In the first episode, undercover policeman Michael Long was shot in the head while on duty and was seriously injured. The Knight Foundation, a private anti-crime organization, handled his medical treatment, reconstructed his face through surgery, and changed his identity to become Michael Knight. Long Michael was officially pronounced dead. Mike Li drives a smart black car (thunder and lightning) of Knight Industries 2000 (the microprocessor is called K.I.T.T) to fight crime.
Under the guidance of artificial intelligence, human beings can speak, resist most weapons attacks and jump over obstacles.
Knight Rider laid the foundation for David Hasselhoff's TV acting career. He plays Mike Li as a modern warrior, avoiding unnecessary violence.