and Journey to the End of the Knight -- followed by the latest episode I Wanna Rock and Roll All Knight:

"A criminal couple with congressional ties threatens to reveal the secrets of Knight Industries -- Knight Industries is hot on the trail of a Bonnie & Clyde-esque criminal couple, only to discover their true identities have a serious impact on a national congressional race. As the mission unfolds, Mike (Justin Bruening) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) are forced into action to save Agent Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier). Deanna Russo, Paul Campbell, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

New Knight Rider on iTunes (UK)

New Knight Rider (2008) has been made available for download on the UK's iTunes store! Fans can buy each episode for £2.49 in either standard definition or HD, with Dolby 5.1 surround sound audio. At the time of writing, the first six episodes are available (in sync with the Sci-Fi Channel broadcasts), and the first episode A Knight In Shining Armor is ranked #8 in the Top 10 TV Episodes!

iTunes Store - Knight Rider 2008

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight of the Living Dead

Be there for tonight's Halloween-themed episode, Knight of the Living Dead, at 8 pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"Trick or Treat -– Halloween turns deadly when a tech is murdered inside Knight Industries headquarters -- An infiltrator murders a tech inside Knight Industries headquarters and the team must find them before they kill again. Meanwhile, Mike (Justin Bruening) and Sarah (Deanna Russo) are stuck on a flight during a storm and must try to stop K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) before he self-destructs. Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Paul Campbell, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight of the Hunter

Be there for the latest adventure of Mike and K.I.T.T. on the UK Sci-Fi Channel... Knight of the Hunter, tonight at 8 pm!

"Mike and K.I.T.T. must stop a rogue military officer before he blows up a dam -– Mike (Justin Bruening) goes undercover as a Marine gone AWOL to track down a rogue military officer. A beautiful undercover agent from across the pond joins Mike to help him solve the crime. Back at the SSC, Billy (Paul Campbell) undergoes some combat training of his own with the help of Zoe (Smith Cho). Deanna Russo and Yancey Arias also star. K.I.T.T. is voiced by Val Kilmer."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - A Hard Day's Knight

Don't miss tonight's Knight Rider episode, A Hard Day's Knight, at 8 pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"When Mike (Justin Bruening) is lethally poisoned, he must fake the assassination of a billionaire tech mogul in order to secure the antidote. K.I.T.T. is voiced by Val Kilmer. Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Paul Campbell and Yancey Arias star. Smith Cho recurs."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Knight of the Iguana

Don't miss tonight's Knight Rider episode, Knight of the Iguana, at 8 pm on the UK's Sci-Fi Channel!

"Mike's new mission sends him and K.I.T.T. south of the border with an unlikely new partner -– Mike (Justin Bruening) and Zoe (Smith Cho) go undercover in Baja as a honeymooning surfer couple in order to stop terrorist weapons from getting into the States. Sarah (Deanna Russo) and Billy (Paul Campbell) are brought into the mix and they quickly find the mission taking an unusual turn. K.I.T.T. is voiced by Val Kilmer. Bruce Davison and Yancey Arias also star."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - Journey to the End of the Knight

Don't miss tonight's Knight Rider episode, Journey to the End of the Knight, at 8 pm on the UK Sci-Fi Channel!

"Mike must infiltrate a racing gang with the help of an old Army buddy -- Mike (Justin Bruening) reunites with a former Army buddy (guest star Johnny Messner, The O.C.) to bring down a drag racing gang that is smuggling weapons overseas. Sarah (Deanna Russo) joins Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) on this dangerous undercover mission, much to her father's (Bruce Davison) dismay. Paul Campbell and Yancey Arias star. Smith Cho recurs."

Don't miss it!

Knight Rider Season 1 on Region 1 DVD Announced!

Word reached the Archive last Friday that UK fans can expect Knight Rider: Season 1 on DVD in September -- now it looks like the US is going to beat them to it! TVShowsonDVD.com have got the scoop on the release date of the Region 1 set, as Universal Home Video have announced that it will retail from 28th July, 2009!

Special features seem to be identical to the Region 2 version, including featurettes The Icon Reborn, K.I.T.T. - From 2000 to 3000 and Knight Rider - Legacy, and the commentary track for the pilot episode with Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo and Executive Producer Dave Bartis seems to have been ported over from the earlier Suncoast release of the TV movie. The collection will be a 4-DVD set running approximately 802 minutes, presented in anamorphic widescreen video. Audio is English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, and English subtitles will also be provided.

Package art isn't available yet, but TVShowsonDVD have revealed the studio description of this release:

"An iconic TV classic is back and better than ever in the reinvented, updated, and super-charged Knight Rider Season One. From executive producers Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity franchise), David Bartis (The O.C.) and Glen Larson (Battlestar Galactica) comes this action-packed series about the coolest car ever created, K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Three Thousand), that's equipped with artificial intelligence capable of hacking into any computer, the weapons system of a jet fighter, and incredible custom body technology that allows it to transform into other vehicles. Relive every Season One episode as an elite team of crime-fighters work with K.I.T.T. to track down elusive, high-tech villains. You won't want to miss this fast-paced ride to the wild side!"

TVShowsonDVD.com - Knight Rider 2008 Season 1 DVD Announcement

Tonight on Sci-Fi UK - A Knight In Shining Armor

Buckle up as the UK's Sci-Fi Channel brings Knight Rider to British TV screens! Tonight at 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."

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin. The show is also available in HD.

Don't miss it!

New TV Spot and Info

Knight Rider was a big hit on the Sci-Fi Channel, thanks in no small part to their advertising. If you missed the UK premiere of the pilot movie, the channel is presenting encores -- 10pm tonight, 5pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday, with the series commencing at 8pm on Tuesday.

