Knight Rider Theme Tune
Action Theme Song Archive

Knight Rider Theme Song

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Song TitleKnight Rider Theme
ComposerStu Phillips
Original Air DateSeptember 26, 1982 (USA) / February 17, 1983 (UK)
Episodes / Seasons90 Episodes (4 Seasons)
NetworkNBC
GenreAction / Crime / Electronic
LanguageInstrumental (with Narration)

Theme Song Introduction Narration

“Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law.”

Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story

The Knight Rider theme song is an electronic masterpiece that defined the sound of 1980s action television. Composed by Stu Phillips and series creator Glen A. Larson, the track was revolutionary for its heavy use of synthesizers, specifically the ARP 2600 and the Roland Jupiter-8. This futuristic sound perfectly mirrored the high-tech nature of KITT, the advanced artificially intelligent Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

Premiering on NBC in 1982 and arriving in the UK on February 17, 1983, the series starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight. The theme’s pulsating beat and staccato bassline created an immediate sense of urgency and speed, essential for a show centered on high-stakes pursuits. The music was inspired by a piece from the ballet Sylvia by Léo Delibes, showing the sophisticated musical roots behind the sci-fi exterior.

Throughout its 90 episodes and four seasons, the theme song became a cultural icon. It has been sampled by countless modern artists—most famously by Busta Rhymes in “Fire It Up” and Timbaland—and remains a favorite for car enthusiasts worldwide. Even decades after the final episode aired on April 4, 1986, those first few synthesizer notes instantly transport fans back to the “shadowy flight” of Michael Knight and KITT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who composed the Knight Rider theme?
The theme was composed by Stu Phillips, who also served as the conductor. He worked closely with creator Glen A. Larson to develop the iconic electronic sound.
Is the Knight Rider theme based on classical music?
Yes! Stu Phillips has stated that the main five-note motif was inspired by “Marche des Chasseresses” from the 19th-century ballet Sylvia by Léo Delibes.
Who provides the famous narration at the beginning?
The iconic intro narration was performed by Richard Basehart, who also played Wilton Knight in the show’s pilot episode.
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Editorial Note: Production history and synthesizer data for Knight Rider have been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. We ensure composer credits and series air dates are accurately cited for our readers.