Lights Out
150 episodes (1946-52) 30m

The original scary TV anthology series started out as a radio show of some note. Original host Jack LaRue started with a local miniseries in 1946 before hitting the NBC network in 1949. When Frank Gallop took over as host the following year and introduced a 'guest star' policy the show really hit its stride. Somewhat forgotten classic.

One Step Beyond
97 episodes (1959-61) 30m

A classic anthology series that explored supernatural phenomena. Directed and hosted John Newland, the show was noted for its ingeniously understated camerawork. An American show made by MGM, the last 13 episodes were shot in the UK using several well-known British actors. Superb television that remains popular.

The Twilight Zone
156 episodes (1959-64) 30/60m

The most famous fantasy anthology series was host Rod Serling's baby from start to finish. He penned half of the screenplays and deftly delivered the dramatic monologues bookending each episode. When the show was finally shown in the UK in the 1980s it became an instant cult classic. Often pessimistic, but never dull.

Night Gallery
45 episodes (1969-73) 60/30m

Host Rod Serling reportedly began fleshing out this anthology show immediately after the cancellation of his classic Twilight Zone series in 1964. Night Gallery featured a similar format, but the stories were much darker and often dealt with the supernatural. Each story began with a monologue based on a painting in an old museum.

The (New) Twilight Zone
63 episodes (1985-89) 60/30m

Harlan Ellison came on board as creative consultant and writers like Ray Bradbury, Theodore Sturgeon and Arthur C Clarke got the occasional credit. Most of the stories were in the fantasy vein - with the likes of Danny Kaye, Elliot Gould, Tom Skerritt and Ralph Bellamy scoring starring credits. Not up to the original's standard.

Amazing Stories
43 episodes (1985-87) 30m*

This anthological Steven Spielberg series was dominated by fantasy stories with a few sci-fi titbits thrown in for good measure. A host of stars made guest appearances - including Kevin Costner, Danny DeVito and John Lithgow. At its best it made for riveting TV, but all too often looked a pale Twilight Zone imitator.

Ray Bradbury Theatre
65 episodes (1985-92) 30m

Low-budget anthology series produced in Canada. Scripted by noted sci-fi author Ray Bradbury, each episode is based one of his novels or short stories. As such, the show is genre-blending mix of sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Despite the obvious budgetary restrictions, Bradbury's creative control makes for high quality viewing.

Beyond Belief
45 episodes (1997-2002) 60m

Each episode of this gimmicky series featured five stories that defied logic. Viewers were challenged to decide which were fact and which were fiction. Irregular programming made it tough for the show to find an audience, but the episodes hosted by Jonathan Frakes were always good harmless fun. Might see it back one day.