The Fall Guy is an American action-adventure television series that aired from 1981 to 1986 on ABC. Created by Glen A. Larson, the show stars Lee Majors as Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who doubles as a bounty hunter. The unique premise allowed the series to combine thrilling stunt work with crime-fighting, making it a standout in the action-packed TV landscape of the 1980s. With its memorable theme song, iconic truck, and daring stunts, The Fall Guy became a beloved show that captured the imagination of viewers who enjoyed its mix of action, humor, and drama.
The show’s appeal stemmed from its lead character’s dual identity as both a Hollywood stuntman and a bounty hunter, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of stunt work while also delivering weekly adventures in which Colt tracked down fugitives. This combination of Hollywood glamour and high-stakes crime-solving made The Fall Guy an exciting and entertaining series with a unique twist.
The Premise of The Fall Guy
The central premise of The Fall Guy revolves around Colt Seavers (Lee Majors), a professional Hollywood stuntman who supplements his income by working as a bounty hunter. Colt uses his extensive skills in stunt work—such as car chases, dangerous jumps, and hand-to-hand combat—to apprehend criminals and bring them to justice. With his trusty GMC truck and a team of partners by his side, Colt embarks on missions that take him across the country, where he faces off against criminals, con artists, and fugitives.
Colt’s bounty hunting work often leads to dangerous, action-packed situations, but his experience as a stuntman gives him the skills needed to succeed in these high-stakes encounters. Each episode typically features Colt being hired to track down a criminal or fugitive, with the added drama of his involvement in various Hollywood stunts or film shoots. The mix of real-world bounty hunting and the glamorous world of movie-making creates a dynamic backdrop for the series.
The show’s title, The Fall Guy, refers to the role of a stuntman, who is often the “fall guy” for actors in dangerous scenes. The metaphor extends to Colt’s role as a bounty hunter, as he often finds himself in tricky situations, taking the fall for others while still managing to save the day.
- The complete first season of the 1980s US TV drama
- Colt Seavers (Lee Majors) is a Hollywood stunt man who does some bounty hunting in his spare time
- Aided and abetted by his sidekicks, cousin Howie (Douglas Barr) and the gorgeous Jody (Heather Thomas), Colt's an all round nice guy who'll help out any buddy in a jam
- The episodes comprise: 'The Fall Guy: Part 1', 'The Fall Guy: Part 2', 'The Meek Shall Inherit Rhonda', 'The Rich Get Richer', 'That's Right We're Bad', 'Colt's Angels', 'The Human Torch', 'The Japanese Connection', 'No Way Out', 'License to Kill: Part 1', 'Goin' for It', 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harold', 'Soldiers of Misfortune', 'Die Ready, Aim', 'Ladies On the Ropes', 'The Snow Job', 'Guess Who's Coming to Town', 'Child's Play', 'Charlie', 'Three for the Road', 'The Silent Partner' and 'Scavenger Hunt'
- Ryan Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman fresh off an almost career-ending accident
- Colt is persuaded to return to his stunt career when he's told his ex, Jody (Emily Blunt), is directing a film and asked for him specifically
- With hopes of winning back the love of his life, Colt returns to set only to find the movie's leading man missing and production in peril
- Ensnared in an increasingly wild conspiracy, he must solve the mystery to save Jody's film and get one last shot with her
- What could possibly go right? David Leitch (director of Bullet Train and producer of John Wick) delivers a hard-hitting, hilarious action-thriller with The Fall Guy
Main Characters
The charm and success of The Fall Guy can be attributed to its memorable cast of characters, each of whom brought a distinct personality and skill set to the team. While Colt Seavers is the clear leader, his supporting cast provided both comedic relief and essential backup during missions.
- Colt Seavers (Lee Majors): Colt is the heart of the show, a charismatic and fearless stuntman turned bounty hunter. Lee Majors’ portrayal of Colt brought a blend of toughness, charm, and humor to the character, making him both relatable and heroic. Colt’s experience as a stuntman gives him the ability to navigate the dangerous world of bounty hunting with ease, often using his knowledge of film stunts to outsmart or outmaneuver criminals. Whether he’s driving his iconic GMC truck through perilous chases or performing death-defying stunts, Colt is always ready for action.