Sci-Fi is available as channel 129 on Sky, and channel 135 on Virgin.

New Knight Rider a Hit on UK Sci-Fi Channel!

The UK Sci-Fi Channel have announced that last night's premiere of the 2008 Knight Rider revival was a huge ratings winner. The press release follows:

London, 13 May 2009: NBC Universal Global Networks today reveals that the premiere of brand new Knight Rider has delivered its SCI FI channel's best series ratings since the first run of Heroes in 2007. Over half a million viewers tuned in for the high-octane, feature-length pilot which guest starred David Hasselhoff.

The premiere made SCI FI the #1 non-terrestrial entertainment channel amongst all adults in digital cable and satellite homes.

SCI FI also enjoyed a steep uplift amongst young adults, with 33% of viewers aged 16 - 34, up nearly 60% on the channel's average. Surprisingly, women aged 16 - 24 outnumbered their male counterparts in the same age group by 6 share points, proving that cars aren't just for the boys.

Jon Farrar, Programming Director (UK), NBC Universal Global Networks commented, "We've always said that the return of K.I.T.T. is an historic TV moment and the viewers have clearly agreed with us. We're thrilled with the ratings and really proud to bring such an iconic series back to life on the SCI FI channel. We've introduced the show to a whole new age group... a generation of young viewers can finally understand why us over 35s get so excited about a talking car."

The series is based on the 1980s vehicle which helped drive actor David Hasselhoff to worldwide fame, but has been completely updated for the 21st century audience. K.I.T.T. is now voiced by actor Val Kilmer and boasts state of the art weaponry, plus the ability to transform or change colour. At the wheel is Justin Bruening, an actor new to UK audiences but a well-established heart-throb in the USA after starring in soap opera All My Children. Bruening plays Mike Traceur, the son of original character Michael Knight.

The series will continue to premiere on SCI FI every Tuesday at 8pm and is also available in high definition on SCI FI HD (available on the Sky platform). Following the feature-length pilot last night, Knight Rider will continue in one hour instalments and go back-to-back with the UK premiere of Dollhouse, another highly anticipated fantasy from Buffy creator Joss Whedon, which starts next Tuesday 19 May at 9pm.

Sci-Fi Channel - Knight Rider is Ratings Winner for Sci-Fi

Tonight on UK Sci-Fi - Knight Rider!

Tonight sees the long-awaited UK premiere of last year's new Knight Rider series at 8pm on The Sci-Fi Channel!

"Sarah Graiman (Deanna Russo) is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles' (Bruce Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first K.I.T.T. 25 years ago -- and that her father is in serious danger.

"Sarah and K.I.T.T. track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Justin Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure K.I.T.T. and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search."

All UK fans, don't miss it!

New Knight Rider Comes to UK Sci Fi Channel!

The long-awaited UK debut of 2008's Knight Rider series has finally been announced! The series premieres on the SCI FI channel this May, and will also available in HD!

Sci Fi's press release follows:

"The iconic 1980s television classic that became a high-speed smash hit comes roaring back to life with this updated, high-octane action series! The new K.I.T.T. design is better than ever! Equipped with a supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system, a nanotechnology that allows it to change shape and colour, and an artificial intelligence that makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner, K.I.T.T. is the coolest ride on the planet!

"Behind the wheel is sexy young lead character Mike Tracer and distracting Mike from his crime-fighting is Sarah Graiman and let's just say they have 'history'! Starring Justin Bruening, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Bruce Davison, with Val Kilmer as the voice of K.I.T.T."

Sci Fi also have a mini-site dedicated to the show, where you can access some video interviews, galleries, forums, and an episode guide! Be sure to check it out at:

Sci Fi Channel (UK) - Knight Rider

Don't miss it!

Tonight... Knight Rider: I Love The Knight Life

Tonight: The Season (and perhaps the Series') Finale!

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider at 8/7c on NBC!

"Stronger than is humanly possible -- Mike (Justin Bruening) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) are trying to track down a stolen serum that maximizes the recipient's physicality before it gets into the wrong hands. With the help of the lab's research assistant, Billy (Paul Campbell) learns some information about the serum that will help Mike when he takes on the now powerful thief. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) is overwhelmed with her new duties and quickly learns how much work it will take to reinstitute the Foundataion for Law and Government. Smith Cho stars. Kevin Alejandro and Mini Anden guest star."

Be there!

Knight And The City Highlights!

NBC's Official Knight Rider Website has posted highlights from Wednesday night's episode, Knight And The City. In this clip, Mike and K.I.T.T. deal with a tough crowd. It's only available to the Knight Rider fans in the USA, but if you can, check it out!



NBC.com: Knight And The City Highlights

Tonight... Knight Rider: Knight and the City

Don't miss tonight's latest adventure for Michael and K.I.T.T. at 8/7c on NBC!

"Nothing like a little Zen in your life to help you relax -- Mike (Justin Bruening) decides to visit one of his old haunts, Sonny's bar, during his decompression time. When Mike arrives, he notices that the crowd has changed for the worse. After learning of Sonny's death in a car accident, Mike is pleased to hear that his daughter Julie is now running the bar. He offers to lend a hand in order to bring the bar back to its original glory. Meanwhile, Mike gets suspicious when he hears of the recent fires at the bar and discovers that someone has secretly being trying to get Julie to sell the place."

Be there!

On This Day: 17th February 2008

It's already a year since Knight Rider returned to NBC as a movie-of-the-week. This feature-length pilot was the fourth attempt to revive the Knight Rider concept, after two earlier TV movies (Knight Rider 2000, Knight Rider 2010) and a syndicated series (Team Knight Rider).

