During the 1960s, one of the most popular shows on television was called The Green Hornet. Both Van Williams, who played the lead role, and Bruce Lee, who played his sidekick Kato, featured in the film. The show was a hit not only in Hong Kong but also in the United States, where it was known as The Kato Show. Because of his prowess in martial arts and his charismatic film appearance, Bruce Lee became a celebrity in Hong Kong, and the show was a huge hit with the audience there. It was one of the first American TV shows to become popular in Hong Kong, and its success there helped open the way for other American shows to gain an audience in Asia. The Green Hornet was one of the first American TV shows to become popular in Hong Kong.