The History of The Incredible Hulk (1978): Bixby! Ferrigno! SMASH!
Get ready to smash your way through the past as we delve into the history of the iconic television series, The Incredible Hulk.
Join us as we take a journey back to the late 1970s and explore the creation, development, and lasting impact of this classic series from Marvel comics that originally aired from 1978 to 1982 on CBS network. We'll be discussing the story behind the character of Bruce Banner and his alter-ego, the Hulk, as well as the talented actors who brought him to life on the small screen such as Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno.
We'll also explore the show's impact on pop culture and its lasting legacy in the world of comic book adaptations and the work of people like Kenneth Johnson who was behind the series. Whether you're a fan of Marvel comics, the Hulk, or just a lover of classic television, this video is a must-watch. So join us and let's discover the history of The Incredible Hulk!
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This video needs to end with Larson hitchhiking forlornly along a rural highway.
Yes! I was hoping it would be Dan in the He-man suit trying to catch a ride
Lol
That would have been sweet if he had done that.
Hah haaah! Yup, they rrrrrrreally missed an opportunity there.
With the saddest music in whole TV history in the background
This show has a special place for me. My uncle was born 80% deaf and when this show came out and he learned that Lou Ferrigno was as well from watching this show growing up it helped him be more confident.
I have several deaf relatives too. Maybe knowing that as a kid informed my respect for Ferrigno and my people? That is a really profound epiphany.... My sincerest heartfelt thanks for mentioning that!!
i remember the special features on a hulk pilot episode dvd that was released around the time the Ang Lee Hulk film came out and they mentioned that 'Bruce' was changed to 'David' because in those days, the studios felt that 'Bruce' sounded too homosexual. seriously, they said that.
Hail to you and your uncle, mate… 😎
I'd like to know how many of the bad guys were actually injured by Lou Ferrigno when he threw them around?
I got every episode on KZhead but I don’t no how to upload onto here
Stan Lee's first cameo was in "trial of incredible hulk", he was on the jury
@Frank Lopez there was 3 The return of the Incredible Hulk Trial of The Incredible Hulk movies the death of the incredible hulk was the last movie
Jack Kirby was on the Incredible Hulk tv show about 10 years before Stan Lee.
His creator was on his jury? That sounds like a massive conflict of interest! Were both lawyers blind?
@@roryscott2941do you want to accuse Matt Murdock on his first live action apparitions? 😂😂😂
The first transformation in the feature pilot was the scariest thing ever!!!
@Comicbookstoreguy177 The build up to that first transformation, incliding the music was awsome. The Thundersdtorm inhanced it further.
Couldn’t bear the hulk till I was way in to my 20s. It genuinely terrified me
@@cloverfield911 the ever more impatient and irritable Banner. The way they shot Lou in that scene made him look huge.
That scared the s**t outta me when I was little
Dead on. I couldn't watch this show when I was a kid...
Bill Bixby was a national treasure and was taken from the world too soon.
fun fact: 8:23 Larry Lieber, the illustrator mentioned, is Stan's brother.
Hulk was the backbone of the CBS MCU.
I cried every week during the closing credits... I was 5. Rest in power Bill Bixby.
Let’s not forget that Lou Ferrigno voiced the Hulk In both the movies and the 90’s Animated Series.
Ferrigno also voiced the Hulk in the MCU movies through Age of Ultron.
InvisibleAvenger that too!!
There's a place of honor in my heart for Mr. Ferrigno! Thank you for those reminders, guys 💜💙
And Lou Ferrigno also had that cameo with Stan Lee in the Ed Norton one.
@@mrheisenberg83 You're thinking of the '03 movie with Stan specifically, but they both had a cameo in the '08 one, too. Stan got gamma poisoning of course and Ferrigno ordered pizza. Lou was also a security guard in both of those, funnily enough
I loved the Hulk TV show. Bill Bixby always gave a very warm, human performance - I'd enjoyed his previous show 'The Magician', and it was great to see him in a new role. I do remember sitting at home, watching the pilot movie with my parents, neither of whom were particularly keen on anything to do with comic books. Both of them, however, loved the pilot, and regularly watched the show. A lot of shows like this rely on the 'Suspension Of Disbelief', and as it was so well made, and both Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno were so damn good in their respective roles, it was a joy to watch. The show is still a fond memory of growing up in the mid 1970's. And that end theme? It's just perfect. When Lou Ferrigno appeared in a Marvel movie, talking to Stan Lee, there were cheers and applause from the cinema audience, and I know a bloke who met him, when on holiday in America, and who said that he was a lovely guy. I have a t-shirt that has Bill Bixby transforming, and the word 'Change'. People have mentioned just how cool it is.
