The Blue Thunder helicopter is featured in the 1984 ABC television series Blue Thunder, which is based on the movie of the same name. The series makes extensive use of stock footage from the 1983 film, including a converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter. In the television series, the helicopter was supported by a ground unit known as "Rolling Thunder." A desert camouflaged off-road vehicle was stowed inside this huge support van. Former professional American football players Bubba Smith and Dick Butkus are among the cast members of the television series. After believing that the identical Airwolf on CBS would win the ratings war, ABC decided to terminate the show. In addition, the series aired on Friday nights at the same time as the CBS soap opera Dallas, and it was a dud. Before the show was canceled, 11 episodes were produced.