Must-see TV shows are futuristic classics that shouldn't be missed. Of course, not every must-see is perfect. That's why we've rated them 1-5 on the patented "crunchy goodness" scale.

Title: The Incredible Hulk
Date: 1978-1982

Vitals: An experiment gone wrong gives David Banner the ability to transform into a roaring green bodybuilder whenever something pisses him off. Unlike in the comics, he doesn't fight supervillains or alien menaces. Instead he runs from place to place, pursued by a meddling reporter and only occasionally becoming the Hulk.

Famous names: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Jack Colvin, Kenneth Johnson

Crunchy goodness: 3

Bang for your buck: Ferrigno, as the Hulk, wore a $650 wig made out of pure yak hair. Also, one reason for the show's cancellation was that it had the highest special-effects budget in television — higher even than Buck Rogers. Network execs wanted to cut costs, letting Banner turn into the Hulk only once per episode instead of twice.

Spinoffs/Sequels/Copycats: Three TV shows, featuring other Marvel characters such as Thor, Daredevil and the Kingpin. Bixby planned to direct another TV movie, featuring Spider-man and co-starring Nicholas Hammond, who played Spider-man in his short-lived TV show. But it never happened.

Stunt casting: Mariette Hartley won an Emmy for playing a terminally ill scientist who falls in love with Banner in the two-part episode "Married."

The Incredible Hulk TV Series Page: Episode Guide, FAQ, Multimedia & More

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