‘MacGyver’ Defines Wholesome TV and Still Gets Kids Hooked Today

A ticking clock, a locked room, nothing but a paperclip and a roll of duct tape. For most people, this would be the end, but for this hero, it's just another day. He wasn't the strongest guy in the room, but he was always the smartest, proving that brains can outmatch brawn and that sometimes the best weapon is a little ingenuity.

Today we're looking back at one of the most inventive and thrilling TV shows of the eighties — a show that inspired a generation to think outside the box. In fact, his name even became a verb. Some people still say it to this day, including myself.

Introducing MacGyver

Welcome to Wholesome TV Picks.

If you're tired of wasting time searching for clean family-friendly entertainment, you're in the right place.

I'm your host, Jennifer — a lifelong TV enthusiast who grew up on the kind of shows I now spotlight for parents like you. So skip the scrolling because I'm here to help you discover timeless classics and forgotten TV shows that are perfect for your family.

And in today's episode, I'll be talking about MacGyver.

MacGyver: The Hero of the 80s

Yes, folks. MacGyver — the hero of the eighties and the show that coined the phrase "Just MacGyver it" or "You can always MacGyver it." That phrase was used so often during this show's run and even beyond.

Why We Love MacGyver

This show is so much fun. My kids and I love this show, and I'm so glad my kids got into this show. When I showed them the first couple of episodes, they were hooked.

I mean, come on now. MacGyver is so cool. Never uses any kind of weapons — or I should say, he tries really, really, really hard to never use any weapons. And then during the whole show, yeah, he doesn't use any weapons. He uses his brain and he tries to avoid violence or confrontations. He does have to use his hands every once in a while as a weapon, but that's about it.

A Family-Friendly Action Hero

Throughout all seven seasons, I think I've only seen one person get killed. I've seen all seven seasons within the last year, but it's hard to remember sometimes every little detail. I'm gonna go out on a limb here: I'm gonna say throughout the whole show, you never see anybody get killed. But don't be afraid to let me know if you notice somebody get killed. I'm pretty sure nobody gets killed.

And the scenes — if people are fighting or whatever — really don't get horrifically gory. It doesn't go off the rails. And that's what makes it so cool because it's a great family show you can watch with your kids and as a family together.

Television That Brought Families Together

That's the point of this show — television that used to bring families together and used to create conversation in communities with friends and family and so on.

I remember people used to say, "Oh, we need to gather, let's watch MacGyver together as a family." Everybody tuned in: "Did you watch last week's episode?" I miss those days.

The Tools of the Trade

So yeah, MacGyver. MacGyver's signature tool was his Swiss Army knife. That was his tool. That Swiss Army knife was with him everywhere. It had little scissors, a little knife, a little screwdriver — and he could always, always think his way out of a challenge.

He was the hero that could save people.

Pop Culture Reference

There's even the movie Six Days, Seven Nights that stars Harrison Ford and Anne Heche.

In a scene where they're stuck and Anne Heche's character says, "Aren't you one of those guys? You know, those guys where you give them a Q-tip and a bottle of glue and they build a shopping mall?"

That was a nod to MacGyver.

MacGyver vs. Murdoch: The Ultimate Rivalry

MacGyver had enemies — and throughout the show, there is one arch-enemy named Murdoch, who is relentless in trying to get rid of MacGyver. The writers did a fabulous job weaving Murdoch’s storyline throughout all the seasons of the show. Those episodes are our family's favorites. My kids love the episodes with Murdoch because they're just so ingenious.

The writers — I don't know how they came up with a lot of these plots and inventions — but it's amazing how the crew had to think of everything to make MacGyver look as smart as he was.

Life Lessons from MacGyver

MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson, did all (or most) of his own stunts. Because of this show, my daughter is super motivated in our homeschool now. She tells me, "Mom, what do I have to study in order to be as smart as MacGyver?"

And I tell her: "You've gotta learn science and you've gotta know math." Those are MacGyver's biggest tools — his brain, science, and the ability to improvise.

Survival Skills and Ingenuity

There's so much you can learn from this show about:

Science

Survival skills

Thinking for yourself

Helping yourself without violence

Outwitting your enemy

Outthinking obstacles

MacGyver has a heart for people. He loves to help others and shows empathy throughout the series.

Supporting Cast and Guest Stars

The supporting cast is great. His boss on the show is his best friend.

There are also emotional episodes and historical ones.

Notable Guest Stars

Mitzi Capture (who I met while working at CBS)

Mayim Bialik (Blossom, The Big Bang Theory)

Teri Hatcher (Lois and Clark)

Bruce Harwood (The X-Files)

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills, 90210)

The Iconic MacGyver Look

The mullet.

Back in the eighties, it was all about big hair, and for guys — the mullet.

MacGyver's hairstyle makes him instantly recognizable.

Created by Henry Winkler

MacGyver was created by Henry Winkler — yes, the Fonz from Happy Days!

And a fun story: on my first day at CBS, I accidentally got off the elevator on the wrong floor — and there was Henry Winkler standing right there! I didn't talk to him, but I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh. It's the guy that made MacGyver."

Why MacGyver Stands Out

I love this show because there's no political agenda, no heavy ideology. Yes, it touches on some societal issues from the 80s — but it's not overpowering. It's just meant to entertain.

I think you will get hooked. I think your children will love it. And I think it will spark conversation among families. I cannot recommend this show enough.

The Legendary Theme Song

The theme song. Oh my gosh — so iconic. The intro brings back so many memories of being with my mom or dad — both of whom loved the show so much. And my children ask me, "Mom, why can't people make shows like this anymore?"

I wonder the same thing.

Where to Watch MacGyver

I've only seen it available on Paramount Plus.

You can also watch it through Amazon Prime, but it requires a Paramount Plus subscription.

Beware of the Reboot

When you're looking for it, you'll see two MacGyvers pop up. Obviously, I'm talking about the original MacGyver. CBS did a reboot in 2016 that ended in 2021. I have no interest in it.

I'm wholeheartedly about originals. I don't like reboots. I think they're a waste of time, and TV today struggles to create new ideas like they used to. Even Richard Dean Anderson refused a cameo in the reboot — that tells you something.

The reboot had more guns involved — the original MacGyver avoided them. Listen to Richard Dean Anderson and myself: stick with the original.

Closing

So that brings us to the end of this episode of Wholesome TV Picks. I hope you enjoyed learning about MacGyver.

Join me next week for a special episode: it's Parents' Night!

A strong family starts with a strong relationship — and sometimes the best way to reconnect is with laughter.

In our next episode, we'll dive into a sitcom led by a legendary actor whose comedic genius is on par with the likes of Lucille Ball — backed by a fantastic cast and unforgettable misunderstandings. It's the perfect pick for a fun night in.

Thank you for joining me on today's episode of Wholesome TV Picks. If you enjoyed this episode, please do a couple of things for me:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help me grow the podcast.

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Thank you for tuning in, and I'll catch you in the next episode.