Marvel’s VisionQuest includes a subtle tribute to The Greatest American Hero, the cult superhero series starring William Katt that aired on ABC from 1981 to 1983. The reference appears in the third episode of the Disney+ series, which stars Paul Bettany as Vision.

The classic show followed a high school teacher who received a superpowered suit from aliens. Known for combining superhero action, drama and comedy, The Greatest American Hero ran for three seasons and later developed a cult following. Its first season holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, according to the source material.

In VisionQuest, the series’ theme song, “Believe it or Not,” plays after Vision cauterizes a wound inflicted by Paladin. The song’s appearance is understated, but its lyrics connect with the episode’s storyline, in which Vision confronts the revelation that Tommy, played by Ruaridh Mollica, is his human son.

Paul Bettany discussed that idea in a Disney interview, explaining that Vision is told he has a human son and that the situation seems impossible to believe—until Tommy is there helping him evaluate his injuries. The use of a classic television theme also continues a practice associated with WandaVision, which drew on recognizable TV music to support Wanda and Vision’s story.

VisionQuest featured the reference in its October 20, 2026 episode. One week later, The Greatest American Hero received another on-screen tribute through William Katt’s guest appearance on NCIS.

The fourth episode of NCIS season 24, “Like and Subscribe,” follows the investigation into the murder of a sailor who had participated in an online game show. The episode reveals that the sailor was a fan of The Greatest American Hero and visited a children’s cancer ward while wearing the show’s costume.

At the episode’s conclusion, the influencer behind the game show continues that tradition by arriving at the hospital in costume. Katt appears as a doctor at the children’s ward and acknowledges the outfit with the remark, “Nice suit!” As his character leads the costumed influencer to the children, “Believe it or Not” plays again.

While NCIS makes its connection to Katt’s series explicit, VisionQuest uses the same song as a more indirect thematic reference. Together, the two October 2026 appearances brought renewed attention to The Greatest American Hero and its signature theme.

Sources: TVLine.