I actually saw the TV series first, back when it ran on ABC. I Loved SF TV shows and anything about "people on the run from the obsessed authority figure/reporter/rich dude chasing them" Les Miserables premise. I watch the Christmas episode every year.
The movies is great. Like E.T. for adults. Right down to the final shot. But it's one of my favorite John Carpenter films. It's off brand for him.
Perhaps that's why I missed it until now, as I'm not normally into his movies.