Bixby seems to have been connected with a lot of interesting shows, from starring in My Favourite Martian to directing episodes of Wizards And Warriors. And apparently this star of Magician was a stage magician of some skill himself.
No shirt, no shoes., ripped up pants , the Hulks official fighting outfit.
"Dont make me angry Mr.Mcgee...,You wouldnt like me when i'm angry" R.I.P. Bill Bixby,you are still missed. Thanks for the video guys. Fond memories
I remember Mr Rogers bts with Ferrigno. It showed Lou getting made up, chillin' on set, then de-Hulking in the make up chair. All to show the kids there was nothing to be scared of.
I didn't realise that the famous "you wouldn't like me when I'm angry" quote originated with the show. You always learn something new with a Toy Galaxy video.
Can we have Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman, please? 😃
Mo K I second that motion! 👍
Consider this a 3rd in favor of that motion
Yes please.
HEAR HEAR! Get us out from under Wonder Wo...er, Dan Larsen!
Can i have Lynda Carter ? :D
The most ironic and irritating twist is the fact that McGee started that lethal fire to begin with.
The Incredible Hulk is one of my most favorite shows of all time! Bill Bixby was a delight and I am sad, even after all this time, that he is gone.
I used to love Friday nights. The Incredible Hulk and Dukes of Hazzard were on! 😎🇨🇦🤘
Nothing but good memories of this show, loved it when I was a kid.
Mom to kid watching the hulk: "It's almost time for bed, is the episode nearly done?" Kid: "No mom he has to turn green one more time..."
I have the "hulkout" sound effect from this show as my ringtone. Nobody has ever guessed what it is.
- Wait a minute... I am almost 90% sure this isn't Airwolf. 🤔
Lol, yeah, I figured he would do Airwolf next, but i was wrong, lol.
Actually, I hope Dan does Airwolf
I will fill that vacuum of remaining ten percent with my own uncertainty. If we all work together we can prove that this is indeed not Airwolf.
I could have sworn he already did Airwolf.
I watched the show every week. Never missed it.
I loved the Incredible Hulk TV series, I was 8 yrs old. I remember watching it, wishing I was him. Thank you, Dan, for an awesome trip down memory line.
Don’t make me HANGRY! (My eyes just turned a celery green)
Eating celery burns calories. You'll feel full too but starve yourself. (Also, just realized: Norton's Banner tries to say "angry" in Portuguese but says "hungry". Cool.)
I'll say this about the Hulk TV show - the pilot episode is THE best first instalment of a television series I have ever seen, bar none. Acting, writing, direction - everything first class. It was obvious this was going to series before half an hour had elapsed.
As one of my favorite Marvel superheroes, The Incredible Hulk is a great example of compelling storytelling as well as making due with the limitations of effects at the time of the 70s. He is one third of what I affectionately refer to as the Marvel Trinity along with Spider-Man & Captain America. The tv series was a great example of how story & character can be better than just spectacle.
Even now watching that moment were he starts to change, that musical sting and those eyes - brilliant. The best though is the episode where he found the cure and it was destroyed in front of him and he changed with tears in his eyes, heartbreaking.
The episode that you are referring to was a special two parter from 1982 called 'The First', which guest starred veteran character actor Harry Townes as Del Drye and future 'Swamp Thing' star Dick Durock as his alter ego. In fact, it is Durock's character who destroys the cures that David had spent days preparing. Incidentally, the two 'Pilot' films, all five seasons of the series itself and each of the three later TV Movies are currently available to buy online and in stores on both DVD and Blu-Ray. Despite being made with primitive, low budget special effects in the pre-CGI era, they are still great escapist entertainment and a pure nostalgia fest. Enjoy.
