Thunder is a television series which aired on Saturday Mornings on NBC during the 1977-1978 television season. The show centered around the adventures of Cindy Prescott and her friend, Willie Williams and featured Thunder, a black stallion who ran wild near the ranch owned by the Prescott family: The cast also featured Cindy’s parents: Bill, a rancher, and Anne, a veterinarian. Thunder was always there to rescue Cindy and/or Willie in times of trouble “caused by others’ misdeeds and thoughtlessness,” including a forest fire caused by a practical joker, and Willie being hit by a stray bullet fired by teens in a no-shooting area. Also playing a part in the adventures was Willie’s stubborn mule, Cupcake, who was trained to “burp” on camera.
For about a month, in an effort to improve ratings, the producers of Thunder re-titled the show “Super Horse, Starring Thunder.”
Thunder was created by the creators of Fury, another show featuring a stallion. This show also aired on NBC, from 1955 to 1960.
Thunder was part of a 90-minute block of three live action shows to debut on NBC during the 1977 season, along with Search and Rescue: the Alpha Team and The Red Hand Gang. It was the only one of the three run for a full season in the United States, with all episodes aired.
Production Companies
Charles Fries Productions
Marcum
Episodes
Cast
Season 1
1. Thunder and the Jokesters
30min
10th Sep 1977
2. Thunder and the Big Rustlers
30min
17th Sep 1977
3. Thunder and the Wild Burros
30min
24th Sep 1977
4. Thunder and The Tri County Jr Rodeo
30min
1st Oct 1977
5. Thunder and the Mustang Hunters
30min
8th Oct 1977
6. Thunder and the Junior Paramedics
30min
15th Oct 1977
7. Thunder and the Littlest Libber
30min
22nd Oct 1977
8. Thunder and the Mountain Lion (1)
30min
29th Oct 1977
Bill can't decide whether to shoot a destructive, injured lioness or attempt to mend its wound. First of two parts.
9. Thunder and the Mountain Lion (2)
30min
5th Nov 1977
Bill can't decide whether to shoot a destructive, injured lioness or attempt to mend its wound. First of two parts.