Blue Thunder (TV series)
Blue Thunder is an American action drama television series based on the movie of the same title that aired on ABC from January 6 until April 16, 1984, featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter.
| Blue Thunder | |
|---|---|
DVD cover | |
| Genre | Action |
| Based on | Blue Thunder |
| Directed by | Guy Magar |
| Starring | James Farentino Dana Carvey Sandy McPeak Dick Butkus Bubba Smith |
| Composer | Frank Denson |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 11 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production companies | Rastar Productions Public Arts Columbia Pictures Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | January 6 – April 16, 1984 |
The series revolves around the tactical helicopter being operated by a four-person LAPD Air Support Division team, but partially controlled by APEX, a fictional federal government agency that oversees and monitors (also occasionally assigns missions) its operations and maintenance, which is on loan to the police force for usage against criminal elements and security threats.
Blue Thunder also used the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film. A ground unit named "Rolling Thunder" backed up the helicopter in the television series. This was a large support van with a desert camouflage off-road vehicle stored inside.
The television series cast includes James Farentino, future Saturday Night Live regular Dana Carvey, and former professional American football players Bubba Smith and Dick Butkus.
A mid-season replacement, eleven episodes were made before the series was canceled by ABC due to low ratings.