This channel needs to do videos on Jim Henson's shows. I loved my Fraggle Rock toys.
OMG....I loved this show. I was born in 1985 but this tv show was BIG in Trinidad during the late 80s and early 90s. I remember that scene where the hulk died from falling. Lol. Thanks for the memories Lou and Bill!
man o man! I LOVED THIS SHOW... But truly, who didn't?
This show is still a favorite of mine. Will always appreciate it and it’s possibly one of my earliest Marvel comics influences.
I absolutely love The Incredible Hulk. I have the whole series on dvd. I was so excited when I realized that the official MCU Hulk was based on the version from this series.
I expected mention of The Incredible Hulk leading to creation of She-Hulk so I am happy that you mentioned it.
I watched the series when I was a kid in the 80's. Now my son watches it almost daily. He caught the reruns on TV a couple of years ago and fell in love. That year he had a Hulk themed birthday and has been trying to wear out his Hulk TV series dvd box set ever since. He's not interested in the new movie Hulks. Just the original TV show. His love for that and Knight Rider are a lot of fun to watch and enjoy with him. One of those perks of being a parent is that our kids give us the chance to relive those old experiences again. 👍🏻
I used to wear my good button down shirts while playing Hulk with my friends. This allowed me to rip my shirt open during transformation. My mother was not amused.
This series was amazing! It had so many incredible moments and deep characters. I first discovered it on cable in my early teens and I’ve come to appreciate it more over the years. I’m a huge Hulk fan and I’m always happy to see references or throwbacks to it in the modern movies or comics. Great job on this video. RIP to Bil Bixby!
That first rage cage hulk was awesome. What a great original idea. I miss those days man. Kids will never ever understand.
This show also gets referenced in the video game Lego Marvel's Avengers. In it when you beat the end of Age of Ultron when Hulk is flying away in the Quinjet he puts on the theme to the TV show, in addition in Manhattan in free mode you can find an unlock Lou Feriggno as a playable character who can turn into his own Hulk. Comically his transformation consists of him pulling out a can of green spray paint and, well, painting himself. To turn back Stan Lee shows up and hoses the paint off of him.
THIS Series was a VERY important part of my childhood. Bill Bixby & Lou Ferrigno became my childhood heroes and they still are. I have nothing but the biggest respect for both of them and everyone who was involved into making the TV show as well as the later 3 TV movies.
When Dan mentioned "Hulk-Mania" and "Hulk-Maniacs", I half-expected "Real American" to start playing. But if he could only afford to play one second of the sad walking-away Hulk music, then I doubt he could play Hulk Hogan's ring music.
you guys don't know how long I've been waiting for this.
"With a few pumps of the "Hulk Inflater", you can make the Hulk grow in size!" *snicker*
Yeah the creators of this show's seeming disdain for the comic source material is a little unfortunate. (The comics elements are quite probably the reason its more remembered than say "highway to heaven" or other such shows) but its still one of the better comics things based mostly on the talent and charms of Bixby and ferrigno.
i remember the special features on a hulk pilot episode dvd that was released around the time the Ang Lee Hulk film came out and they mentioned that 'Bruce' was changed to 'David' because in those days, the studios felt that 'Bruce' sounded too homosexual. seriously, they said that.
I used to watch the live action show and the animated one back in the 80s. I had the Hulk Mego action figure shown at 8:45 , which broke and required a replacement, but was still one of my favorite toys. I still wish they would rerelease that figure and the other Marvel Mego figures, but with better materials of course.
My favorite eps were "The First" parts 1 & 2. Incredible story and drama!
" Doc Dan Larsen, belted by Gamma Rays, Turns into the HULK- Ain't he Unglamoures" I was a bit of a spaz as a kid (big surprise there) so any time I lost my temper I, in my teenage brain I turned into Lou Ferrigno. Sadly my mother refused to by me purple pants and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't rip out of my shirt. Still trying to this day. Totally forgot about the Rage Cage Hulk, and the Keil thing! Great job as always, I'm gonna try and rip a shirt in Bixby's honor. Stay Safe my friends!
You should have asked Santa for the Hulk Instant Muscles inflatable vest thing.
