Superhero stories are undoubtedly popular. Thanks to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, superhero movies have become major box office players and the success of The CW’s Arrowverse made DC’s superheroes a big deal on television. And it’s not just the Big 2 that are seeing their superheroes have their moment. Shows like The Boys and Invincible on Prime Video are also popular, further proving that superheroes are crowd pleasers. However, the wealth of superhero entertainment we have now is far from the first to thrill audiences — and there’s one in particular that only ‘70s kids will remember but its theme song remains a classic.
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Debuting with a two-hour movie pilot in 1981 and running for three seasons on ABC, The Greatest American Hero has become a cult classic of superhero television. The series followed teacher Ralph Hinkley (played by William Katt) who gets superhuman abilities after a group of aliens give him a red and black suit. While getting superpowers might sound like everyone’s dream come true, Ralph unfortunately loses the instruction book that came with the suit and has to learn how to use his suit’s powers by trial and error. As you can guess, the results are hilarious.
The Greatest American Hero is a Fun Show — But It’s The Theme Song That Everyone Remembers
The Greatest American Hero is a fun example of the reluctant superhero trope, with Ralph never intending to be a hero but ends up becoming one anyway. He takes on different missions even though he’s struggling to actually use his suit’s powers and never actually ends up getting a proper superhero name. The show was also a nice blend of genres, featuring elements of not only comic book superhero stories but straight sci-fi as well, making it a unique and truly fun watch. However, while the show certainly had its audience, it’s the theme song that has stuck and was actually more popular than the series.
That theme song is “Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)” or more simply, “Believe it or Not”. Written by Mike Post with lyrics by Stephen Geyer, the song was performed by Joe Scarbury. The song became a fast hit and debuted in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 where it would eventually peak at No. 2 (it missed out on the top spot thanks to Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s hit “Endless Love”.) That’s some pretty significant success for a television theme song, but “Believe it or Not” didn’t just stop at being a hit single. It has since become an enduring cultural phenomenon — far more than the show it served.
Over the years, numerous television shows have referred to or outright parodied “Believe it or Not”. Seinfeld’s season eight episode “That Susie” featured an answering machine message that was a parody of the song and that episode itself got referenced in a 2021 Super Bowl ad for Tide. Season six of Supernatural featured an episode where Castiel sings the song to a baby he’s watching and in Gilmore Girls, the show’s fictional band Hep Alien even performs a grunge version of the song.
The biggest pop culture reference to “Believe it or Not” however, belongs to Family Guy who has referred to not just the song but The Greatest American Hero multiple times. The episode “The Man with Two Brians” sees Peter wearing the iconic Greatest American Hero costume while flying through the air doing a stunt (and he’s singing the theme song in the process.) Lyrics from the song are also parodied in an episode title, with “believe it or not, I’m walking on air” becoming “Believe It Or Not, Joe’s Walking on Air” for the third episode of season 6.
Believe It Or Not, The Greatest American Hero Is Coming Back
While “Believe it or Not” is for many the most memorable thing about The Greatest American Hero (which really is a shame, the series is great), that might not be the case for long. Earlier this year it was announced that AMP Comics had acquired the comic book publishing rights to The Greatest American Hero and a new comic series is in the works. The series, which is set to arrive in 2026 and will see Katt return to executive produce the books. Tawnia McKiernan, the daughter of The Greatest American Hero creator Stephen J. Cannell, is also involved. Here’s to hoping it comes with a reference to “Believe it or Not”.
All three seasons of The Greatest American Hero are available to stream on Peacock.
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Only 1970s Kids Remember This Cult ABC Superhero show (But The theme Song Was Way Bigger)
The Mystery of the 1970s ABC Superhero Show
For kids growing up in the 1970s, Saturday mornings were a sacred ritual filled wiht colorful, imaginative superhero shows. Among the many titles aired on ABC during this golden era, one particular cult superhero show carved out a unique place in TV history – not for its long-lasting run or massive viewership but primarily as of its electrifying and unforgettable theme song. If you were a 1970s kid, the moment you hear that theme, you’re instantly transported back to an era of campy fight scenes, bright spandex costumes, and Saturday morning cartoons.
What Made This ABC Superhero Show Cult Classic?
Despite a relatively brief run and limited episodes, the show’s unique blend of suspense and camp attracted a fiercely loyal fanbase. Here’s why it became a cult classic:
- Distinctive Character Design: The hero’s costume and signature gadgets were unlike anything else on ABC at the time.
