Incredibly popular during its run from 1978-1982 on television, THE INCREDIBLE HULK has become something of a pop culture landmark, with both Bill Bixby's portrayal of Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno's portrayal of The Hulk becoming virtually synonymous with those characters. In this, the pilot episode for the series, we see how Dr. Bruce Banner acquired his alter ego, The Incredible Hulk. During a research experiment on superhuman strength, an accident at the lab bombards Dr. Banner with gamma radiation, transforming him into The Incredible Hulk and beginning his long journey to rid himself of the giant green crime fighter.