Watch Captain Nice

Captain Nice was a short-lived sitcom that aired on NBC in 1967. The show followed the adventures of a clumsy, bumbling police chemist named Carter Nash, who gains superhuman strength and agility after ingesting a secret formula he created in his lab. Taking on the alter-ego of Captain Nice, Nash dons a red and yellow superhero costume and sets out to fight crime in his hometown of Big Town.

The show was created by famed television writer Buck Henry, who was also known for creating hit shows like Get Smart and The Graduate. William Daniels starred as Carter Nash/Captain Nice, putting his comedic skills to use in the role of the hapless superhero. Alice Ghostley played Nash's mother, who was seemingly oblivious to her son's crime-fighting antics. Ann Prentiss rounded out the main cast as Carter's girlfriend and fellow police officer, who was also tasked with keeping his superhero identity a secret.

Each week, Captain Nice found himself facing off against a variety of quirky villains, ranging from mad scientists to deranged circus performers. Despite his newfound superpowers, Captain Nice often found himself in sticky situations, requiring his wits and ingenuity to save the day. In one episode, the hero found himself trapped in a room with dangerous chemicals, while in another he battled an evil computer that had taken over the city.

Despite its promising premise and talented cast, Captain Nice struggled to find an audience during its brief run on NBC. The show was ultimately cancelled after just one season, leaving its fans clamoring for more adventures from the bumbling superhero.

One of the strengths of Captain Nice was its tongue-in-cheek humor, which poked fun at both the superhero genre and the cultural trends of the late 1960s. The show was known for its irreverent jokes and visual gags, as well as its catchy theme song that urged viewers to "go, go, go" with Captain Nice.

Another standout aspect of Captain Nice was its colorful production design, which featured bright costumes and sets that evoked the comic book aesthetics of the era. Captain Nice's red and yellow costume was particularly memorable, with its distinctive lightning bolt emblem and form-fitting design that showcased William Daniels' athletic physique.

Despite its limited success, Captain Nice remains a cult favorite among fans of the superhero genre and vintage television shows. Its blend of humor and action-packed adventure continue to entertain audiences today, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the bumbling superhero who always manages to save the day.