The Top 10 TV Show Catchphrases of the 70s and 80s
November 18, 2024
The Bionic Woman wasn’t just a groundbreaking TV show—it was a cultural phenomenon. Premiering in 1976 as a spin-off of The Six Million Dollar Man, it introduced audiences to Jaime Sommers, a former tennis pro turned secret agent with extraordinary cybernetic enhancements. Played by the iconic Lindsay Wagner, Jaime quickly became one of television’s most beloved heroines, inspiring a generation of fans and paving the way for future female-led action series.
Whether you grew up watching The Bionic Woman or just discovered it in reruns, here are 10 behind-the-scenes facts and fascinating tidbits that even longtime fans may not know.
1. Jaime Sommers Was Originally Supposed to Die
Jaime Sommers wasn’t meant to stick around. When she was introduced on The Six Million Dollar Man in a two-part episode titled “The Bionic Woman” in 1975, her storyline ended tragically—with her dying on the operating table after her body rejected the bionic implants. But viewers were outraged. The overwhelming fan response convinced producers to bring her back from the dead, setting the stage for her own spin-off. A clever retcon had scientists revive Jaime in secret, claiming her death was faked.
2. Lindsay Wagner Was the First Actress to Win an Emmy for a Sci-Fi Role
In 1977, Lindsay Wagner made television history by winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Jaime Sommers. It marked the first time an actor or actress won a major award for a science fiction performance in a dramatic series. Her ability to blend strength, compassion, and vulnerability elevated The Bionic Woman beyond its action-oriented premise and helped legitimize genre TV.
3. The Show Aired on Two Different Networks
It’s rare for a network to let go of a hit show, but that’s exactly what happened with The Bionic Woman. After two seasons on ABC (1976–1977), the series was abruptly canceled. NBC swooped in and picked it up for a third and final season, which aired from 1977 to 1978. This makes The Bionic Woman one of the few shows in TV history to air original episodes on two major networks during its original run.
4. The Bionic Woman Had a Slower Running Speed Than Steve Austin
Fans love to compare the capabilities of Jaime Sommers and Steve Austin. One key difference? Their running speed. Steve, the Six Million Dollar Man, could run at 60 miles per hour. Jaime, however, maxed out at around 50 mph. The difference was sometimes explained in-show as due to budget constraints during Jaime’s reconstruction. Still, it didn’t stop her from outrunning danger on a regular basis.
5. There Was a Bionic Dog Named Max
This one you may remember—The Bionic Woman introduced a cybernetic canine. Max the Bionic Dog (short for Maximillion) was featured in a two-part episode in the third season. He had a bionic jaw and legs and shared Jaime’s secret life with the OSI. Max was not just a gimmick—he became a fan favorite and even got his own comic book storylines. While he never got his own spin-off, Max remains one of the most unusual and memorable elements of the franchise.
6. The Bionic Woman Was Huge Internationally—Especially in the UK
While the show was a hit in the United States, it also found massive success overseas. In the UK, The Bionic Woman sometimes drew bigger ratings than Doctor Who. British audiences loved Jaime’s blend of charm and strength. The show’s popularity even inspired UK-exclusive merchandise, including dolls, novels, and annuals that are now highly collectible among vintage TV fans.
7. It Spawned a Line of Popular Toys and Merchandise
From action figures to lunchboxes, Jaime Sommers became a merchandising goldmine. Kenner released a Bionic Woman doll with removable bionic parts, alongside a “Repair Station” playset. There were also comic books, board games, and even Halloween costumes. These items are now highly sought after by collectors and frequently appear on eBay and at pop culture conventions.
8. Lindsay Wagner Advocated for More Emotion and Depth
Lindsay Wagner wasn’t just the star—she influenced the show’s tone and direction. She pushed producers to make Jaime a more emotionally complex character, rather than a stock action figure. Wagner believed that showing Jaime’s internal struggles would make her more relatable. Her input helped the series explore themes like identity, personal trauma, and what it truly means to be human—unusual territory for 1970s genre TV.
9. It Crossed Over with The Six Million Dollar Man Multiple Times
Being a spin-off, The Bionic Woman naturally shared storylines with The Six Million Dollar Man. The two shows had several crossover episodes, including the memorable “Kill Oscar” trilogy and “The Return of Bigfoot.” These episodes formed an early example of a shared television universe—a concept that modern franchises like the Arrowverse and MCU would later perfect. Lee Majors (Steve Austin) and Lindsay Wagner’s onscreen chemistry kept fans coming back for more team-ups.
10. The Franchise Was Revived in the 80s and Again in the 2000s
Jaime Sommers’ story didn’t end in 1978. In the late 80s and early 90s, Wagner reprised her role in a trilogy of made-for-TV reunion movies. These films caught up with Jaime and Steve years later and eventually ended with the two characters marrying in the final installment, Bionic Ever After? (1994).
Then in 2007, NBC launched a reboot of The Bionic Woman starring Michelle Ryan. While it was darker and more action-heavy than the original, it failed to capture the same magic and was canceled after just one season. Still, the reboot brought renewed attention to the original series and cemented Jaime’s status as a sci-fi icon.
Final Thoughts
The Bionic Woman wasn’t just a product of its time—it was ahead of its time. Jaime Sommers broke the mold for female TV characters, combining brains, brawn, and emotional depth in a way rarely seen on 70s television. The show gave viewers a strong woman who didn’t rely on violence or clichés to solve problems, and that’s why she remains an enduring symbol of empowerment decades later.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the series for the first time, The Bionic Woman continues to impress with its innovative storytelling, charming cast, and ahead-of-its-time take on gender roles and science fiction.
Want more? Be sure to check out our Bionic Woman episode summaries and behind-the-scenes stories right here on IUsedToWatchThis.com!