- Howie Munson (Douglas Barr): Howie is Colt’s cousin and eager, but often bumbling, assistant. He serves as Colt’s sidekick and is frequently the source of comic relief in the show. While Howie is enthusiastic about both stunt work and bounty hunting, he lacks Colt’s experience and skill, which often leads to humorous and sometimes dangerous situations. However, his loyalty to Colt and his determination to prove himself make him a valuable, if occasionally hapless, member of the team.
- Jody Banks (Heather Thomas): Jody is another stunt performer who works with Colt and Howie. As a skilled stuntwoman, Jody contributes to both the stunt work and bounty-hunting missions. Her athleticism, quick thinking, and courage make her an essential part of the team. Jody’s character also brings a sense of balance to the group, offering both brains and brawn in their various escapades. Heather Thomas became a 1980s icon through her role as Jody, adding glamour and action to the series.
- Big Jack (Jo Ann Pflug): Big Jack is Colt’s no-nonsense boss at the bounty hunting agency. While she’s rarely involved in the fieldwork, Big Jack is responsible for assigning Colt and his team their bounties. She often provides valuable intel and keeps the team grounded, making sure they stay on task and get the job done. Though her role is primarily managerial, Big Jack’s sharp wit and strong personality make her a memorable character.
Action and Stunt Work
One of the defining features of The Fall Guy is its emphasis on stunts and action sequences, drawing directly from Colt’s job as a Hollywood stuntman. Each episode features elaborate stunt work, from high-speed car chases to death-defying leaps and dangerous fight scenes. These stunts are not only central to the plot but also highlight Colt’s expertise and resourcefulness, as he often uses his stunt knowledge to catch fugitives or escape tricky situations.
The show’s opening sequence, which showcases various stunts performed by Colt, became iconic and set the tone for the series. The theme song, sung by Lee Majors himself, describes the life of a stuntman, emphasizing the dangers and lack of recognition that come with the job. This self-aware commentary on the world of stunt work added depth to the show, making it more than just a typical action series.
Colt’s GMC truck became a symbol of the show, often featured in intense chase scenes where Colt would use the truck’s capabilities to pursue criminals or evade danger. The truck’s distinct design and Colt’s daring driving made it one of the most recognizable vehicles in television history.
- Greenlight Fall Guy Stuntman Association 1982 GMC K-2500 Sierra Grande Limited Edition diecast collectible truck 1/64th scale
Humor and Tone
The Fall Guy balanced its action-packed plots with a lighthearted, humorous tone. While Colt’s missions were often dangerous, the show never took itself too seriously. Colt’s dry wit and the comedic banter between him and his teammates added a layer of fun to the series, making it accessible to a wide audience. Howie’s clumsy attempts at being a stuntman and bounty hunter provided plenty of laughs, while Jody’s sharp intellect and quick thinking often saved the day.
The series also had a self-referential quality, as it frequently poked fun at Hollywood and the film industry. Many episodes included guest appearances by real-life celebrities playing themselves, adding to the show’s behind-the-scenes look at the world of stunts and movie-making. This meta aspect helped differentiate The Fall Guy from other action shows of the era, offering a unique blend of Hollywood satire and high-octane adventure.
Popularity and Legacy
The Fall Guy quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its blend of action, humor, and likable characters. Lee Majors, already a household name from his role in The Six Million Dollar Man, brought star power to the series, and his portrayal of Colt Seavers solidified his status as one of television’s most beloved action stars. The show’s mix of thrilling stunts and lighthearted fun made it appealing to a wide demographic, from action fans to those who enjoyed the comedic elements.
The series’ popularity extended beyond its five-season run, with The Fall Guy maintaining a strong presence in syndication and gaining a cult following in the years since its original airing. The show’s iconic theme song, memorable characters, and stunt-driven action sequences have made it a nostalgic favorite for many fans of 1980s television.
The Fall Guy also influenced future television series and films that feature stunt work and action heroes. Its unique premise, which combined Hollywood glamour with crime-fighting, helped pave the way for other shows that explored the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking while delivering high-stakes adventures.
Today, The Fall Guy remains a classic example of 1980s television, known for its exciting stunts, charming characters, and unique blend of action and humor. The show’s enduring appeal continues to resonate with fans who appreciate its adventurous spirit and fun take on Hollywood and bounty hunting.
