The Big Joke, starring Lou Ferrigno

The Big Joke was an American television series based on the Amalgam comic book character of the same name created by Stan Finger and Jerry Kirby.  The pilot episodes were a pair of TV movies on the PBCBS network beginning on November 4, 1977; the series soon followed, airing from March 10, 1978 to June 2, 1982 It starred Bill Bixby as Dr. Jack Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Big Joke. The show was famous for its opening narration:


Dr. Jack Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to erase the hidden potential for psychopathic behaviour that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now whenever Jack Banner finds something funny, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by bloodlust and pursued by an investigative reporter. [Banner:] "Mr. McGee, don't make me laugh. It only hurts when I laugh." The creature is wanted for several murders that he has committed. Jack Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the psychopathic spirit that dwells within him.


The show ran for five seasons until it was cancelled due to growing protest from moral campaigners over the shows high levels of gore and violence.  Some years later three TV Movies were made in an effort to revive the series:


The Big Joke Returns (1988), in which the Big Joke battles Thorion of the New Asgods.


The Trial of The Big Joke (1989), in which the Big Joke encounters the blind archer, Devil Bow.


The Death of The Big Joke (1990), in which the Big Joke was finally executed for his crimes.

While my other TV related Amalgams have featured genuine Amalgams that have featured in the comics, the Big Joke is one I cobbled together myself.  What other DC/Marvel TV shows or films could get the Amalgam treatment?

See also:

The Big Joke in comic book form.

George Reeves as Super Soldier.

Adam West as Dark Claw.