AceShowbiz - David Hasselhoff's iconic action series Knight Rider is set to return in a fresh form with the upcoming release of Knight Rider: Declassified, a four-part documentary exploring the legacy of the show before a new movie adaptation arrives.

The original Knight Rider series, created by Glen A. Larson, starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, an undercover LAPD detective whose life is saved by billionaire Wilton Knight after a nearly fatal gunshot wound. Following extensive surgery to give him a new face and identity, Michael joins the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG), utilizing the AI-powered Pontiac Firebird Trans Am named Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT) to fight crime.

The show featured notable cast members such as William Daniels providing the voice of KITT, Edward Mulhare as FLAG leader Devon Miles, and Patricia McPherson as Dr. Bonnie Barstow, Michael's chief technician and love interest. Despite a mixed critical reception and tough ratings competition from shows like Dallas and M*A*S*H, the series ran for four seasons on NBC before cancellation due to declining viewership.

Over the decades since its cancellation, Knight Rider has developed a devoted cult following and inspired various reboots and spin-offs, including the late 1990s sequel Team Knight Rider and the 2008 reboot series. Now, as a new film adaptation is in development, the documentary Knight Rider: Declassified promises an in-depth look back at the original show’s impact and creation.

Recently released by JoBlo, the first official trailer for Knight Rider: Declassified showcases a comprehensive five-hour documentary featuring rare and never-before-seen interviews with the original cast and crew, including Hasselhoff, William Daniels, and actress Rebecca Holden. The interviews also include writers Steven E. DeSouza and Hannah Louis Shearer, directors, and stunt coordinator Jack Gill, who contributed to the series’ dynamic action sequences.

The documentary highlights the making of the iconic AI vehicle KITT and examines the enduring legacy of Knight Rider in the action and sci-fi genres. Impressively, the production team spent three years developing the documentary, even recreating the show’s famous opening sequence featuring Michael and KITT racing across the El Mirage Dry Lakebed, filmed using 8K cameras for ultra-high-definition clarity.

In an effort to place Knight Rider within the broader context of 1980s action television, the documentary includes interviews with stars from other legendary car-based action series, such as Tom Wopat, John Schneider, and Catherine Bach from The Dukes of Hazzard. Their shows evidently influenced the style and appeal of Knight Rider. Additionally, there are hints that other classic action stars from series like The A-Team and The Fall Guy may appear, although some cast details remain under wraps.

The timing of Knight Rider: Declassified is notable. It follows the 2025 release of another documentary titled Behind the Wheel, which was included in the 4K Ultra HD remastered box set of the complete original series. Like its predecessor, Declassified will be released in a limited fashion, with Wheelhouse TV offering various pre-order packages until August 2. These pre-orders include the documentary on Blu-ray, with higher tiers offering exclusive merchandise and credit acknowledgments.

Perhaps most importantly, the documentary’s release is designed to build momentum ahead of the upcoming Knight Rider movie. After numerous stalled attempts over the years, August 2025 brought the announcement that Universal Pictures would develop the film in collaboration with the creators of Cobra Kai—Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald. Details remain scarce, leaving it uncertain whether the film will be a full reboot or a pseudo-sequel akin to the approach taken by Ryan Gosling's The Fall Guy.

While no further updates have been provided on the movie’s production, the documentary is expected to renew interest in the franchise and possibly inspire similar retrospectives on other classic action series. There is also speculation that it could help boost streaming popularity for related projects, such as Hulu’s After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, which focuses on Hasselhoff’s other iconic action role.

Knight Rider remains a multimedia franchise with a rich history spanning TV shows, TV movies, video games, and novels. The original series aired four seasons on NBC and left a lasting mark on action television. With the release of Knight Rider: Declassified and the forthcoming movie, fans and newcomers alike will have fresh opportunities to explore and celebrate the enduring appeal of Knight Rider.