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The Magician 1973

★ 6.8/10 · 13 votes DramaAction & Adventure 1 seasons · 21 eps Ended
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★ 6.8/10
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Quick answer

What is The Magician?

The Magician is an American television series that aired during the 1973–1974 season. The program features Bill Bixby in the lead role of Anthony Blake, a stage illusionist who also serves as a playboy philanthropist.

Type
TV series
Year
1973
Status
Ended
Episodes
21
Runtime
60 minutes
First aired
Oct 2, 1973
Last aired
Apr 15, 1974
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
NBC
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure
Updated
Streaming Intelligence

Binge-Worthiness & Content Radar

81 /100 Solid Watch
⚡ Pacing & Momentum7.7/10
🧠 Narrative Depth8.8/10
🔄 Rewatch Potential7.7/10
🎬 Production Scale8.2/10
🎯 Bingeable Series #Drama #Action & Adventure
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Overview

The Magician is an American television series that aired during the 1973–1974 season. The program features Bill Bixby in the lead role of Anthony Blake, a stage illusionist who also serves as a playboy philanthropist. Throughout the series, Blake utilizes his professional skills in illusion to solve difficult crimes as the situations arise. The character underwent a specific change regarding his identity following the production of the series pilot. In that initial episode, the protagonist was identified by the name Anthony Dorian. This adjustment was implemented by the production team due to a conflict with the name of a real-life stage magician. By relying on his unique talents and resources, the central character navigates various challenges to assist in criminal investigations. The series remains a notable entry in the career of Bill Bixby, showcasing his portrayal of a multifaceted lead character who balances a public life as a performer with his efforts to resolve complex mysteries.

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Should you watch it?

“A charismatic illusionist solves crimes with his stage tricks.”

Reasons to watch
  • Bill Bixby's engaging performance
  • Unique blend of magic and mystery
  • Classic 1970s TV style
Keep in mind
  • Only one season limits episode count
  • Production values reflect its era

Watch it if you enjoy retro detective stories that combine sleight‑of‑hand with mystery.

The series is suitable for general audiences, featuring mild mystery and occasional suspense.

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Episode guide

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14%
86%
Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (18): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
Season 1 · 21 episodes
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

When was The Magician originally broadcast?

It aired during the 1973–1974 television season.

Who plays the lead role?

Bill Bixby stars as the illusionist Anthony "Tony" Blake.

What is the basic premise of the series?

A playboy philanthropist who is a stage magician uses his tricks to help solve difficult crimes.

Why was the main character's name changed after the pilot?

The name was altered from Anthony Dorian to Anthony Blake to avoid conflict with a real‑life stage magician.

How many seasons did the series run?

The series ran for a single season in 1973–1974.

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