Celebrate the iconic career of Hulk Hogan with these 5 unforgettable shows that showcase the wrestling legend at his best.
An era of the wrestling world comes to an end with the loss of the iconic Hulk Hogan. The legendary wrestler, who redefined an era of sports entertainment, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a cultural phenomenon. His incredible presence inside the ring and beyond made him a towering figure in pop culture, one who not only became memorable but also impacted millions. He has starred in several movies and shows throughout his career, and here are five Hulk Hogan shows you must watch to honor the late wrestling legend.
Shows
Role
Year
Streaming
Goldie and the Bears
Mac McKenna
1985
Prime Video
Thunder in Paradise
Randolph J. Spencer
1994
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Assault on Devil’s Island
Mike McBride
1997
Prime Video
Assault on Death Mountain
Mike McBride
1999
Prime Video
Walker, Texas Ranger
Boomer Knight
2001
Hulu
Robot Chicken
Himself/Various
2006
Max
China, IL
The Dean
2011
Adult Swim
Thunder in Paradise – Hulk Hogan as a Navy SEAL-Turned-Mercenary Hero
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With his rising prominence in the wrestling world, Hulk Hogan transitioned into acting and would go on to star in several movies and TV shows. And the action-adventure TV series, Thunder in Paradise, marked his first lead role on television. Hogan embodies the persona of Randolph J. ‘Hurricane’ Spencer in the show, a Navy SEAL turned mercenary, alongside Chris Lemmon, who played tech-savvy partner Martin.
Set against the backdrop of the sunny coast of Florida, the series featured a mix of high-octane stunts and tropical charm. Although the series only lasted one season, it has earned a cult fan base who enjoy Hogan’s charisma outside of the wrestling ring, where his cheesy one-liners come in handy instead of his iconic leg drop.
Hogan Knows Best – A Reality Show Inside the Hogan Household
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Before the Kardashian family dominated reality TV with their complicated family dynamics, Hulk Hogan starred in his own reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best. Released in 2005, the show takes the viewers into the Hogan household, starring his wife, Linda Hogan, and their children, Brooke Hogan and Nick Hogan.
It sees Hogan in a whole new avatar, especially regarding his daughter, Brooke. It’s filled with 2000s nostalgia, and while it may leave the viewer contemplating whether it’s good or not, the reality TV series leaves no crumbs in keeping one entertained. The four-season show also spawned a spinoff that focused on Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Knows Best.
Hogan Knows Best is available to buy on Amazon Video in the USA.
China, IL – The Voice Behind the Quirky Dean
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In addition to his wrestling career, Hulk Hogan continued to experiment in his career beyond sports, such as voicing the role of the eccentric and overzealous Dean of the University of China, IL. True to Hogan’s personality, the Dean is portrayed as a macho, self-centered executive who runs America’s worst college with more bravado than logic.
The character uniquely wears a championship-style belt that says ‘The Dean’ in bold letters, and often behaves like a professional wrestler in the ring than an academic leader. Hogan’s deep, imposing voice adds a layer of comical exaggeration, making the character a fun portrayal of unchecked power, adding a unique energy to this animated series, and quickly became a fan favorite.
China, IL is available to watch on Adult Swim in the USA.
Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling – Teaching Stars to Wrestle
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With his years of experience in the ring, Hulk Hogan launched his own reality TV show, Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling. It followed the celebrities’ training to become professional wrestlers. Hogan took on multiple duties on the show, from producing and hosting to even serving as the judge.
The show featured several prominent names from various realms, including singer Tiffany, Sylvester Stallone’s younger brother Frank Stallone, and former professional basketball player Dennis Rodman. Each week, the celebrities trained in basic wrestling techniques and competed in matches, with Hogan ultimately deciding who would survive and who would be eliminated.
Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling is available to watch on Prime Video in the USA.
American Gladiators (2008) – The Legend as Host of the Reboot
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Hulk Hogan also took several major shots at hosting throughout his career, whether it was his family reality TV show or the comeback of American Gladiators in 2008. The competitive series follows everyday contestants facing off against elite, muscle-bound Gladiators in intense physical challenges and obstacle courses.
The show also marked one of the initial TV appearances of The Mandalorian star Gina Carano (IMDb), who joined the show as a ‘Gladiator.’ Laila Ali joins Hogan as co-host, adding star power and wrestling-style excitement to the show’s already dramatic, action-packed bouts.
American Gladiators is available to watch on Prime Video in the USA.
