The Six Million Dollar Man

Steve Austin is a former astronaut whose life is rebuilt after a catastrophic accident leaves him gravely injured. Scientists replace damaged limbs and parts of his vision with advanced prosthetics, turning him into a field operative with enhanced strength, speed, and sight. Employed by a government agency, he carries out dangerous assignments against hostile agents, rogue scientists, and occasional otherworldly threats, while coping with the personal costs of being part machine. Episodes mix action set pieces with quieter moments where Austin's physical abilities clash with everyday life and relationships, keeping the focus on his missions and the moral questions that come with being weaponized technology.

Premiered in 1974, the series was co-created by Kenneth Johnson and Martin E. Caidin, and stars Lee Majors as Steve Austin, with Martin E. Brooks and Richard Anderson in key roles. It adapted Caidin's concept for television and ran as a mix of standalone episodes and longer story arcs, becoming one of the era's recognizable sci-fi action shows.

The series didn't dominate major award ceremonies, yet it built a sizable audience and enjoyed steady syndication. While it wasn't an awards powerhouse, its success on TV screens translated into a lasting viewer base that kept the character in the public eye for years after the original run.

Visuals and gadgets from the show became shorthand for 1970s sci-fi, with the bionic limbs and enhanced vision often referenced or parodied in later media. Merchandising, TV reruns, and recurring homages helped cement its place in pop culture, influencing how cyborg characters were shown on screen and making the idea of a part-human, part-machine hero instantly recognizable.

Critics and fans rate the show positively for its mix of action and character moments, reflected in a user score around 7.3 out of 10 on fan sites. Recurring themes include the tension between human vulnerability and technological power, the ethics of state-sponsored enhancements, and how identity shifts when bodies are altered by machines. The tone balances straightforward adventure with occasional moral reflection.