The story focused on Sarah Graiman (Deanna Russo), a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, who was following in her genius father Charles' (Bruce Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first K.I.T.T. 25 years ago -- and that her father is in serious danger.

Sarah and K.I.T.T. track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Justin Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure K.I.T.T. and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long- standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search.

Unsurprisingly, the movie didn't set the world alight critically, but it did well enough in the ratings for NBC to commission a full season of new Knight Rider adventures.

Valentine's... Knight!

Treat that special someone in your life to a Knight Rider themed E-card, courtesy of NBC! They have a selection of six available, featuring all the cast members of the show with a humourous message ("You can check under my hood anytime"; "You get my heart racing"; "My work is classified. My feelings for you are not").

Fly By Knight Highlights!

NBC's Official Knight Rider Website has posted highlights from last night's episode, Fly By Knight. In this clip, K.I.T.T. is wanted by the law and disguises himself. It's only available to the Knight Rider fans in the USA, but if you can, check it out!



NBC.com: Fly By Knight Highlights

Tonight... Knight Rider: Fly By Knight

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider at 8/7c on NBC!

"Everyone needs a little help -- A plane carrying a 10 year-old federal witness has crashed or so it seems. Mike (Justin Bruening) tries to help the DEA Agent Jessie Renning, by informing her that the crash has been faked and that the drug dealer that killed his father has kidnapped the boy. Considering this information for a brief moment, she instead arrests him for hindering her investigation. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) tries to make a deal with the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for autonomy for the SSC's future cases. Running out of time, Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) need to find the boy before he is forced to tell where the drugs have been hidden and is killed."

Be there!

SciFiWire Talk To Justin Bruening

SciFiWire have posted an interview with Justin Bruening from the set of I Love The Knight Life -- now the season finale -- where the star of Knight Rider talks about the changes that have recently swept through the show.

"People will be able to relate more," Bruening says of the show post-'reboot.' "They reinvented the show, so it's going to be more of the original format, where it was usually Michael and K.I.T.T. going out on missions. When you do a mission on a global scale, there's too much to fit in 42 minutes. With a more localized murder-mystery mission, you can get more in-depth. In this, we can have a smaller mission with more twists and turns that can make it interesting. We still have these grand-scale missions, just not this week."

With Mike on the road assuming the 'young loner' mantle of the original Michael Knight, he now sees less of his co-stars. "Obviously, I'm sad to see people go," Bruening explains. "They are great friends, and I've learned a lot from them, but the way it happens, it makes the story stronger, and it makes the remaining four characters much stronger. We all have to step up instead of relying on the other cast members. It gives us more to do."

The fact that the remaining cast members have more to do is something that has pleased Knight Rider fans on internet forums, who have complained vocally since the show premiered that the show lacked focus and that Mike was often not the driving force behind the capture of the bad guys -- regularly being bailed out of trouble by Sarah (Deanna Russo) or the team in the SSC. Now that Sarah is in charge of operations back at the SSC, the action and adventure is firmly Mike's department... but how does Justin see the dynamics of their other relationship changing?

"I wish I knew, and I don't even think my character even knows," he says. "We are getting to the point where we come together, events have happened, and it makes us shut down in terms of romance. In [I Love The Knight Life], there is a new girl from my past, someone I knew from my childhood, and Sarah knows of her. Oddly enough, she is going through things that are almost a carbon copy to what Sarah is going through. This episode is a new step for Michael and has nothing to do with Sarah. And Michael doesn't know what's going on with Sarah, and he's starting to get frustrated. In episode four, she knew he loved her, and still nothing. It's like 'Why beat a dead horse?'"

Of course, major relationship that defines Mike's character -- and the only relationship that really matters in a show called Knight Rider -- is that between Michael Knight and his car. "The relationship that is developing is more brotherly," Bruening says. "It's basically the same principle as Iron Man, where he was a normal guy without the suit. When K.I.T.T. is around, Michael knows he's not going to get hurt. That also allows us to joke around more. In the midst of gunfire, because he's bulletproof, it's fun to play the opposite of what you normally would. At the same time, we do care about each other like a family. K.I.T.T. continues to learn, and in an upcoming episode he gains even more personality, to the point he starts playing practical jokes on me. It's a buddy-cop show with the banter. The one thing I would be excited to see is K.I.T.T. becoming angry and how he would retaliate."

So, no modern takes on classic episodes such as Killer K.I.T.T. this season then, but Bruening reveals that K.I.T.T. has plenty of aggressive ammunition in the season finale. "K.I.T.T. gets some new guns that exhaust his ammunition, which is 8,000 rounds, in seven seconds," he says. "It's pretty impressive, but I actually make fun of him for only lasting seven seconds. That's the fun part of the show. K.I.T.T. is becoming such a strong character that we're trying to find a way to make the scenes humorous."

So far, after Gary Scott Thompson's Exit Light, Enter Knight and Wednesday's Fight Knight the majority of fans are pleased with Knight Rider's new direction. Hopefully the network will follow suit. Bruening himself is happy with the result. "I think it's always fun to reinvent. It's exciting. There are changes, and you see progress that way. It's not stagnant, and it makes sense why we change. Plus, it makes it more like the original series with missions. Sarah is more of the mechanic, and she runs the place. Billy and Zoe are the computer techs, so knowing everyone's expertise allows Michael to call the right guy."

SciFiWire.com - Knight Rider Got An Overhaul...