10:11 Love how Greg laughing made the camera shake 😆 And kudos on the mood-appropriate background lighting 👍🏼 And personally, i have a deep appreciation for the power to be unkempt 😄
as a kid i used to love that show so much
I SUPER loved the reunion movies so much!!!
My all time favorite T.V show...
Easily one of my favorite shows growing up.
I loved the CBS SPECIAL intro before their um...special features. Made me giddy with anticipation as a kid. My favorite HULK episode is when they captured him and took him to the underground facility on the back of and 18 wheeler under that huge metal dome. I remember his escape where he over powered the hydraulic door and ran off into the woods. The other episode that scared me was when he battled the old guy that turned into a skinny hulk and had a funny growl.
Hey Toy Galaxy team, could you guys please do "The Highwayman"?
I'm sure the old Energizer commercial with Jacko is out there somewhere
This was one of my favorite 70s tv shows featuring the hulk
I had that inflating Hulk toy when I was little. It was 2nd hand, once belonging to one of my cousins. Didn't have the shirt though. As for the tv movies, I was so sure after the Death of the Incredible Hulk movie there was going to be a Son/Daughter of the Hulk movie later on since David "spent time" with the reluctant spy.
Grew up watching the series but missed the movies. Then I followed the Spider-Man series for a while too. Great memories.
The cancelled final movie was supposed to revolve around Hulk turning his back on all the Hulkamaniacs and becoming a bad guy under the name Hollywood David Bruce Banner Bollea.
That was a good one
That was a nice deep cut.
I'll never forget one episode where Banner goes up against this camp dude who saw him transform and then wants to hunt him for sport..."I saw that creature you became David. Unbelievable! Unbelieeeeeevable!!!" Lol! Good times!
Another great episode in this series - could we have The Fall Guy next?
@UFO'S ARE REAL!!! There were Fall Guy toys too, so I'm holding out hope. But thanks for the tip, I'll have a look for some.
Thanks for this one, Mr. Larson! The Incredible Hulk TV series was one of my fave TV series growing up. Bill Bixby was perfectly cast as Dr. Banner, with Ed Norton coming the closest. Kenneth Johnson , who created The Bionic Woman & V/Alien Nation, insisted that the episodes be thematic in nature, with an episode based on revenge, another on love, etc. The Hulk was Marvel's most successful live action TV series. Richard "Jaws" Kiel was originally cast as the Hulk, but when a son of an exec noted that he 'didn't look like the Hulk!' A reason the Hulk series ended was because the head of CBS resented that the studio had a slew of superhero shows (Spider-Man/Wonder Woman), and he didn't want CBS to be called ' the superhero network'. The Lonely Man theme was perfect for the show.
I particularly enjoyed the Turbo Teen reference. Also, Pumping Iron was about the 1975 Mr. Olympia.
Well done, boys! Always great content, but the music had me chuckling a little extra. Also that you commercial is freaking awesome, GREAT choice, I had never seen that.
You should do a history of Super Force (1990) or Lightning Force (1991)
Great show, although as a kid all i really wanted to see were the Hulk sections. Then as an adult, you realize it's basically 60's show The Fugitive for the most part, even sharing the reason he's on the run in the first place.
This is a great series starting with Bill Bixby, who plays such a sad yet great person who transforms into a gigantic monster.
My sister was around four or five when the show aired and she would run out of the room totally terrified every time Bill Bixby turned his eyes green, knowing what would happen next. She would do the same when my father put on one of his shirts that were identical to those ripped by Bixby in every episode. =)
I’ll be honest, I was a tiny bit disappointed you didn’t wear a puffy green costume. 😆
I was so in love with this series! Not only did I enjoy the hulk moments but Bill Bixby made me love Banner even more! All the storylines and nothing original today... Kinda Sad!
Loved this show as a kid. Hulk was my 2nd favorite superhero after Spider-Man.
Im 54yrs old now and I still love all my super hero tv shows from the 70s like Bionic woman and the 6 million dollar man, Wonder woman, Shazam, the Dukes of Hassards 😂
8:09 Needs someone saying "Brother" or "Dude" or "Jack" at that point.
