Blue Thunder
Series Overview
Blue Thunder is a 1984 ABC television series based on the movie of the same title featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter. The series uses the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film. A ground unit named "Rolling Thunder" backed up the helicopter in the television series. This was a large support van with a desert camouflage off-road vehicle stored inside. The television series cast includes James Farentino, Dana Carvey, and former professional American football players Bubba Smith and Dick Butkus. The series was canceled by ABC after they felt the similar Airwolf on CBS would win the ratings battle. Also, the series aired at the same time as the CBS soap opera Dallas on Friday nights, and lost. Eleven episodes were made before the series was cancelled.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 11 Episodes
49 min per episode
1984 – 1984
Premiered: Fri, Jan 6, 1984
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 11: “The Island”
The Blue Thunder team journeys to a small Caribbean island to prevent American mercenaries, who have been hired by the KGB, from killing the Prime Minister
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
ABC Monday Night promo April 1984
Type: Trailer • Published 2017-02-17
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Guy Magar
David Moessinger, Donald A. Baer, Jeri Taylor, Roy Huggins
Department Leadership Roster
Donald A. Baer
Producer
Jeri Taylor
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Blue Thunder.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Thunder
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Blue Thunder about?
Blue Thunder is a 1984 ABC television series based on the movie of the same title featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter. The series uses the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film. A ground unit named "Rolling Thunder" backed up the helicopter in the television series. This was a large support van with a desert camouflage off-road vehicle stored inside. The television series cast includes James Farentino, Dana Carvey, and former professional American football players Bubba Smith and Dick Butkus. The series was canceled by ABC after they felt the similar Airwolf on CBS would win the ratings battle. Also, the series aired at the same time as the CBS soap opera Dallas on Friday nights, and lost. Eleven episodes were made before the series was cancelled.
How many seasons does Blue Thunder have?
Blue Thunder comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Blue Thunder?
Key cast members in Blue Thunder include James Farentino, Dana Carvey, Sandy McPeak, Dick Butkus, Bubba Smith.
Who created or directed Blue Thunder?
Blue Thunder was developed and directed by Guy Magar.