“Universal dropped at least two series and began backing off from the hour-long action shows that have been its strong suit. 'Universal got hurt earlier this year when it told the networks it would walk away from expensive projects if licensing fees didn't go up,” noted the TV Guide from Aug. In the end, it was the show’s high production cost that ultimately led Universal to cancel the series after its fourth season. He has that mischievous look in his eye that tells you, ‘Of course you are not going to believe this, but lean back and enjoy it anyway.’”Įven as episode plots in Knight Rider became more and more outlandish, the show continued drawing large audiences. He kept adding little shtick of his own, like calling the car ‘Buddy’ and patting it like it was a horse,” Larson recalled. “He’s the main reason the show works. “The first time the car talked to him, he burst out laughing. That repartee was evident in Hasselhoff’s first screen test. Part of what made the show so engaging was the dynamic between Knight and K.I.T.T., which included both serious scenes and moments of humor.