Knight Writers Blog on Fight Knight

This week it's Rob Wright offering thoughts and feelings by way of NBC's Official Knight Writers Blog, focusing on last night's episode Fight Knight. This episode is notable as on the surface it seems to follow the template of many TV series from the 1980s, "Michael Knight comes to town to help a friend in need. In so doing, he gets into a heap of trouble with local tough guys, a femme fatale... even a Sheriff who just might be hiding a sinister secret. Will Mike save the girl? Who knows! First he and Kitt must work together, fighting and driving, to stop the bad guys before time runs out." If it sounds familiar, that's because it could apply to several Original Series episodes -- and that was Wright's intention all along!

"It takes 8 days to shoot an episode of Knight Rider," he says. "Well, we spent three of them shooting all the fights in the cage sequences... plus another night for the bar brawl." It was a tough shoot -- Hawaii aside, this episode took the cast and crew furthest from LA -- and it was particularly rough on Justin. "[He] reminded me that he went to bed sore every night on this episode. Why? Because even with all our visual effect capability... even with the use of Justin’s amazing, MMA blackbelt stunt-double Antal Kalik... even with the vast array of options that camera trickery offers, there are still moments where your actor has take a punch. In a show centering on cage fighting, those moments add up!"

Wright gives props to guest stars Tiki Barber and Michael O'Hearn (American Gladiators' Titan) -- "due to their unique builds both these guys did all their own fighting and stunt-work. I’m pleased to say both of them kicked ass" -- and also to Stunt and Fight Co-Ordinators Danny Wynands and Dino Haines. "As you can tell, we worked our actors pretty hard on this show (as we do on every show) but we always did it with a safe and well-choreographed fight plan," he says. "It's 'cause of guys like Danny and Dino -– and the rest of our team of stuntmen and women -– that the director and producers can go and make good action sequences great."

Wright also reveals that Meghan Markle, who plays Annie, only learned the extent of her fighting duties after she got the part! "Luckily, she’s a natural athlete who was able to step up to the plate and deliver," he says.

Knight Writers Blog: Exit Light, Enter Knight

More Fight Knight Highlights!

NBC's Official Knight Rider Website has posted more highlights from last night's episode, Fight Knight. In this second clip, Mike infiltrates an underground fight club to investigate a murder. It's only available to Knight Rider fans in the USA, but if you can, check it out!



NBC.com: Fight Knight Highlights - Clip Two

Fight Knight Highlights!

NBC's Official Knight Rider Website has posted highlights from last night's episode, Fight Knight. In this clip, K.I.T.T. directs Mike through an informal autopsy. It's only available to the Knight Rider fans in the USA, but if you can, check them out!



NBC.com: Fight Knight Highlights - Clip One

Fight Knight Interviews From NBC

The Official Knight Rider Website has posted a new behind-the-scenes video. This one goes behind-the-scenes for tonight's episode Fight Knight, guest starring Football Legend Tiki Barber and Titan from American Gladiators.

Tonight... Knight Rider: Fight Knight

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider, tonight at 8/7c on NBC!

"Down for the count -- Mike's (Justin Bruening) old Army friend recruits his help to investigate the suspicious death of a tough-as-nails drill sergeant Jack Burber. Mike learns that the drill sergeant was participating in an underground fight club for military veterans for extra money. In order to find out what really happened, Mike has to infiltrate the fight club and try not to get himself killed in the ring."

Be there!

Tonight... Knight Rider: Exit Light, Enter Knight

Don't miss the latest shadowy flight into the dangerous world of the Knight Rider at 8/7c on NBC!

"Bait and switch -- Mike (Justin Bruening) jumps into the thick of a bank heist and tries to stop it, but instead becomes one of the robbers' hostages. Oddly, the robbers do not seem interested in the bank's money. Apparently, they have a specific plan that includes the safe deposit boxes and the husband of one of their hostages. Unable to communication with K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) and his team, Mike tries to enlist the help of the other hostages to stop the robbers from escaping. Unfortunately, one of the so-called hostages is one of the robbers, which makes Mike's job even more difficult."

Be there!

Tonight... K.A.R.R.!

K.A.R.R.!

It's the one that we've all been waiting for... Knight To King's Pawn!

"Time to fight back -- Sarah is not coping well with her father's death and decides to leave town. Concerned, Mike goes looking for her and in return gets the answers he has been searching for about his past. Meanwhile, the NSA has decided to dismantle the SSC now that Dr. Graiman is dead and they can then move forward with K.I.T.T.'s nemesis K.A.R.R. With Torres' permission they take out K.I.T.T.'s chip that contains his personality and memories and place it in K.A.R.R. Upset by what has happened, Mike, Sarah, Billy and Zoe devise a plan to find where K.I.T.T. has been taken and get him up and running and destroy the evil K.A.R.R. once and for all."

It's on NBC at 8/7c, and you do not want to miss this one!

Tonight... Knight Rider: Day Turns Into Knight

Tonight we have Part Two of Knight Rider's big "reboot"!

"Mike and K.I.T.T. continue on their quest to stop a terrorist from detonating a nuclear weapon and killing the ambassador -- Mike (Justin Bruening) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) are now transporting a bomb in the trunk of the car, but in order for it not to explode they must stay above 100 miles-per-hour. Trying to come up with a plan to disable the bomb, they load K.I.T.T. onto the plane to buy some time and keep up their speed. Clinging to life, Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) manages to give a clue to find where the terrorist is hiding. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) receives some upsetting news about her dad. Bruce Davison, Yancey Arias and Paul Campbell star. Smith Cho recurs and Rick Hoffman and Richard Roundtree guest star."

Watch as Day Turns Into Knight at 8/7c on NBC!

Tonight... Knight Rider: Don't Stop The Knight

Tonight it's all change for Knight Rider.