I grew up in the 80s with a steady dose of Marvel Comics, Superhero cartoons, action figures, anything Science Fiction, and any movie or televised property featuring Superheroes or heroic characters like the ATeam, Knight Rider, and Macguyver . The Incredible Hulk tv show was something that my father and mother both enjoyed so therefore I was allowed to watch the weekly adventures of David Bruce Banner being on the run and Hulking-Out whenever the plot needed him to. Even as a young child I knew the difference between Comic Book Hulk and tv Hulk. I actually really liked how they made the television Hulk more grounded in reality. Even for its time, the show runners and producers tried to play the show as straight as possible with all things considering. I was one of those fans that was super pissed off when the show was cancelled without a proper ending. That’s why when Bill Bixby came back to create two made for television movies which featured Thor in the first film and Daredevil in the second. I couldn’t have been any happier! Grounded Marvel Superheroes were fighting evil side by side with the big green guy! When the early 90s rolled around Bixby and Ferrigno came back one last time for the Death Of the Incredible Hulk. We finally saw the story of Banner come to a complete close. I was sad to say the least but the fans finally received a proper farewell! So for me, the Incredible Hulk tv series will always have a special place in my heart! Also, that inflatable cages Hulk toy would’ve been something I would’ve loved as a child!
Dude knocking these out of the park lately. Thank you!
"we getting the music right?", Absolutely not lol
Nice work Dan & Greg, my whole family loved this show growing up 🙂 Howzabout an episode on the barely-animated 1966 Marvel Super Heroes cartoon, with Hulk, Thor, and friends? 😁
I can vaguely remember watching this as a kid, but I was only 5 when it was canceled. If I'm remembering right, incredible hulk and dukes of hazzard were on back to back, my brother and I would watch both.
I'm sad that I can only give this video one like. It deserves at least a dozen for the Turbo Teen reference.
Hasbro needs to recreate that rage cage Hulk. What a great feature & implementation!
Despite all my rage, I'm still just a Hulk in a cage.
@@Moonbeam143 Lol!
@@Moonbeam143 Oh my god 😂😂😂
HasLab, $300.
they need to just do a Bixby/Ferrigno 2-pack. i'll go to my grave wondering why that's never happened.
I watched that hulk and Thor movie so much back in the day
Oh. I see. We're on a Rex Smith kick. Up next, The Pirates of Penzance!
Happened to come across this video, and nice job! It was a rotten shame that Kenneth Johnson wasn't involved with those three reunion films, because I know they would have turned out better. God bless the memory of Bill; Cue the lonely man theme...
My all time favourite is The Incredible Hulk Returns
The running gag of not having the music was so much fun, I was almost disappointed to finally hear it. :D
The episodes The First parts 1 and 2 featured Dick Durock (swamp thing) as the other "Hulk".
Do not bring your evil here!
This brings back so many memories.
There’s an episode of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood where Mr. Roger visits the set of The Incredible Hulk and talks with Bill Bixy and Lou Ferrigno.
What's REALLY cool is that Lou happens to be deaf, and you can actually see him reading lips in almost all of his interviews and on set photographs.
I didn't appreciate this show until I was a little older, but in the end I enjoy it! Great video!
I was a comic book nerd that could take or leave this show . My mom loved it .
The Incredible Hulk RPN 9 now CNN Philippines in 1982 every Tuesday night. Then they aired it on Saturday at 5:00pm. And they aired on Syfy Asia in 2013. I love the series including the lessons they learn in this series
Amazing video , could you make more of this series ? Maybe Wonder Woman , Original Superman ect...?
"I gotta be there by five!"
Absolutely loved this show! Bill Bixby did an incredible job with his character.👍😁 Another great one Dan and Greg! Thanks😁
My favorite show of the time
The "Rage Cage!" I want one! How unfortunate you can't play the theme song.
I use to feel so sad after watching episodes, lol, my mother use to tell me to go outside and shake it off! It’s only a tv show!! 😂😂
That rage cage hulk toy looked awesome lol
The “backdoor pilots” line and off camera 🎥 reaction had me rolling 🤣 @10:05
I loved that show as a kid. had the stretchy hulk action figure. anyone who had it will know what i am referring to. i laughed so many times in this video. you guys are awesome.
Love you guys! Thanks so much for bringing back my childhood