The 1978 live-action television series The Incredible Hulk, which ran for 82 episodes and was developed with an adult audience in mind, is now available to stream for free on Tubi. The series starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner, a scientist who, after an exposure to gamma radiation, transforms into a monstrous green-skinned Hulk whenever he experiences extreme anger.
Developed by Kenneth Johnson, the show aimed for a more serious tone than typical superhero fare of the era. In its first episode, an accident in Banner's laboratory leads to his transformation and a subsequent fire. The Hulk is spotted in the wreckage, and Banner is presumed dead, forcing him to live life on the run, constantly trying to escape the destructive alter ego he cannot control. Each episode typically saw Banner taking on various jobs while attempting to avoid his Hulk persona.
After launching with two television movies in 1977, The Incredible Hulk aired for five seasons, concluding in 1982. Two further TV movies followed in the late 1980s, with a final installment, The Death of the Incredible Hulk, released in 1990, though this conclusion is not currently available on Tubi.
Co-creator Stan Lee praised the series, noting Kenneth Johnson's ability to adapt the character for live-action television. Lee highlighted that the show balanced the adult-oriented drama of Bruce Banner's plight with the comparatively brief appearances of the Hulk himself, making it palatable for a broad audience. "He was so smart," Lee said of Johnson. "He took a character which, in live-action television, might have been unbearably foolish-looking, with nonsensical stories, and he made it as palatable for grown-ups as for kids — maybe more so."
While the series is lauded for its mature approach and strong writing, some aspects, particularly its special effects, are dated. The transformation sequences featured bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who stood 6-foot-5 and weighed over 300 pounds, stepping in for Bixby. Although Ferrigno's portrayal defined the role for many, the visual effects may appear rudimentary to modern viewers. The source material notes that overcoming this dated presentation, or even embracing it, is key to enjoying the smart and well-written narrative.
A notable change from the comics was Dr. Bruce Banner's name, which was altered to David Banner for the television series. According to developer Kenneth Johnson, he disliked the alliterative, comic book-style naming conventions. However, both Stan Lee and Lou Ferrigno have also suggested that CBS executives found the name Bruce to be potentially indicative of being "gay," leading to the change. The source material acknowledges this as potentially offensive but reflective of outdated attitudes from the era.
The Incredible Hulk is currently available to stream in its entirety on Tubi.