- Innovative Special Effects: For the 1970s, the show’s effects were groundbreaking yet charmingly low-budget.
- Engaging Storylines: Episodes often tackled intriguing themes of good vs. evil, justice, and redemption.
- Limited Run, Lasting Impact: Only a handful of episodes aired, but they left an indelible mark on viewers.
Iconic Theme Song: The Real Star of the Show
What truly overshadowed the series itself was the theme song – a catchy, high-energy tune that transcended the show’s audience.This theme became an anthem for many 1970s kids, frequently enough remixed, echoed in pop culture, and remembered decades later.
Why the Theme Song was So Memorable
- Catchy Lyrics and Melody: Simple yet powerful phrasing that kids could easily sing along to.
- High-Energy Instrumentation: Electric guitars, drums, and brass created an adrenaline boost just hearing it.
- Cultural Echo: The song tapped into the era’s fascination with heroism and drama, making it an earworm.
- Reuse in Other Media: The song was featured in commercials, parodies, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping it alive beyond the show’s airing.
ABC’s Superhero Show in the Context of 1970s Television
The 1970s was a decade filled with the rise of superhero and fantasy-themed television, with ABC at the forefront of this revolution. Alongside juggernauts like “The Six Million Dollar Man” and ”Wonder Woman,” this cult show carved a niche with its distinct approach.
| Show | Year Aired | Main Hero | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cult ABC Superhero Show | 1970-71 | Masked Avenger | Iconic theme song overshadowing show |
| The Six Million Dollar Man | 1974-78 | Steve Austin | Bionic enhancements & action scenes |
| Wonder Woman | 1975-79 | Diana Prince | Female superhero empowerment |
Cultural Impact and Nostalgia: Why 1970s Kids Love It
This show is more than just a forgotten piece of television history; it’s a portal to childhood memories and a symbol of a simpler time. Here’s why 1970s kids still fondly remember it:
- Shared Experience: The unique theme song acted as a bonding element among peers.
- Nostalgia-Driven Rediscovery: Reruns, streaming, and social media have revived interest in the show and its theme.
- influence on Pop Culture: Many modern superhero creators cite these shows as inspiration.
- Merchandising and Memorabilia: Vintage toys, comic books, and soundtrack singles from the show are collector’s items today.
How Fans Keep the Legacy Alive
Even with its brief appearance,dedicated fans have sustained the show’s legacy through:
- Online fan clubs and forums where fans reminisce and share memorabilia
- Cover versions and remixes of the theme song by modern musicians
- YouTube retrospectives and nostalgic media reviews
- Cosplay and comic-con appearances inspired by the show’s characters
Interesting Behind-the-Scenes Facts & Trivia
for trivia buffs and 1970s television enthusiasts,here are some fun facts about this cult ABC superhero show:
- The theme song was written by a relatively unknown composer who later scored major Hollywood films.
- Some episodes were filmed on a tight budget, leading to creative special effects solutions.
- The costume designer reused some of the show’s designs for other ABC series.
- Several guest stars went on to become famous actors in later decades.
- The show’s theme song was released as a single on vinyl and briefly charted on local radio stations.
Practical Tips for Discovering and Enjoying the Show Today
If you’re looking to recapture the magic or introduce this cult classic to new generations, here are some tips:
- Check Streaming Services: Some classic TV platforms or ABC archives might have episodes available.
- Vinyl and CDs: Search for the show’s theme song as a vintage single for an authentic nostalgia experience.
- fan Forums and Social Media: Engage with communities dedicated to the 1970s superhero genre.
- Attend Retro TV and Comic Conventions: Look for fan panels and merchandise related to 1970s shows.
Case study: The Enduring Popularity of the Theme Song
While the show itself had a relatively short lifespan, the theme song’s popularity offers a fascinating case study in TV music’s sticky power:
- The theme’s upbeat tempo and memorable hook made it a favorite for radio DJs during the 1970s.
- decades later, the song has been featured in trailers, commercials, and nostalgic TV specials.
- Modern covers on platforms like YouTube have millions of views, showing cross-generational appreciation.
- Its cultural footprint is bigger than many longer-lasting superhero shows from the same era.
First-Hand Experience: What 1970s Kids Say
Many who grew up watching recall:
“The first time I heard that theme song, it made me want to be a hero.It was pure energy.” - Jane, born 1965
”Even if you forgot the show’s name, you never forgot that song – it’s burnt into your memory.” – Mike, born 1967
“It’s funny how a simple tune could outshine the entire series, but that’s how powerful it was.” – Kathy, born 1964
