The Greatest American Hero

The Greatest American Hero is an American science fiction television series that aired on ABC between 1981 and 1983. The show combines elements of comedy, drama, fantasy and even touches of superhero mythology, making it a unique entry into the canon of 1980s television programming. It was created by prolific American television writer, Stephen J. Cannell.

The lead role in the series is played by William Katt, well known for his turn in the 1976 film adaptation of Carrie. Katt stars as Ralph Hinkley, a high school teacher in Los Angeles faced with handling the responsibilities of normal life, whilst simultaneously grappling with a mysterious suit that grants him superhuman abilities. The suit is given to him by aliens, making him an unsuspecting champion of justice, protecting society from various threats.

The show is imbued with a sense of humor and lightheartedness while tackling outlandish adventures. What makes The Greatest American Hero even more engaging is the fact that Ralph is a rather ordinary man, with no inherent bravado or machismo usually associated with the typical heroes of the era. Paired with his initial lack of control over his newfound super abilities, the suit itself doesn't come with an instruction manual, adding a layer of comedy to his heroic attempts.

The ensemble cast of The Greatest American Hero enhances the drama and humor of this unconventional superhero story. Robert Culp, an iconic television actor, portrays Bill Maxwell, a gruff and somewhat cynical FBI agent who becomes Ralph's reluctant partner. Maxwell is the series' moral compass, mediating between Ralph’s naive approach to crime-fighting and the cold, harsh realities of law enforcement. Connie Sellecca also joins the cast as Pam Davidson, Ralph’s girlfriend, who is also his attorney, offering more ground to the series, making the show as much a romantic dramedy as an action-packed superhero romp.

Additionally, the show’s memorable theme song, "Believe It Or Not," impelled its distinctive status in the 1980s television landscape. The catchy tune, written by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer, was a literal radio hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Greatest American Hero also possesses a meta-narrative appeal, as it appears to satirize the superhero genre before it reached the crescendo of popularity it enjoys today. The show pokes fun at various conventions of superhero tales, including the idea of a chosen one, overnight transformations, and fantastically obscure villains. Overarching themes of power, responsibility, and personal growth get juxtapositioned with the hilariously pathetic attempts of Ralph figuring out his suit’s capabilities.

Entwining various genres, The Greatest American Hero offered a fresh twist to standard hero narratives, with humor and heart in equal measure. Its comic portrayal of an accidental superhero maneuvering through the banalities of everyday life while defending society served as a precursor to several modern-day superhero comedies.

Although the show only lasted three seasons and 45 episodes, its innovative blending of genres and tropes, coupled with a memorable lead performance by William Katt, makes The Greatest American Hero a worthy addition to the history of American television. Despite not being a widely known household name compared to television's more enduring franchises such as Star Trek or M*A*S*H, it still has a significant cult following. Furthermore, its theme song remains emblematic of 1980s pop culture.

Overall, The Greatest American Hero stands as an iconic, light-hearted testament to the era's television, charming viewers with distinctive storytelling, warm character dynamics, and a leading hero whose appeal lay not in his flawless superhero antics but his relatable imperfections. It’s a show where the superhero learning curve becomes a comedic playground, making it an indelible part of television’s rich tapestry of unlikely heroes.