Wonder Woman (1975–1979)
- Apr 20, 1976
- 2 min read
Wonder Woman is an American superhero television series that became a cultural icon of the 1970s, celebrated for its empowering portrayal of the DC Comics heroine. Airing on ABC for its first season and CBS for its latter two, the show stood out for its blend of action, campy charm, and feminist undertones. Its iconic theme music, memorable costume, and Lynda Carter’s star-making performance made it a beloved classic.
Developed by Douglas S. Cramer and Stanley Ralph Ross, based on William Moulton Marston’s DC Comics character, Wonder Woman (initially titled The New, Original Wonder Woman for its pilot) was created with contributions from writers like Anne Collins. The series premiered on November 7, 1975 (pilot movie), with the regular series starting on April 21, 1976, and ending on September 11, 1979. The show’s vision of a strong, compassionate heroine resonated widely, cementing its place in superhero television history.
Plot
Set initially during World War II (season 1) and later in the 1970s (seasons 2–3), Wonder Woman follows Diana Prince, an Amazon princess from Paradise Island who becomes the superhero Wonder Woman. In season 1, as Diana, she aids U.S. Army Major Steve Trevor against Nazi threats, using her super strength, bullet-deflecting bracelets, and Lasso of Truth. In seasons 2–3, retitled The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, Diana works for the Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC) in modern-day America, battling spies, criminals, and supervillains. The show explores themes of justice, empowerment, and compassion, with action driven by Diana’s heroics and campy villain plots.
Cast
Lynda Carter as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor (season 1) / Steve Trevor Jr. (seasons 2–3)
Norman Burton as Joe Atkinson (season 2, recurring)
Saundra Sharp as Eve Teschmacher (seasons 2–3, recurring)
Notable guest stars: Debra Winger, Cloris Leachman, Robert Reed
Seasons and Episodes
Season 1 (1975–1977) – 13 episodes (plus 1 pilot movie)
Season 2 (1977–1978) – 22 episodes
Season 3 (1978–1979) – 24 episodes Total Episodes: 59 (plus 3 pilot/special movies)
Cultural Impact
Wonder Woman became a 1970s pop culture phenomenon, with Lynda Carter’s iconic spin transformation and the theme song by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel defining the character for a generation. The show’s feminist undertones, showcasing a powerful female hero, inspired viewers and influenced later superhero series like Xena: Warrior Princess. Carter’s costume and catchphrases like “Merciful Minerva!” became cultural staples. The series spawned merchandise like action figures, comics, and a 2017 animated film tie-in. Syndication on MeTV and streaming on Max keep it accessible, with fan conventions and Carter’s enduring popularity sustaining its legacy.
Honors and Recognition
Wonder Woman earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Art Direction in 1979 and was praised for Lynda Carter’s charismatic performance, which made her a feminist icon. The show’s blend of camp and heroism received critical acclaim, though some noted its shift to a more modern setting diluted its original charm.
Conclusion
Wonder Woman remains a landmark series, celebrated for its empowering heroine, thrilling action, and campy charm. Its influence on superhero media and enduring cultural impact ensure its place as a timeless classic that continues to inspire audiences across generations.
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