Airwolf

Airwolf is a 1980s American television movie and series about a supersonic military helicopter of the same name. The series ran for 56 episodes on CBS-TV in the United States from 1984–1986 and an additional 24 episodes with a new cast and production company on the USA Network in 1987.

Production Changes

Producer Bellisario left the series after season two following frustration with studio preferences. They wanted a female cast member added to the roster (which eventually happened), and for the series to be more action-oriented, as a result, "Airwolf" became more stream-lined and self-contained, only a few highlights of the third season stand out. "Airwolf II" is heralded as the finest of the post-Bellsario adventures. The series was cancelled after ratings bombed, but a fourth was quietly picked up for Syndication.

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The fourth season (1987) is largely regarded by series fans as subpar, as the original cast was quickly killed off, Saint John Hawke (now played by Barry Van Dyke) is mysteriously revealed to be alive and well, replacing Stringfellow Hawke as the central character, and the show's production was moved to British Columbia and its budget slashed. The crew no longer had access to the original Airwolf helicopter, and all in-flight shots are recycled from seasons 1–3. A full-size mockup was used for static shots.

Related Topics:
1987 - Barry Van Dyke - British Columbia

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