TV series
The chronicles of teacher Ralph Hinkley's adventures after a group of aliens gives him a red suit that gives him superhuman abilities. Unfortunately, Ralph, who hates wearing the suit, immediately loses its instruction booklet, and thus has to learn how to use its powers by trial and error, often with comical results.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 26, 2026
The Greatest American Hero is available to stream on Peacock, Peacock Premium, Prime Video, Fubo, Amazon Freevee, Plex, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The chronicles of teacher Ralph Hinkley's adventures after a group of aliens gives him a red suit that gives him superhuman abilities. Unfortunately, Ralph, who hates wearing the suit, immediately loses its instruction booklet, and thus has to learn how to use its powers by trial and error, often with comical results.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
After a loud argument with Bill, Ralph quits the hero business and turns in his super-suit. Unknown to both men, a gang of neo-Nazis plans to murder them.
Directed by Ivan DixonGuest stars Jason Bernard, Jeremy Kemp, Kurt Grayson
Episode 2
While attending a high-school reunion, Ralph discovers that the wife of a famous pro football player is held hostage to ensure her husband will throw the big game.
Directed by Ivan DixonWritten by Stephen J. CannellGuest stars Ben Powers, Tom Harmon, Stephen Shortridge, Dick Butkus, Martin Speer, Edith Fields, Bob Hastings
Episode 3
With their relationship in trouble, Ralph convinces Pam to go on a vacation without Bill or his suit. Unfortunately Bill shows up unannounced with his suit and trouble ensues.
Directed by Ivan DixonWritten by Babs GreyhoskyGuest stars Pepe Serna, Bobby McGee, Loyita Chapel
Episode 4
A magician killed performing his greatest trick seemingly returns from the grave to murder his three rivals. Ralph must use his suit to out trick the would-be killer.
Written by Frank LupoGuest stars Randi Brooks
Episode 5
Ralph and Pam's wedding is almost ruined when Ralph receives special orders from the President to fly a mission over the North Pole. Bill discovers the orders were faked, and that Ralph has accidentally given the Russians valuable military secrets.
Directed by Chuck BowmanWritten by Babs Greyhosky
Episode 6
A former Nazi genetic engineer fakes Bill's death to use him in an experiment, but Ralph realizes his friend is still alive. He flies off to rescue Bill and the evil doctor's other victims, but a genetic horror created in an earlier experiment waits to battle him.
Directed by Christian I. Nyby IIGuest stars William Prince, Dennis Lipscomb, Carolyn Seymour, Ted Gehring, William Marquez
Episode 7
An Aging TV anchorman plans to retire in grand style. He hires a band of mercenaries to sabotage a nuclear plant, hoping that his coverage of the event can launch a Presidential campaign. Ralph must stop the plant from exploding, but the saboteurs, now dying of radiation poisoning, are determined to succeed.
Written by Babs Greyhosky
Episode 8
One of Ralph's students invents a radio telescope capable of decoding Russian satellite messages. The KGB tries to steal his system. When that maneuver fails, they decide to kill him before he can share his discovery with the CIA.
Directed by Ivan Dixon
Episode 9
A young Chinese scientist has invented a deadly particle "ray gun" weapon. A local gang kidnaps his uncle, hoping to obtain the gun. Bill's plan to save the Uncle backfires, and Ralph must test his suit against the deadly ray.
Guest stars Mako, Soon-Tek Oh, Christine Belford, Lloyd Kino
Episode 10
King Abu Al-Fahad asks Ralph and Bill to help find his son, Prince Aha, who was kidnapped by Middle Eastern terrorists while playing a Dungeons and Dragonsesque game, Wizards and Warlocks. Their search leads them from Aha's college campus -- where they meet Aha's Keeper of the Clock, Joey Margolis -- to the game's author himself, Norman Fackler.
Directed by Bruce KesslerGuest stars Bob Saget, James Whitmore Jr., William Bogert, Nico Minardos, Steven Peterman, Toni Hudson
Episode 11
Bill is called by the manager of a rock group that is aboard a plane threatened by a bomber, who has hidden a device set to explode if the plane descends below 1000 feet. Ralph flies into action, but matters escalate when Pam is kidnapped and a band of bikers threaten Bill's life.
Written by Babs Greyhosky
Episode 12
A weekend in the country leads Ralph, Pam and Bill into a race to save a wild stallion from a cruel rancher. The man blames the horse for a crippling injury. His men are also selling horses for use as dog food.
Written by Stephen J. Cannell
Episode 13
It seems that 30 years ago Bill helped some revolutionaries overthrow a corrupt regime in an unnamed Central American country, where he is now regarded as a hero. But now Bill's old revolutionary compadres have turned up, and they soon kidnap him and try to get him to help lead another revolution.
Directed by Robert CulpWritten by Robert CulpGuest stars Julio Medina, Frank Pesce
Episode information updated Jul 26, 2026
William KattRalph Hinkley
Robert CulpBill Maxwell
Connie SelleccaPam Davidson
Faye GrantRhonda Blake
Michael ParéTony Villicana
Jesse D. GoinsCyler Johnson
Mel Stewart
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