Manimal is an American superhero television series created by Glen A. Larson and Donald R. Boyle which aired on Fridays at 9:00 pm ET on NBC from September 30 to December 17, 1983.

[3] The show centers on the character Jonathan Chase (Simon MacCorkindale), a shape-shifting man who can turn himself into any animal he chooses.

From Africa's deepest recesses, to the rarefied peaks of Tibet, heir to his father's legacy and the world's darkest mysteries.

Partnered with a young police detective and the former army corporal from the fields of Vietnam, a trio that stands against the crime that breeds in the concrete jungles and stretches its deadly tentacles to the fascinating but dangerous world beyond... the world of Manimal!Manimal premiered as a 90-minute pilot that aired on September 30, 1983.

The series featured the story of Jonathan Chase, a shape-shifter who could turn himself into any animal he chose, and used this ability to fight crime.

In one episode, he was shown to be able to assume the aspect of various animals simultaneously, rather than adopt their forms, such as the agility and speed of a panther or the suppleness and fast strikes of a snake.

90-minute pilot: When a group of thieves devise a plan to hijack a shipment of nerve gas, detective Brooke Mackenzie must stop them.

After a girl is found living with wolves in the forests of Sultanpur, India, she is the topic of discussion at a local university where she is being held.

Jonathan, Brooke and Ty must stop a criminal who extorts money from businesses in Chinatown while posing as a superstitious icon known as The Dragon.

While on a well-deserved vacation, Jonathan, Ty and Brooke get involved to thwart an attempt by a syndicate boss to illegally take over the town of Birch Hollow in order legalize gambling and build a large casino.

[7] NBC's 1983 fall line-up also featured eight other series that were axed before their first seasons ended (including Jennifer Slept Here, Bay City Blues, and We Got It Made).

[14] The film was slated to be produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions, and by Jimmy Miller through his Mosaic Media Group.