[1] The series revolves around the tactical helicopter being operated by a four-person LAPD Air Support Division team, but partially controlled by APEX, a fictional federal government agency that oversees and monitors (also occasionally assigns missions) its operations and maintenance, which is on loan to the police force for usage against criminal elements and security threats.

Blue Thunder used the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film.

The television series cast includes James Farentino, future Saturday Night Live regular Dana Carvey, and former professional American football players Bubba Smith and Dick Butkus.

The show aired as a mid-season replacement but after only 11 episodes were made, it was canceled by ABC due to low ratings.

[2] Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the complete series on DVD in Region 1 on August 22, 2006.