"Mike and K.I.T.T. try to rescue a kidnapped foreign ambassador from a terrorist in time for peace talks -- Mike and K.I.T.T. are sent on an endless string of mini-missions by a crazy terrorist in exchange to keep Ambassador Olara Kumali (guest star Vanessa Williams) alive, but they soon realize that they are part of a bigger plan. Trying to outsmart the terrorist, Rivai and a team of FBI agents find themselves in an explosive situation. Meanwhile, Sarah and Dr. Graiman try to fix a sick robot. Yancey Arias and Paul Campbell star. Smith Cho recurs and Rick Hoffman guest stars."

This is Part One of the pivotal story arc that sends the show back to its roots, and the beginning of the end for three of the series' co-stars.

Don't Stop The Knight, NBC, 8/7c. Don't miss it!

Tonight... Knight Rider: Knight Fever!

Be there for tonight's new Knight Rider episode, Knight Fever, on NBC!

"K.I.T.T. may have met his match when he falls victim to a destructive computer virus -– Mike (Justin Bruening) must stop the spread of a computer virus that threatens a total global meltdown. The job gets much harder when K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) is infected. Meanwhile, Mike’s jealousy begins to show when Sarah (Deanna Russo) reconnects with an old flame (guest star Jeffrey Pierce, The Nine), who may be the key to solving the latest mission. Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Paul Campbell, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Don't miss it!

New Set Reports at KRO

The lucky folks over at Knight Rider Online have been invited back onto the set of the currently-filming season finale, Exit Light, Enter Knight, and had an opportunity to speak to the cast and crew about what we can expect from the remaining episodes after the reboot, and NBC's worrying decision to bring production to an early finish.

"The show is not cancelled," Gary Scott Thompson tells them. "We're doing a reboot, and a lot of people don't know this but NBC cut a lot of costs by cutting episodes on a lot of shows, but also laid off 750 people in their production offices and their other offices, so this is a cost cutting measure, not a cancellation measure." Thompson encourages fans of the show to write in to the network to show their support for Knight Rider.

"We're making [the show] more like the original one," Justin Bruening says of the reboot. "The natural progression of the story is that it just becomes more like the original. It's K.I.T.T. and I, and we're on the road and I'm the only person K.I.T.T. really needs. I drive around, I find a mission, I solve it. It's smaller crimes, you know, I'm not trying to save the world each week."

Writers Rachel Mellon and Teresa Huang agree. "It's very exciting," Rachel explains. "It's more like the original where it's a guy in a car saving the world, or saving the little guy, depending on the week and the writer." Teresa Huang adds, "I think it's really going to bring a lot to the show because it's simplifying all the elements. We thought very big at the beginning of the show, and I think we saw that it's really the smaller stories, the saving the guy of the week, saving the everyman that's exciting to us."

One episode that fans are anxiously waiting for is the twelfth installment, Knight to King's Pawn, which features the return of K.A.R.R. Justin can't hide his excitement over it: "He's a scary mofo, let me tell you," Justin says. "It's epic, it's huge. It's bigger than [the season finale]. I can't say anything because it might give it away... I'm just gonna tell you it's K.I.T.T. Vs. K.A.R.R. That's it. And that's not even the big part of it." He describes the showdown as being "like 20 rounds with Tyson, it's awesome. Take the original K.I.T.T. Vs. K.A.R.R. and multiply that by a thousand, it's nuts. And I'm stuck in the middle of it."

The finale looks to be filled with action: a beat-up Justin says that he is involved in several fight sequences and rides a motorcycle, while around 4000 rounds of ammunition were expended in an exterior scene involving K.I.T.T.!

Knight Rider Online: GST Says KR NOT Cancelled

Knight Rider Online: Knight Writers On Set Interview

Knight Rider Online: Justin Bruening On The Set

Knight Rider Christmas Gift Ideas

"I love Christmas! The lights, the trees, the music... the whole spirit of the season makes me feel great." - Michael Knight, Silent Knight, 1983.

Christmas is almost here again, and if you're reading this, the chances are you're either a Knight Rider fan yourself, or someone desperately searching for Knight Rider gifts for that fan in your life. Listed below are some of the most popular Knight Rider items currently on the market.

Knight Rider: The Complete Original Series on DVD

For the first time in the United States, the entire Original Series starring David Hasselhoff and Edward Mulhare has been released on DVD in one set. The 24 single-sided discs include every episode, and the same bonus content as the original season-by-season releases, including 1991's reunion movie Knight Rider 2000, and it all comes packaged in a case with a built-in "scanner light". Press the button and it lights up with the sound of K.I.T.T.'s scanner and the classic theme tune. It's available from various retailers from around $100. (A Region 2 version has also been available for some time, and can be found for discounted prices.)

The new series of Knight Rider starring Justin Bruening and Deanna Russo is currently unavailable on DVD, but is available for download online either episode-by-episode or via a subscription for the entire season. For more information check out Amazon.com, Hulu.com, and iTunes (all US-only). The TV movie that aired in February was released on DVD by F.Y.E., but only available as a special offer while stocks last; more information about this product can be found at F.Y.E.'s website.

Mio Portable Knight Rider GPS Unit

One of the most innovative and popular Knight Rider-related products to hit the stores, Mio Technology introduced the world’s first Knight Rider-inspired GPS. With a design inspired by the original Knight Industries Two Thousand, or K.I.T.T., this GPS brings the magic of the original series to your daily commute with voice guidance and turn-by-turn directions featuring the original voice of K.I.T.T., William Daniels. The GPS features a 4.3-inch widescreen interface, which allows for more on-screen information and additional details about upcoming intersections. More than four million points of interest will assist drivers in locating gas stations, emergency assistance, hotels and restaurants – turning every trip on the road into an adventure. Like the original K.I.T.T., which had multiple modes including normal, auto and pursuit cruising, the Knight Rider GPS allows drivers to choose routing modes including the fastest or shortest route and highway preference. It's available from several outlets from around $260.

