Parallel 9
BBC Saturday morning series with frequent cast and format changes.
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Parallel 9 is a British children's television series that aired on BBC1 from 25 April 1992 to 17 September 1994. It was the first BBC Saturday morning children's series produced by an independent production company, Roach & Partners, rather than the BBC's in-house unit. The show is notable for its frequent cast and situation changes while retaining the same branding throughout.
Background
The first series centered on Mercator, an alien 'Time Baron' with long eyebrows (played by Roddy Maude-Roxby), banished to Parallel 9 for summoning an Earth girl named Calendular in his quest for knowledge. He could awaken only two hours each Saturday, from 9am to 11am, and could 'beam up' Earth guests. Other banished aliens—Steyl, Skyn, and Thynkso—plotted escape. Celebrity guests included Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue, Right Said Fred, and Frank Bruno.
Series 2 introduced a younger, manic Mercator (Christopher Wild), a brighter set, and new characters Zee, Dr. Kovan, and Brian the Dinosaur (created by David Claridge). The Tope cubicle changed from a dimensional prison to the space station's power source. An Earth-based presenter in a static caravan provided a 'link' for guest transportation, first Richard Norton, then Lucinda Cowden.
Series 3 recast Mercator as a buttoned-down commander (Richard Waites). Zee was replaced by Flynn (Kate Lonergan). Dr. Kovan and Brian remained, joined by a younger dinosaur Derek. The Earth base concept continued with Paul Hendy joining Cowden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parallel 9?
Parallel 9 is a British children's television programme that occupied BBC1's Saturday morning slot from April 1992 to September 1994. It was filmed at Pinewood Studios and produced by the independent company Roach & Partners.
When did Parallel 9 first air and when did it end?
The show premiered on 25 April 1992 on BBC1 and wrapped up its final episode on 17 September 1994. In total it ran for roughly two and a half years in the network's Saturday morning block.
Where was Parallel 9 filmed?
All of the series' production work took place at Pinewood Studios. No other filming locations are credited in the show's production records.
More in British children's television series
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Parallel 9 (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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