Anthological television theatres, zones and limits
Tales of Tomorrow 85 episodes (1951-53) 30m
Buy Amazon
The granddaddy of them all, this series was aired live and featured a much higher sci-fi content than its lauded successors Twilight Zone and Outer Limits. Live TV means that most DVD and video versions still show the original ads and, of course, the occasional flub-up by the actors. Very well-written and still highly entertaining.
Groundbreaking show that attempted to inject scientific credibility into the mix. Host Truman Bradley would demonstrate a scientific principle at a critical juncture, all backed by a real-live scientist who acted as technical advisor (Dr Maxwell Smith). The show's third season was an early foray into colour TV. Deserves more credit.
The Twilight Zone 156 episodes (1959-64) 30/60m
Buy Amazon
The most famous sci-fi/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.
Often straying into 'monster of the week' territory, this series is fondly remembered for its handful of genuine sci-fi gems. Somewhat conventional when compared to Zone's eccentricities, writers like Harlan Ellison ensured the occasional spindizziness. Shatner, Nimoy and Martin Landau all honed their credentials on the show.
This Steven Spielberg series epitomises the tendency of the big American networks to avoid large doses of anthological sci-fi content. At best, a clutch of these episodes can be classified as either sci-fi or science fantasy. Nevertheless, some highly-regarded sci-fi talent was involved - but not nearly enough for most of us.
The (New) Twilight Zone 36 episodes (1985-87) 60/30m
Buy Amazon
Harlan Ellison came on board as creative consultant and top-notch sci-fi writers like Ray Bradbury, Theodore Sturgeon and Arthur C Clark (for his 1955 short story 'The Star') got the occasional credit. Not unexpectedly however, the new series failed to match either the zest or the sci-fi content of the Rod Serling original.
Comedy/sci-fi series that has done the rounds of independent stations and cable networks. We join an inept space explorer and his robot sidekicks who each episode are railroaded into watching a really bad B-grade SF flick. The crew hurls endless sly barbs and witty comments at the screen, while the rest of us laugh loudly.
The Outer Limits 154 episodes (1995-2002) 60m
Buy Amazon
The Twilight Zone revivals pale in comparison to this well produced anthology series that is jam-packed with sci-fi content. DVD collections themed under titles like 'Fantastic Androids & Robots', 'Mutation & Transformation', 'Aliens Among Us' and 'Time Travel & Infinity' give some idea of what to expect. Superior production.
