Michael Long is an undercover cop who is seriously wounded during his assignment. Nursed back to health by a mysterious benefactor (chairman and CEO of Knight Industries) he regains consciousness as a new man with a new face and a new name: Michael Knight. His mysterious benefactor (through the guise of associate Devon Miles) provides Michael with equipment and support so that he can continue his crime fighting against those who operate above the law. The most notable piece of equipment supplied is "KITT" an indestructible high-performance car fitted with artificial intelligence.