Glen A. Larson was the mastermind behind Battlestar Galactica, a space sci-fi epic that changed television forever. But his legacy stretches far beyond the stars, shaping the DNA of action, adventure, and science fiction TV for generations.

From Doo-Wop to Deep Space: The Origin Story of Glen A. Larson

Before he was the king of space sci-fi TV, Glen A. Larson was a California kid with a love for radio serials and music. Born in Long Beach in 1937, Larson grew up in Los Angeles, soaking up the golden age of Hollywood and dreaming big. As a teen, he co-founded the vocal group The Four Preps, scoring hits like “26 Miles (Santa Catalina)” and learning the ropes of show business.

Glen A. Larson as a young producer. Image credit: Battlestarwiki.org

Glen A. Larson in his later years. Image credit: TelevisionHeaven.co.uk

But the lure of television proved irresistible. After a stint as an NBC page, Larson broke into TV writing with a story for The Fugitive in 1966. By the early 1970s, he was producing and creating hit shows for Universal, including the Western Alias Smith and Jones.

“Writing isn’t writing, it’s rewriting.”
— Glen A. Larson

Battlestar Galactica: A Space Opera for the Ages

The Genesis of a Sci-Fi Classic

Promo poster image for the original Battlestar Galactica TV show. Image credit: TMDB

Larson’s magnum opus, Battlestar Galactica, didn’t just materialize in the wake of Star Wars mania. He’d been nurturing the idea since the late 1960s, originally calling it “Adam’s Ark”—a cosmic tale inspired by ancient astronaut theories, Mormon theology, and the mythic search for Earth.

A standoff scene between Viper fighters and the Cylon raiders from the original Battlestar Galactica. Image credit: TMDB

But it was the blockbuster success of Star Wars in 1977 that finally convinced ABC to greenlight the project. With a then-unprecedented $1 million per episode budget, Battlestar Galactica launched in 1978, promising cinematic spectacle and a sweeping, serialized story.

“It all began with a notion I had about creating sort of a science fiction Wagon Train.”
— Glen A. Larson

Building a Universe

Promo image of Commander Adama, Starbuck, and Apollo from the original Battlestar Galactica TV show. Image credit: TMDB

Larson’s vision was ambitious: a “ragtag fleet” of human survivors, led by Commander Adama (Lorne Greene), fleeing the genocidal Cylons in search of the lost planet Earth. The show blended biblical allegory, space dogfights, and relatable human drama. Larson insisted on a focus on people, not just special effects:

“I’m not into space creatures and things. I’m more interested in people.”

He even invented a new sci-fi language—coining words like “frak” (the now-iconic expletive) and designing props with cut-off corners as a tongue-in-cheek nod to “cutting corners” on production.

The Destruction of the Battlestar Atlantia - Battlestar Galactica 1978. By ABC Television. From @captrobau2686

Special Effects and Star Wars Lawsuit

Battlestar Galactica’s visual effects were ground-breaking for TV, thanks to John Dykstra, who’d just come off Star Wars. But the similarities didn’t go unnoticed: 20th Century Fox sued Universal, claiming BSG plagiarized 34 elements from Star Wars, from dogfights to droids. The case was eventually settled, but not before cementing BSG’s reputation as both a trailblazer and a lightning rod for controversy.

“He made TV gold from the most unlikely material... For Larson was also one of TV’s most controversial figures, branded by the Star Trek writer Harlan Ellison as ‘Glen Larceny.’”
— The Guardian

Network Battles and Production Drama

Despite its high ratings and cult following, Battlestar Galactica was cancelled after just one season due to its massive costs and network politics. Larson’s battles with ABC over content and budget became legendary, and the show’s ambitious production schedule often left the crew scrambling.

The Enduring Legacy of Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica didn’t just survive cancellation—it became a cornerstone of space sci-fi culture. The show’s influence is everywhere:

• Space Opera on TV: BSG proved that serialized, mythic space adventures could work on television, paving the way for Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5, and The Expanse.

• Cultural Impact: The 2004 reboot, though darker and more political, drew directly from Larson’s original vision and is hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi series ever.

Poster showing the main characters from the 2004 Battlestar Galactica reboot. Image credit: TMDB

Battlestar Galactica | Brace for Contact. By SYFY. From @BattlestarGalactica

Scene image of a downed Cylon raider from the 2004 Battlestar Galactica reboot. Image credit: SYFY

Scene image showing the human fleet from the 2004 Battlestar Galactica reboot. Image credit: TMDB

• Fan Community: BSG conventions, fan fiction, and merchandise (from action figures to theme park rides) keep the franchise alive.

• Pop Culture: The word “frak” entered the mainstream, and even the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 was nicknamed “Viper” after the show’s iconic fighters.

“All of this has happened before, and all of it will happen again.”
— Battlestar Galactica mantra

Beyond the Stars: Larson’s Other TV Legends

Glen A. Larson wasn’t a one-hit wonder. His fingerprints are all over TV’s golden age of action and adventure:

• Knight Rider (1982–1986):
  The talking car KITT (with a red “eye” inspired by BSG’s Cylons) and David Hasselhoff’s Michael Knight became pop icons.

Poster image for Knight Rider. Image credit: TMDB

• Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979–1981):
  Another space adventure, recycling BSG sets and effects, and bringing campy fun to the future.

Poster image for Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century. Image credit: TMDB

• The Fall Guy (1981–1986):
  Lee Majors as a stuntman/bounty hunter, with wild stunts and Larson’s signature theme song.

• Quincy, M.E. (1976–1983):
  A forensic drama that helped invent the TV procedural, showing Larson’s range beyond sci-fi.

• Magnum, P.I., B.J. and the Bear, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Automan, Manimal:
  Larson’s credits read like a greatest hits of 1970s and 80s TV.

“I’m proudest of the fact that I fell in step with an audience taste-level that I knew how to judge and deliver for consistently.”
— Glen A. Larson

Controversies, Criticism, and Creative Resilience

Larson’s career wasn’t without drama. He was often accused of “borrowing” from movies and other shows—earning the nickname “Glen Larceny” from sci-fi writer Harlan Ellison. He faced lawsuits (notably from Star Wars’ producers), profit disputes with Universal, and even a physical confrontation with James Garner over alleged plot theft.

But Larson was unapologetic, focusing on what audiences wanted:

“Ours were not the shows that were doing anything more than reaching a core audience.”

He believed in the power of theme songs (often composing them himself), memorable characters, and stories that entertained first and foremost.

The Final Frontier: Larson’s Enduring Influence

Glen A. Larson passed away in 2014, but his legacy is immortal. He’s credited with over 500 hours of television, multiple Emmy and Grammy nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His shows have been rebooted, referenced, and celebrated for decades.

Glen A. Larson, discusses his creation of the original Battlestar Galactica TV series. From @davec10

Battlestar Galactica remains a touchstone for space sci-fi, inspiring creators, fans, and even real-world technology. Larson’s blend of myth, adventure, and humanity set the standard for what space sci-fi could be on TV.

“If you believe in something, you must will it through, because everything gets in the way. Everyone tries to steer the ship off course.”
— Glen A. Larson

Glen A. Larson didn’t just create Battlestar Galactica—he built the launchpad for space sci-fi on television, inspiring generations to look to the stars and dream bigger.