Knight Rider Rides Again for TV Pilot

Did the “Transformers” movie get you excited to see high-tech cars driving full speed ahead into action? Well, ‘80s pop culture series “Knight Rider,” which starred David Hasselhoff, is making a comeback inspired by this summer’s ‘80s cartoon-inspired blockbuster. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a two-hour backdoor pilot will be going into the works for NBC.

Steve Shill, who has directed episodes of “The Tudors” and “Dexter” among others in a fair cross-section of television series, is set to direct and Doug Liman, who directed “The Bourne Identity” and produced the “Bourne” trilogy, is executive producing. The new “Knight Rider” pilot, which isn’t being directed by Liman due to schedule conflicts though he’s being eyed to direct if he becomes available, is being planned to air on NBC later this season as a two-hour movie. Dave Andron, a fresh face on the scene, wrote the script.

No word was reported as to who might be starring as either Michael or KITT. Any potential this show has for success will hinge upon the casting of the actor and the voice that literally drive the show. But jumping this gun to race “Transformers” fans to the television set might be a formula for a good crash, especially with “The Bionic Woman” receiving mixed reviews from a generally lukewarm audience.