Quantum Leap is a science fiction television program starring Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell. The show revolves around the premise that Dr. Sam Beckett, played by Bakula, is randomly transported from different time periods after an accident in his laboratory. Instead of merely traveling time in the physical sense, Dr. Beckett's consciousness inhabits the body of another person in the given time period, and is not allowed to pass to the next reality until he has helped the character overcome some sort of challenge or resolve some sort of problem. As this goes on, Dr. Beckett communicates with his best friend Al, played by Stockwell who is able to holographically project himself to Dr. Beckett and guide him through difficult situations.

The series won both popular and critical acclaim because of its variety and creative use of science fiction to explore the deeper issues of life in a dramatic context. Over the course of its five seasons, the show netted five Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe awards among other accolades. Despite its popularity, the contract for the show was not renewed for a sixth season. This popularity led to the publication of several novels from 1993 to 2000, as well as a comic book series in the early 1990s. In addition, the series has inspired die hard fans to attend an annual 'Leapback' convention that celebrates the show and has screenings of Quantum Leap fan films.