More Info about this Product

Hitari Knight Rider Remote Control K.I.T.T. Car

One of the more popular recent Knight Rider toys is this remote-controlled model by Hitari. The car has all the standard remote-control functions -- forward, reverse, left, right and stop -- and also has the voice of K.I.T.T. Press the fuel filler or button on the transmitter and you'll hear the familiar, "I am K.I.T.T., whom you may regard as the voice of the Knight 2000." The model is at 1:15 scale, and available from various outlets.

More Info about this Product

Shelby Collectibles 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500-KR 1/18 Scale - Knight Rider Version

As the new series settled into its Wednesday night timeslot, Shelby Collectibles released this diecast model of the Mustang, which is available from around $40. Neither the model nor the box contains Knight Rider graphics or effects.

More Info on this Product

NBC, the network that produced the original and the current Knight Rider TV series, has several products available:

NBC Online Store

Other Knight Rider items, including some highly collectible products dating back to the 1980s, can be found at the following links courtesy of eBay and Amazon. Please be aware that if ordering items from the following sites, shipping can take some time.

Knight Rider Products at Online Stores:

Knight Rider Products at eBay.com

Knight Rider Products at Amazon.com

The Knight Rider Archive will be celebrating the Christmas season shortly with a huge update of new material, so stay tuned!

Tonight... Knight Rider: Knight of the Zodiac

Don't miss tonight's new Knight Rider episode, Knight of the Zodiac at 8/7c on NBC!

"Mike, K.I.T.T. and Billy head to Vegas to take on a money laundering ring -- Mike (Justin Bruening) goes undercover in Vegas to bust a money laundering operation. Billy (Paul Campbell) joins Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) on the mission, only to spark a romantic adventure of his own. Meanwhile, Dr. Graiman (Bruce Davison) locks horns with an old rival and former flame, who comes to assess how "green" the K.I.T.T. Cave is. Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Be there!

The Return of David Hasselhoff?

Aint It Cool News have been alerted about plans for Knight Rider's future via a statement made from a producer of the Anaconda movies -- the last of which starred David Hasselhoff:

"The producers of Sony's 2009 release Anaconda 4 (or whatever it was called) which stars David Hasselhoff said they're going to make more of them, but it won't star David.

"He said that David will probably be too busy to do a 5th film in the series (he did 3 & 4 back to back) because he's returning to TV.

"The plan for the next season of KNIGHT RIDER, says he, is for David Hasselhoff to be a regular on the show. He'd be teamed with his on-screen son Mike Tracer (Justin Bruening) to solve weekly adventures in the hopes that that boosts ratings. I wish them luck ;) "

In essence this move would bring the show in line with David's original pitch to NBC last year.

Aint It Cool News: If There's A Second Season Of Knight Rider, Will The Hoff Return For Father/Son Adventures Of The Week??

Tonight... Knight Rider: I Wanna Rock & Roll All Knight

Don't miss tonight's new Knight Rider episode, I Wanna Rock and Roll All Knight at 8/7c on NBC!

"A criminal couple with congressional ties threatens to reveal the secrets of Knight Industries -- Knight Industries is hot on the trail of a Bonnie & Clyde-esque criminal couple, only to discover their true identities have a serious impact on a national congressional race. As the mission unfolds, Mike (Justin Bruening) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) are forced into action to save Agent Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier). Deanna Russo, Paul Campbell, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Be there!

Catherine Hickland Writes Self-Help Book

Catherine Hickland, who played Michael Knight's star-crossed lover Stefanie Mason in Knight Rider: The Original Series, has written a "self-empowerment guide", The 30-Day Heartbreak Cure: Getting Over Him and Back Out There One Month From Today.

"By getting 'back out there,' I don't necessarily mean in the dating world, though that's fine if that's your goal," she told TV Guide. "In 30 days I will have you back out there really living in the world without the anger and blame that can keep you prisoner in a bad relationship years after it's over. You will be able to put down your emotional baggage and be free."

Catherine, of course, was married to David Hasselhoff during the Knight Rider days, and their characters married in the popular episode The Scent of Roses. In a peculiar twist of fate, Catherine went on to marry a real-life Michael Knight -- Michael E. Knight, who played Tad on All My Children... who also happened to be the onscreen father to current Knight Rider Justin Bruening.

TV Guide.com: Catherine Hickland Offers Other "Heartbreak Kids" a 30-Day Cure

The book is available for pre-order at:

Amazon.com: Pre-Order The 30-Day Heartbreak Cure: Getting Over Him and Back Out There One Month From Today

Knight Rider Revamped - Three Cast Members Dropped

The Hollywood Reporter has broken the story that Knight Rider will be undergoing big changes leading into the 'back-nine' episodes that were recently ordered by NBC.

"It's a reboot," says Gary Scott Thompson. "We're moving away from the terrorist-of-the-week formula and closer to the original, making it a show about a man and his car going out and helping more regular people, everymen." This will, of course, make the show feel much more like the Original Series, but also a better fit into the network's newly rebranded crime drama Wednesday lineup alongside Life and Law & Order.

The biggest change involves the fact that three regulars on the show will not be returning: Sydney Tamiia Poitier (Carrie Rivai), Yancey Arias (Alex Torres) and Bruce Davison (Dr. Charles Graiman). There are no immediate plans to add new regulars to the show, which will now focus on the five remaining characters: Mike (Justin Bruening), Sarah (Deanna Russo), Billy (Paul Campbell), Zoe (Smith Cho) and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer). The producers also are looking to do stunt guest castings.

