Whiz Kids
Whiz Kids is an American science-fiction adventure television series that aired on CBS in the United States. The 60-minute series was created by Philip DeGuere and Bob Shayne and originally aired from October 5, 1983 to June 2, 1984, lasting one season and consisting of 18 episodes. The premise follows four high school tenth-graders, portrayed by Matthew Laborteaux, Todd Porter, Jeffrey Jaqcuet, and Andrea Elson, who use their sophisticated knowledge of computers to become amateur detectives, solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. Although the series experienced a notable backlash from critics for its portrayal of teenage computer hackers, the program garnered four Youth in Film Award nominations for its young stars, as well as a fifth nomination as "Best New Television Series" of 1983.
Richie and his friends discover a skeleton on property coveted by a development corporation.
Richie learns that the computer game he has been play testing has a very different application for the convict who invented it, and who has $12,000 hidden away on the outside.
Richie uncovers a secret water project while testing the security of a chemical company for its security chief, who disappears after getting Richie's report.
Lew can't understand why a Gazette photographer was assaulted after covering a gubernatorial candidate until Richie uses Ralf to enhance the pictures he took and finds a fugitive embezzler.
A fellow student of Richie's is caught using the school computer to embezzle bank funds, but the fellow who catches him decides to use the kid's idea for himself.
A criminal taps into the police computers and sabotages them so that they cannot properly respond when his accomplices commit a crime.
Farley learns that a rock star long presumed dead is really alive, but not responsible for the glut of ""unknown"" new songs his old record company is releasing.
Farley investigates a computer dating service unaware that Richie has secretly signed up his mother for the same service.
Ralf mysteriously malfunctions and Richie becomes convinced that it is because of unusual electrical interference from a neighbor's satellite dish.
The FBI arrests Richie after trying to solve a challenge from a renowned hacker.
Richie uses the TV-ratings meter at Ham's house to investigate how the system works and discovers proof that a consumer advocate's program has been sabotaged in the ratings.
Richie solves a hieroglyphic inscription on a tomb, but it seems to be causing uncharacteristic behavior in all those who read it aloud.
Mrs. Adler's new maid leaves bugs around the house just before a visit from Mr. Adler, who is supposed to be in town on government business.
Richie looks into why the Social Security system has declared Carson Marsh dead while Lew follows a gang of elderly heisters.
Lew asks for Richie's help in investigating the disappearance of a marine biologist who was using computers to communicate with dolphins.
A KGB agent is pursuing Alice's new boyfriend.
Richie and Farley quarrel when Farley suggests that Richie's new girl friend set him up when information about a prototype tank proves false.
Alice overhears two men planning an order while working at a fast food place, but no one believes her, so she sets out to do something about it herself.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Release | 1983-10-05 |
| Producer | Universal Television |