PIONEERS OF TELEVISION: Superheroes

Lynda Carter’s portrayal of “Wonder Woman” was a breakthrough for female superheroes on TV.

Credit: Courtesy of PBS "Pioneers of Television"

Survey decades of superheroes, from “Superman” in the 1950s to “The Greatest American Hero” in the 80s. Superheroes, airing Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD (DT21.1/cable 11 and 1011), crosses many eras: “Superman” in the 1950s, “Batman” in the ’60s, “Wonder Woman” and “The Incredible Hulk” in the ’70s and “The Greatest American Hero” in the ’80s. The episode features in-depth interviews with Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, Lynda Carter, Lou Ferrigno, William Katt and others. It also includes comments from Robert Culp, about his show “The Greatest American Hero,” recorded just days before he passed away.