David Hasselhoff Landed Knight Rider Over An Actor Who Starred In One Of TV's Greatest Cop Shows

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If there are two things that make us nostalgic for '80s TV shows, it's cool cars and Don Johnson. So, it's quite fitting that the "Miami Vice" star was in the running for "Knight Rider" before David Hasselhoff put the pedal to the metal.

Writing in "Don't Hassel the Hoff: The Autobiography," the actor recalled Don Johnson being among those who screen tested for the part of Michael Knight. However, the studio executives over at NBC didn't like any of the options they tested, so Hasselhoff had to film a second screen test, leading to him getting the part. Johnson, meanwhile, went on to play Detective James Crockett on "Miami Vice," one of the best crime dramas of all time, so missing out on "Knight Rider" didn't destroy his career.

David Hasselhoff was also the preferred choice of Glen A. Larson. The "Knight Rider" creator was impressed by the actor's first audition, which saw the Hoff pat KITT, a superpowered talking car, like a horse and call it "buddy." Larson liked this approach, as the show needed a fun star who inspired audiences to just roll with the ridiculous premise.

"Knight Rider" lasted for only four seasons, but David Hasselhoff is proud of the show's lasting impact. When asked by AV Club what TV series he wished he could live in, he chose "Knight Rider," adding that it opened so many doors for his career. More importantly, though, he's happy with the impact it's had on people's lives.

"The audience that watched it has all grown up," Hasselhoff said. "They're telling me, 'I love you, man! Can I tell you my "Knight Rider" story?' It affected them when they were 8 or 9 years old, and sometimes it brought them through a rough time. I respond to that, you know. I say, 'God, this is so cool.'"

There are many '80s shows that need a reboot, and "Knight Rider" is one of them. A movie is currently in the works from the creators of "Cobra Kai," but it remains to be seen if the Hoff will be involved.