Television series
Probe
Probe is a 1988 ABC series about Austin James, a socially awkward genius who runs a think tank but prefers solving science-based crimes with his secretary Mickey. Created by Isaac Asimov and William Link, it's a quirky procedural that trades realism for inventive, high-concept mysteries. Perfect for viewers who like smart heroes and aren't bothered by 80s production values or unresolved narratives.
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The Equalizer2021
Similar mix of intelligence, resourcefulness, and helping people others won't. Robert McCall's world-weary wisdom contrasts beautifully with procedural problem-solving that feels genuinely clever.
But Darker and more grounded than Probe's zany science-fiction bent; if you want whimsy over grit, this leans the wrong way.
Remington Steele1982
Charming con-artist hero with a sharp-witted partner navigating mysteries. The chemistry and banter echo Probe's dynamic, with similar 80s style and a love of clever plotting over realism.
But Romance subplot becomes central; if you're watching for pure puzzle-solving, the relationship drama may feel like a distraction.
Knight Rider1982
Another 80s show about a genius with unconventional methods solving crimes with an AI sidekick. Both celebrate oddball ingenuity and aren't afraid of camp.
But Michael Knight is cooler and less awkward than Austin; loses some of Probe's neurotic charm in favour of action and seduction.
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The Andromeda Strain1971
Both celebrate the romance of organized intelligence tackling the inexplicable. Asimov's influence on Probe runs deep; Andromeda Strain is what that philosophy looks like in cinema.
Michael Crichton's adaptation shares Probe's DNA: brilliant scientists in a think-tank environment racing against biological mystery. Asimov-influenced hard sci-fi that solves problems through logic and procedure. Elegantly constructed and genuinely suspenseful.
But Glacially paced by modern standards; the procedural solving takes precedence over character or emotion, which can feel airless.
More like this (8)
The Incredible Hulk1977
Bill Bixby as Bruce Banner brings the same socially isolated-genius energy. Wandering-hero format with science-based problems and practical effects ingenuity that charms across decades.
But Repetitive structure; every episode follows the same template, and the Hulk transformation scenes wear thin faster than you'd hope.
Tales of the Unexpected1977
Roald Dahl's anthology series matches Probe's love of high-concept twists and lateral thinking. Each episode is a puzzle with an elegant reveal, often with darkly comic payoffs.
But No ongoing characters or continuity; some prefer rooting for a hero across an arc rather than one-off protagonists.
The Twilight Zone1959
Serling's masterpiece influenced everything Probe attempted. Brilliant concepts, ingenious problem-solving, and the idea that science and logic can illuminate human nature.
But Black-and-white production and slow pacing will feel ancient to some; not everyone wants to sit with ambiguity the way Serling demands.
Simon & Simon1981
Brother detectives combining brains and street smarts. Lighter tone, strong rapport, and solid mysteries that don't demand reality suspend itself entirely.
But Gentler and less inventive than Probe; if you crave genuine oddness, this is comfortably conventional.
The A-Team1983
Hannibal Smith plans heists with improvised brilliance. Same 80s spirit of resourceful misfits outsmarting authority through wit and whatever's lying around.
But Action-heavy and plot-light; ideas take a back seat to explosions, which is the opposite of what makes Probe work.
Quantum Leap1989
Debuted just as Probe ended. Sam Beckett is a genius solving problems across time; similar energy of a brilliant loner using knowledge to fix broken situations.
But Sentimental and earnest in ways Probe isn't; if you want your science-fiction unsweetened, this treacle will feel like too much.
Banacek1972
Direct DNA ancestor: the smartest-person-in-the-room hero solving by brain rather than fists. Banacek proved audiences would watch genius work methodically.
George Peppard as a brilliant insurance investigator who solves impossibilities through lateral thinking rather than action. Polish charm, elegant misdirection, and puzzles you can actually play along with. The template for cerebral crime-solving on TV.
But Quieter and more European in sensibility than Probe; American TV audiences expecting action or sentiment will find it austere.
Maniac Cop1988
Both are 1988 genre experiments willing to be strange rather than safe. Maniac Cop is what Probe becomes if it stops caring about plausibility and embraces pure pulp velocity.
Released the same year as Probe, it's sci-fi pulp that doesn't pretend to be anything but. Troma energy meets action thriller; gloriously unrestrained and inventive within tight constraints. Proves that 1988 genre work could be weird and joyful.
But Trashy in ways Probe tries not to be; gratuitous violence and schlock-horror tone will alienate anyone wanting intelligence.
People
Cast
Writing
- Isaac AsimovCreator
- Michael I. WagnerCreator
- William LinkExecutive Story Editor
Production
- Martin GoldsteinAssociate Producer
- Gary L. MessengerCo-Producer
- Alan J. LeviExecutive Producer
- Michael I. WagnerExecutive Producer
- Michael PillerProducer
- Stephen CaldwellProducer