It's been over 40 years since Colonel Steve Austin last ran in slow motion, but the bionic man is back in a big way. The Six Million Dollar Man, the iconic 1970s sci-fi series, has become an unlikely streaming sensation on the Apple TV Store, climbing to No. 3 among the most-downloaded TV series in the United States. According to FlixPatrol, the show is outperforming newer titles like Landman and George & Mandy’s First Marriage. In Canada, it has remained in the Top 10 since May 6. Not bad for a show that premiered before streaming was even a concept.
The series follows Colonel Steve Austin (played by Lee Majors), a test pilot who survives a catastrophic crash only to be rebuilt with bionic implants by a secret government program. The result: a super-soldier with enhanced strength, speed, and vision, who is then deployed as a covert agent. The premise—part sci-fi, part spy thriller—captured the imagination of audiences in the 1970s and is now finding a new generation of fans.
Alongside Majors, the cast includes Richard Anderson as Oscar Goldman, Martin E. Brooks as Dr. Rudy Wells, and Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers. Wagner's character proved so popular that she spun off into her own series, The Bionic Woman, expanding the franchise into one of the most recognizable sci-fi TV worlds of its era. The original series ran from 1974 to 1978, following three TV movies that began in 1973, and later spawned several reunion movies in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It currently holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show's resurgence on the Apple TV Store is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic sci-fi. In an era dominated by streaming giants and endless reboots, audiences are rediscovering the charm of practical effects and straightforward storytelling. The series' success also highlights the power of nostalgia in driving digital sales, as older viewers introduce the show to younger family members.
Speaking of reboots, Hollywood has long flirted with a modern update. A film version tentatively titled The Six Billion Dollar Man has been in development for years, with Mark Wahlberg once attached to star. Warner Bros. holds the rights, but progress has been slow. Given the current cultural climate—with AI, surveillance, and private defense contractors dominating headlines—a bionic reboot feels more relevant than ever. But for now, fans can enjoy the original series in all its analog glory.
For those looking to revisit other classic action and sci-fi, check out our piece on James Cameron's 'True Lies' Remains the Ultimate Action Movie 32 Years Later. And if you're in the mood for more streaming comebacks, Denzel Washington's 'Man on Fire' Roars Back on Netflix Charts Thanks to 2026 Reboot is another must-read.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, The Six Million Dollar Man is proving that some stories never get old—they just get rebuilt.
