Six Million Dollar Man Vs Seven Million Dollar Man
The Six Million Dollar Man and the Seven Million Dollar Man are two iconic characters from the 1970s. Both were TV shows that captivated audiences with their sci-fi themes, action-packed storylines, and futuristic technology.
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Six Million Dollar Man is a TV show that aired from 1974 to 1978. It starred Lee Majors as Steve Austin, a former astronaut who is severely injured in a crash. He is then rebuilt with bionic implants that give him superhuman strength, speed, and agility. With his new abilities, he becomes a secret agent for the US government, using his powers to fight crime and protect the country from threats both foreign and domestic.
The show was a massive hit and spawned a spin-off, The Bionic Woman, which also starred Majors as Austin's love interest, Jaime Sommers. The show became a cultural phenomenon and is still remembered fondly by fans today.
The Seven Million Dollar Man
The Seven Million Dollar Man is a relatively unknown TV pilot that was made in 1978. It starred actor and bodybuilder Ted Cassidy as Barney Hiller, a former football player who is also severely injured and rebuilt with bionic implants. However, unlike Austin, Hiller's implants cost seven million dollars, making him even more powerful than his predecessor.
The show never got picked up for a full series, and the pilot episode was never aired. It was eventually released on DVD in 2010 and has since gained a cult following among fans of the genre.
The Differences Between the Two
While both shows share similar themes and concepts, there are some notable differences between the Six Million Dollar Man and the Seven Million Dollar Man. For one, the latter character is much more physically imposing, thanks to his extra million dollars' worth of bionic implants. He is also more of a lone wolf, whereas Austin often worked with other agents and even had a love interest in The Bionic Woman.
Another significant difference is the level of popularity between the two shows. The Six Million Dollar Man was a hit that ran for several seasons and spawned a spin-off, while The Seven Million Dollar Man never made it past the pilot stage.
The Legacy of the Bionic Men
Despite the differences between the two shows, both the Six Million Dollar Man and the Seven Million Dollar Man have left a lasting impact on popular culture. Their use of futuristic technology and superhuman abilities paved the way for countless other sci-fi shows and movies. They also inspired a generation of kids who grew up wanting to be just like Steve Austin or Barney Hiller.
Today, both characters are still remembered fondly by fans and continue to influence popular culture. While it's unlikely that we'll see a revival of either show anytime soon, their legacy lives on through the countless other shows and movies that they inspired.
Conclusion
The Six Million Dollar Man and the Seven Million Dollar Man are two iconic characters from the 1970s that continue to capture the imagination of fans today. While they may have had their differences, they both left a lasting impact on popular culture and continue to inspire new generations of sci-fi fans. Whether you prefer Steve Austin or Barney Hiller, there's no denying that both characters are true legends of the genre.