Thompson stressed that the decision to let the co-stars go was a difficult one tied to the show's change in direction and had nothing to do with the actors.

The revamps will kick off with the two-part episode Don't Stop the Knight, which filmed last month. According to Reporter, "NBC is planning a major push, including possibly airing on Sunday after an NFL football game in January, with the conclusion airing the following Wednesday. Such a move would bring Knight back to Sunday night, where the two-hour movie/backdoor pilot drew big ratings in February."

The Hollywood Reporter: Knight Rider Goes Back to its Roots

Tonight... Knight Rider: Knight of the Living Dead

Don't miss tonight's Halloween-themed episode, Knight of the Living Dead at 8/7c on NBC!

"Trick or Treat -– Halloween turns deadly when a tech is murdered inside Knight Industries headquarters -- An infiltrator murders a tech inside Knight Industries headquarters and the team must find them before they kill again. Meanwhile, Mike (Justin Bruening) and Sarah (Deanna Russo) are stuck on a flight during a storm and must try to stop K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) before he self-destructs. Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Paul Campbell, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison star. Smith Cho recurs."

Don't miss it!

Behind the Scenes in Hawaii

Some behind the scenes photos have started to appear from Knight Rider's location shoot in Hawaii last weekend. Didi's Photoblog presents a small selection, along with some descriptions of what they saw as Justin and Deanna filmed a scene at the Ola beachfront bar. Be careful if you follow the link... there are mild spoilers ahead.

Didi's Photoblog: Knight Rider in Hawaii

Knight Writers Updated

There was no new episode last night, but that didn't stop the Knight Writers Blog from updating! They have posted three new photos that hint at what's in store: Explosions, fights, and K.I.T.T. in a showdown with a giant, robotic junk yard claw...



Knight Writers: No New Episode Tonight, But...

Knight Rider On Location In Hawaii!

This past weekend the Knight Rider production team relocated to Oahu, Hawaii to film scenes for the twelfth episode, Knight to King's Pawn! According to Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii Blog, Justin and Deanna were the only two leads due to make the trip, and K.I.T.T. wasn't scheduled to be with them. Meanwhile, Midweek.com reveal that actor Richard Burgi of Desperate Housewives has been cast as a guest star in the episode, and was also filming on Oahu.

Look out for spoilers if you follow the links:

Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii: Knight Rider to Film 2 Days on Oahu

Midweek.com: Uncle Tom's Gabbin' - Richard Burgi in Knight Rider

[Thanks to Neil at Knight Rider Online for the pointer!]

Knight of the Hunter: Highlights

The Official Website has updated with video highlights from last night's episode, Knight of the Hunter and shows Michael getting right where he wants to be -- surrounded. It's only available Stateside, but if you can, check it out!

Justin Bruening Talks Knight Rider

Philly.com have been talking Mustangs and Knight Rider with our star, Justin Bruening. Part of their Celebrity Rides strand, Justin tells them about his real-life ride: "I wanted a Shelby Cobra when I moved back to L.A. and I thought that Lexi [Alexa Havens, Justin's wife] would buy me one for Christmas," he says. "It worked out conveniently that I got a job where I get to drive one every day, so now she doesn't have to buy me one."

Instead, Bruening stayed within his new vehicular family, obtaining a 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt after filming on the Knight Rider pilot movie wrapped shooting. He admits that appearances did play a role in his choice. "Driving a Camaro around probably wouldn't be that good," he says, even though he has an uncle who exclusively drives the Chevy-made muscle car. Bruening considered buying a standard Mustang GT and fixing it up to his specifications, "but I looked at what I wanted to do with the car, I basically had just designed the Bullitt. It was already made, and it was perfect." He did some of his own modifications on the car, but tried hard not to to mess with the Bullitt's "unassuming" quality. "I didn't get fuzzy dice or a TV that comes out of the rear-view mirror," he says. Instead, he installing a large subwoofer in the trunk; and he had a Hurst shifter installed for aesthetics as much as anything else, though he does note that it's "sacrilege" to drive a Bullitt with an automatic transmission.

When asked to compare his Knight Rider with the original, Justin says, "When I watched the show in '83, it was great. But when I went back and watched Knight Rider reruns, that show would never hold up today. It was such an amazing show with such a great premise of a talking car. Nobody's car talked. So that was the coolest thing on TV. And now we're drenched in reality, so we need realistic storylines.

"We have a talking car, so obviously we have something that's a little absurd," he says. "But our episodes are based on realistic stories and K.I.T.T. has just become another actor on our show. It's like a buddy-cop film."

And how does he feel about K.I.T.T.'s ability to transform? "That's pretty neat," he beams. "He transforms not into tall robots, but into other cars. It's a form of camouflage, a tactical advantage. He can transform into any other car, which is a neat aspect of the mission. Sometimes my character doesn't even know it's him."

Philly.com: Celebrity Ride - Justin Bruening and KITT 3000

Tonight... Knight Rider: Knight of the Hunter

Don't miss the latest adventure of Mike and K.I.T.T. on NBC... Knight of the Hunter, tonight at 8/7c!

"Mike and K.I.T.T. must stop a rogue military officer before he blows up a dam -– Mike (Justin Bruening) goes undercover as a Marine gone AWOL to track down a rogue military officer. A beautiful undercover agent from across the pond joins Mike to help him solve the crime. Back at the SSC, Billy (Paul Campbell) undergoes some combat training of his own with the help of Zoe (Smith Cho). Deanna Russo and Yancey Arias also star. K.I.T.T. is voiced by Val Kilmer."

