MacGyver

Action series MacGyver ran on ABC for seven seasons, from September 29, 1985, until August 8, 1992. It followed the adventures of the crafty secret agent Angus MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson.

Fast Facts:

1. Network: ABC
2. Total Episodes: 139
3. First Aired: September 29, 1985
4. Starring: Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Bruce McGill
5. Created by Lee David Zlotoff
6. Tagline: "His mind is the ultimate weapon"
7. First name "Angus" revealed in show's final season
8. MacGyver refused to carry a gun
9. MacGyver grew up in Minnesota

Cultural Impact

Most episodes of MacGyver found the hero resourcefully escaping tight predicaments using his scientific knowledge and general ingenuity (and frequently a Swiss Army Knife and duct tape).

The concept of making last-minute escapes utilizing unconventional means has become closely associated with the series, and has inspired several parodies, including the Saturday Night Live sketches "MacGruber," starring Will Forte, and the Stephen Baldwin cameo in the film Half Baked.

An episode of the series Mythbusters was devoted to testing some of MacGyver's most infamous tactics. And, of course, Marge's sisters, Patty and Selma, on The Simpsons are fiercely loyal MacGyver viewers.

The term "to MacGyver" has even entered the English language, as in, "she got into trouble but MacGyvered her way out of there in no time." MacGyver's tricks are known as "MacGyverisms."

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