Automan

Buzz

Automan ranks 4,588 out of the 18,229 shows on TV.com.

The 119 users who count themselves as Automan fans have written a total of 9 reviews.

Status

Premiered

Ended

Genre

Theme

"On a scale of 1 to 10, think of me as... an 11."

Thus begins the life of Automan and his creator, Walter Nebicher. A policeman by day and computer programmer on the side, Nebicher (Desi Arnaz, Jr.) creates a sophisticated computer program he calls Automan, the world's first fully automatic man.... more »

"On a scale of 1 to 10, think of me as... an 11."

Thus begins the life of Automan and his creator, Walter Nebicher. A policeman by day and computer programmer on the side, Nebicher (Desi Arnaz, Jr.) creates a sophisticated computer program he calls Automan, the world's first fully automatic man. Only able to run at night due to his power consumption, Automan (Chuck Wagner) has a helper called cursor who creates objects that Automan can manipulate such as cars, helicopters, and airplanes.

His powers are unique. He can talk to any computer, dissolve and reappear, and even hide in the body of his creator.

As with every superhero, Automan has limitations. His power depends on the electricity available on the grid. If he gets too much input he could also dissolve without notice.

When the legal system can't do the job during the day, Walter and Automan do extraordinary things at night.

In the tradition of Tron, this series took computer graphics to a new level even though it was unfortunately canceled after only 13 episodes.less «

• For Such a Clever Show...

  ... I wonder why it got cancelled? Perhaps people wanted to take it too seriously when it should have been more of a comedy. Any thoughts?

  ... I wonder why it got cancelled? Perhaps people wanted to take it too seriously when it should have been more of a comedy. Any thoughts? less «

  bdllbo Last online Aug 18, 2007
  2 comments, last one Feb 25, 2008 + Add Comment

• What is your favorite Automan episode?

  I love Automan, my favorite episode is when the first one when they invent Automan. what is your favorite?

  I love Automan, my favorite episode is when the first one when they invent Automan. what is your favorite? less «

  twilightboy Last online 5 days ago
  2 comments, last one Jul 13, 2007 + Add Comment

•  

  5.8 Mediocre

  Mega-nerd/cop Walter creates a crime fighting partner with a shiny metallic body (except his head for some reason), a computer-like intelligence (IE: Not that smart) and a floating discoball called "cursor" that can create functional machines. hide « show »

  Automan is one of those forgotten shows from the early 80's (see "Manimal") that had so much to offer in terms of campy crime fighting and a so-unbelievable-it's-extremely-stupid plotline. For example, Automan can manipulate anything digital (which in 1983 was mostly Casio watches, the occasional floppy drive MAC and the keyboards used for the automan soundtrack) and somehow this gave him the ability to foil terrorist plots, embezzlers and Michael Jackson-imitating pickpockets. The special effects were advanced for 1983; cursor's ability to materialize anything he can draw was a visual feat back then. We shall sure miss you Automan, man.

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  Mikeybillz Added Jan 31, 2007 All my reviews
•  

  10 Perfect

  "Off the wall" certainly doesn't begin to describe this short-lived show. hide « show »

  Funny and innovative, a cop creates a computer intelligence capabale of assuming human form only at night when power consumption from the grid is at a minimum. Well-acted, this show was cancelled after only one season. The title character is the world's first "automatic man" who glows blue from the neck down due to his computer interface. He has superhuman abilities such as interacting with computers, strength, agility, and creating inanimate objects from pure energy. It was a fun show while it lasted, and probably would have lasted longer had the show been less kooky. One of my favorite shows as a kid.

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  bdllbo Added Jan 7, 2007 All my reviews
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  8 Great

  A nerd with a walking computer cop fighting crime hide « show »

  Automan what a cool name and a cool show, i would sit and watch all the episodes (11 in total) over and over again when i was just a boy. You gotta love how Automan drives in his autocar? causing walter to be thrown all over the inerior of the car, specially on the windows.
  
  Cursor was also a dream robot/machine/gadget for all the kids, we all wanted one.
  
  Sadly the show didnt last long, who knows why. i dont remember plots or anything exactly all i remember are the cool things cursor created and Automan's psychodelic suit.
  
  Lots and lots of fun show.

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  twilightboy Added Nov 25, 2006 All my reviews
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  2.2 Terrible

  who came up with this hide « show »

  this could quite possibly be the worst sci-fi show from the 1980's. i realize computers hadn't come along as far as they have today, but my god this show was crap. i'd like to know how much money they spent producing this show. i wasn't suprised it only lasted a few episodes.

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  CAPNDEL Added May 24, 2006 All my reviews
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  9.9 Superb

  bring it back. this was great tv. plus people will finally know what i was talking about hide « show »

  just as the others that remember this show. I thouhgt I was crazy. No one ever knows what i am talking about when i mention it. It took me four years to even remember thename. I used to really enjoy this show and with the tech today this could really be a great show. It was definatly before its time that is why only a few of us geeks ever saw it.

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  vonda2499 Added Mar 18, 2006 All my reviews