Don't miss it!

Justin Bruening Talks Knight Rider

The Sioux City Journal has an interview with Justin Bruening, where he talks about his background, getting discovered, and of course, Knight Rider.

"I was the second person to read for Knight Rider," he tells them proudly. "I'm a fan of the original series and there were things I wanted to see in the pilot, but we can't fit everything from a four-year show into two hours. Now, if we run five years, we can."

When asked about doing his own stunts, Justin tells them, "I'm trying to do reverse 180s and slide a car into the camera without hitting anyone -- which is really nerve-racking. It's not that I'm not comfortable behind the wheel, but if there's a group of 30 people standing there and I have to slide the car, I don't want to hit them." His stunt driver "can take a car and make it go in a circle all day long. It's amazing." The goal is for Justin to be able to do all of those stunts without help. He currently does 98 percent of the fights after training he received between the pilot and the series. "I've come out bruised and banged up, but nothing that wouldn't have happened anyway."

Since landing Knight Rider, Bruening reveals he hasn't had one speeding ticket: "I haven't had any since college. And that was a speed trap."

Sioux City Journal: Knight Rider's Bruening is a Model Student

NBC Posts Behind the Scenes Photos!

The Official Knight Rider Site at NBC.com has updated its photo section with a series of behind the scenes photos! Included are some looks at the recreation of Iraq on the soundstage, Justin filming green-screen driving sequences and the rocket attack from Knight of the Iguana, and a closer look at the Kittcave.

NBC.com - Behind the Scenes on Knight Rider

Tonight... Knight Rider

Don't miss tonight's new Knight Rider episode, A Hard Day's Knight, on NBC!

"Pieces of Mike's past are revealed as a lethal poison threatens his life -- When Mike (Justin Bruening) is lethally poisoned, he must fake the assassination of a billionaire tech mogul in order to secure the antidote. Bizarre hallucinations mark the return of the mysterious woman (guest star Paula Garces, The Shield) from Mike's past with clues that may help him remember. K.I.T.T. is voiced by Val Kilmer. Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Paul Campbell and Yancey Arias star. Smith Cho recurs."

Be there!

Tonight... Knight Rider

Don't miss tonight's new Knight Rider episode, Knight of the Iguana, on NBC!

"Mike's new mission sends him and K.I.T.T. south of the border with an unlikely new partner -– Mike (Justin Bruening) and Zoe (Smith Cho) go undercover in Baja as a honeymooning surfer couple in order to stop terrorist weapons from getting into the States. Sarah (Deanna Russo) and Billy (Paul Campbell) are brought into the mix and they quickly find the mission taking an unusual turn. K.I.T.T. is voiced by Val Kilmer. Bruce Davison and Yancey Arias also star."

Be there!

Deanna Russo Interviewed on Hollywood 411

Deanna Russo is interviewed by Hollywood 411, for the TV Guide Channel. In the five minute piece, she talks about fight training, Val Kilmer, and gives an insight into her and Justin Bruening's behaviour on the Knight Rider set.



Thanks to Knight Rider Online for the pointer!

Knight Rider Stars Get Revved Up

People.com have a cool Q&A session with three of the human stars of Knight Rider, in which Justin Bruening, Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Deanna Russo reveal who has the biggest crush on The Hoff, who is the wise guy, and more.



YouTube: The Stars of Knight Rider Get Revved Up

Knight Rider Returns to Australia This Weekend

Knight Rider makes its return to Australian TV screens as a weekly series this Saturday, on Channel 7 at 9 pm (in the Eastern territories), after the TV movie performed well last week. To promote the series, the Herald Sun is running a piece where producer Gary Scott Thompson and star Justin Bruening talk about the show.

Talking about how the new show differs from the original, Thompson says, "It's going to get pretty boring in today's age to watch a guy in a car talk for 43 minutes. For a production reason, and also for the world as it is, we needed to have a base of operation where we could have people who worked there who would send this car out as opposed to just a mobile team. We needed a real base, and we affectionately call it the K.I.T.T.Cave. It has satellite surveillance that can track anybody and anything around the world."

"The car is the star of the show," Justin tells them. "But it's a whole ensemble cast. We all deal with the car. But the car is the central foundation of the show, and that is what we use to accomplish our missions." He also reveals how the long hours behind the wheel sometimes take their toll. "Every couple of weeks I'll spend every day in the car for 14 hours [filming] and by the end I'm just like, 'I really don't want to drive'," he laughs. "On weekends I don't drive at all. Every time I have to drive I'm kind of cranky. My wife is like, 'Why are you in a bad mood?' And I'm like, 'What do I do every day? I don't want to be driving right now. I want out of the car'."

Knight Rider is back on our screens for the 21st century

Tonight... Knight Rider

Don't miss tonight's new Knight Rider episode, Journey to the End of the Knight, on NBC!

"Mike must infiltrate a racing gang with the help of an old Army buddy -- Mike (Justin Bruening) reunites with a former Army buddy (guest star Johnny Messner, The O.C.) to bring down a drag racing gang that is smuggling weapons overseas. Sarah (Deanna Russo) joins Mike and K.I.T.T. (voiced by Val Kilmer) on this dangerous undercover mission, much to her father's (Bruce Davison) dismay. Paul Campbell and Yancey Arias star. Smith Cho recurs."

Be there!

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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'

Justin Bruening on Canadian Entertainment Tonight

Knight Rider Online have been tipped off that the Canadian Entertainment Tonight programme ran a feature on Knight Rider, with an interview -- and guided tour of the K.I.T.T.-Cave -- with Justin Bruening:



Knight Rider Online: Justin Bruening Interviewed by ET Canada