NBC.com

In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit... thus begins "The A-Team," Steven J. Cannell's cult hit, which ran on NBC for five seasons, beginning on January 23, 1983.

Cannell set the gold standard for 80s television, credited with creating 40 shows, including "The Rockford Files" and "21 Jump Street." Originally conceived as a vehicle for up-and-coming action star, Mr. T (Lawrence Tero) of "Rocky III" fame, the show's comic book violence, off-the-wall characters and dangerous situations made it an instant success.

"The A-Team" follows the fortunes of four members of a Vietnam Special Forces team who escape from military prison. Living in the L.A. underground, they survive as soldiers of fortune while on the run from military police. A master of disguise with unorthodox methods, Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, played by cigar-chomping George Peppard, was the fearless leader of The A-Team. People's Choice award winner for "Favorite New Male Star," Mr. T starred as B.A. ("Bad Attitude") Baracus, providing the team's muscle and mechanical genius. Charming con man Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck was played by Dirk Benedict of "Battlestar Galactica" fame. And gonzo pilot, Captain H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock (Dwight Schultz), resides in a mental institution for the show's first four seasons.

Notable guest stars such as Isaac Hayes and Boy George appeared on the show, along with a host of professional wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, Professor Toru Tanaka and Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. Described by Dirk Benedict as "the last truly masculine show," every episode of "The A-Team" offers another swashbuckling adventure, as our heroes venture forth, blowing things up and uplifting the oppressed.