Series Description

The Incredible Hulk TV show was a 60 minute fantasy series on CBS about a physician and research scientist who found a way to tap into our hidden strength. Everyone has heard the story of the little old lady who miraculously lifted a car to save her injured grandchild. Dr. Banner tried to give himself access to that strength by exposing himself to high doses of gamma radiation but something went wrong and he received way too much. After that, whenever he lost his temper or was threatened by danger, he turned into a super strong, green-skinned monster calle "The Hulk". He had almost no control over his actions when that change took place. When he returned to his "normal" form, he would have no idea what he'd done as The Hulk! Dr. Banner wanted to keep the existance of The Hulk as secret as possible and certainly wanted to keep his identity a secret until he could find a way to stop his involuntary transformations. Unfortunately, an investigative reporter was constantly on his trail trying to prove the existance of the "Monster" to his readers!

Incredible Hulk Cast

Bill Bixby .... Dr. David Bruce Banner
Lou Ferrigno .... The Incredible Hulk
Jack Colvin .... Jack McGee
Ted Cassidy .... Narrator

Incredible Hulk Trivia

The Incredible Hulk TV show became the first sci-fi TV series to win an Emmy Award in a non-technical category when Mariette Hartley won in 1979 for "Outstanding Actress in a Dramatic Series".

The reason that Dr. Banner was working on experiments to increase human strength is that his wife died in a car accident and, although he was there, he couldn't get her out of the wreck.

Richard Kiel ("Jaws" from the James Bond films) was first offered the role of the "monster" on the program but turned it down. Then Arnold Schwarzenegger was rejected for the role because he wasn't tall enough. Lou Ferrigno who had co-starred with Schwarzenegger in the movie documentary "Pumping Iron", finally landed the role.

The Incredible Hulk TV show set records for its special effects spending at the time. Because of this, in order to keep other costs down, lots of footage was used over and over again in multiple episodes and some other TV show footage (from other series).

Ted Cassidy who did the opening narrative (see below) of each episode is best known for his role as "Lurch" in the 1964-66 series, "The Addams Family". What might surprise most Hulk fans is that Lou Ferrigno did not provide the Hulk's telltale "growl" for this series! Ted Cassidy also did that! Don't feel too bad for Ferrigno though. He finally got to provide the Hulk's growl in the 2008 Incredible Hulk movie!

Even though the "monster" had died in the third and final movie "The Death of the Incredible Hulk", Bill Bixby was working on a fourth movie when he himself fell ill and died. That movie was to have been called, "The Rebirth of the Incredible Hulk".

Lou Ferrigno ("The King of Queens") had been a professional body builder and football player from Canada. He won the "Teen Age Mr. America" title in 1970; "Mr. America" and "Mr. Universe" titles in 1973; and "Mr. Universe" again in 1974! At that time he weighed 275 pounds, his chest measured 59 inches, and he had 22 1/2" biceps! He was so popular that he averaged 2,000 letters per week from fans!

Incredible Hulk Opening Narrative

(Ted Cassidy's Voice): "Dr. David Banner. Physician. Scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage, and pursued by an investigative reporter."

(Bill Bixby's Voice): "Mr. McGee, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

(Ted Cassidy's Voice): "The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. David Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him."

TV Movies

The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk (1989)
The Death Of The Incredible Hulk (1990)