- George Chung
- Aug 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Martial arts TV shows have long held a special place in the hearts of viewers, blending high-octane action with compelling storytelling. Among the pantheon of these iconic series, several stand out not only for their thrilling fight sequences but also for the indelible mark they left on pop culture.
These shows weren't just entertainment; they were prime-time television phenomena, backed by major networks, that introduced martial arts to a mainstream audience and turned their stars into legends. Whether you're revisiting these series or discovering them for the first time, their influence and action-packed legacy remain as potent as ever.
From "The Green Hornet," with Bruce Lee's electrifying presence as Kato. "Kung Fu," featuring David Carradine's journey as Kwai Chang Caine, and "Sidekicks," showcasing the youthful talent of Ernie Reyes Jr., brought martial arts into living rooms across the world. Likewise, "Martial Law," led by the legendary Sammo Hung, and "Walker, Texas Ranger," starring the one and only Chuck Norris, kept audiences on the edge of their seats with weekly every episode.
Here are the Greatest Martial Arts TV Shows seen in prime time.
"The Green Hornet" (1966–1967) was a groundbreaking series that introduced American audiences to Bruce Lee, who played Kato, the masked vigilante’s sidekick. Lee's extraordinary martial arts skills, combined with his charismatic screen presence, quickly made Kato the show's standout character, overshadowing even the titular hero. Though the series had a short run, its impact on martial arts in Western media was profound, helping to pave the way for Lee’s future superstardom.
"Kung Fu" (1972–1975), starring David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, brought Eastern philosophy and martial arts to the American West. This unique blend of spiritual wisdom and action set against the backdrop of the Old West was unlike anything seen before on television. Carradine's portrayal of the Shaolin monk on a quest for peace resonated deeply with viewers, making "Kung Fu" a cultural touchstone that inspired a generation to explore martial arts and Eastern thought.
"Sidekicks" (1986–1987) starred the young martial arts prodigy Ernie Reyes Jr. as Ernie Lee, the adopted son of a police officer who uses his martial arts skills to help solve crimes. This show brought a fresh perspective to the genre by focusing on a younger hero, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Reyes Jr.'s dynamic energy and impressive skills made him a household name and demonstrated that martial arts heroes could come in all ages and sizes.
"Martial Law" (1998–2000) featured the legendary Sammo Hung, one of the most respected martial artists and action stars in Hong Kong cinema, in his first leading role on American television. As Sammo Law, a detective from China working with the LAPD.
Hung brought authentic martial arts choreography and a touch of humor to the series. The show was a unique blend of East-meets-West, and its success showcased Hung’s immense talent to a global audience, proving that martial arts could thrive on prime-time American TV.
"Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993–2001), starring Chuck Norris, became one of the most iconic action shows of the 90s. As Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger who uses martial arts to uphold justice.
Norris brought his real-life martial arts expertise to the small screen, creating a character that became synonymous with toughness and integrity. The show's blend of moral lessons, intense fight scenes, and Norris’s undeniable star power made it a staple of American television, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. It also featured real life martial artists that included the entire Hall of Fame family the Machado brothers.
