Out of the Unknown
BBC2 anthology adapting science fiction and horror stories.
Out of the Unknown is a British television science fiction and horror anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and broadcast on BBC2 in four series between 1965 and 1971. Most episodes of the first three series were dramatisations of science fiction short stories, while the final year largely abandoned that genre in favour of horror-fantasy stories. Many videotapes of episodes were wiped in the early 1970s, leaving a large number of episodes missing, though some have resurfaced.
- Broadcast years
- 1965–1971
- Network
- BBC2
- Genre
- Science fiction, horror, anthology
- Producer
- Irene Shubik
- Notable adaptations
- Stories by John Wyndham, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, J. G. Ballard, Frederik Pohl
- Episodes known missing
- Many, due to wiping in the early 1970s
Lore & Background
Irene Shubik, a science fiction fan since university, had previously suggested a science fiction version of Armchair Theatre to Sydney Newman, resulting in the ITV series Out of this World (1962). For Out of the Unknown, Shubik found gathering suitable stories difficult, reading hundreds to pick a dozen. She made annual visits to New York to negotiate rights and seek ideas, meeting authors including Isaac Asimov, who granted permission for two stories on condition they be shown only in the UK. John Carnell, founder of New Worlds and agent for many British SF writers, was a valuable contact for suggesting stories and authors.
Reader's Guide
Out of the Unknown is significant as a BBC anthology that brought literary science fiction to television, adapting works by major authors such as John Wyndham, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and J. G. Ballard. The series initially offered cerebral science fiction, contrasting with popular hits like Doctor Who and The Avengers. Its first series became the second-most popular drama on BBC2 after The Virginian. The series is also notable for its lost episodes: many videotapes were wiped in the early 1970s, though some have been returned, such as 'Level Seven' from a European broadcaster in 2006. The title sequence, designed by Bernard Lodge, won a Design & Art Direction Wood Pencil in 1965. Episode 'Some Lapse of Time' featured Ridley Scott as designer.
Did You Know?
- Ridley Scott, later director of Alien and Blade Runner, served as designer for the episode 'Some Lapse of Time'.
- The episode 'Level Seven' was returned to the BBC from the archives of a European broadcaster in January 2006.
- Isaac Asimov allowed two of his stories to be adapted only on condition they be shown solely in the UK.
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