Space Precinct
A police procedural set on an alien planet.
Space Precinct is a British television series that combines science fiction with a police procedural format. Created by Gerry Anderson, it was first broadcast in syndication in the United States between 1994 and 1995, and later aired in the UK on Sky One and BBC Two. The series is notable for being one of Anderson's highest-budgeted productions and for its use of complex alien makeup and puppetry.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Science fiction · Police procedural
- Creator
- Gerry Anderson
- Starring
- Simone Bendix / Lou Hirsch / Richard James / Nick Klein / Joseph Mydell / Megan Olive / Nancy Paul / David Quilter / Ted Shackelford / Jerome Willis / Mary Woodvine / Rob Youngblood
- Voices
- Colette Hiller / Kieron Jecchinis / Gary Martin / David Healy
- Music
- Crispin Merrell
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Num Series
- 1
- Num Episodes
- 24
- Executive Producer
- Tom Gutteridge
- Cinematography
- Alan Hume / Tony Spratling
- Editor
- Sue Robinson / Jason Krasucki / Robin McDonell / Brian Freemantle / Matthew Glen
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The series follows former NYPD detective Patrick Brogan, now a lieutenant with the Demeter City police force on the planet Altor. Brogan and his partner Jack Haldane investigate crimes committed by both aliens and humans. Brogan's badge number 2040 appears in the opening credits, leading to a common misconception that the show is set in 2040. The series was filmed between May 1994 and April 1995 at Pinewood Studios, with special effects at Shepperton Studios. It was relatively popular in Europe, but American broadcasters scheduled it in late-night or early-morning time slots, uncertain whether it was for young viewers or adults. Low ratings led to cancellation after one series.
Reader's Guide
Space Precinct was based on an unbroadcast 1986 pilot movie titled Space Police, featuring Shane Rimmer. The pilot was more comedic and featured a different cast, including a gynoid partner for Brogan. After a deal with Harmony Gold USA fell through, and negotiations with Jim Henson's HIT broke down, Mentorn Films secured funding from Grove Television Enterprises. The BBC initially ordered 13 episodes but withdrew due to budget cuts. The title was changed from Space Police to Space Precinct shortly before filming began in 1994, after learning of Lego's trademark on 'Space Police'. The series was released on DVD in the UK and North America, and later became available on streaming services including Amazon Prime, BritBox, and Peacock. In 2024, a limited-edition HD remastered Blu-ray box set was announced for February 2025, including a new mini-episode featuring the robot Slo-Mo.
Did You Know?
- Idris Elba makes a brief appearance in one episode as a pizza delivery man, with his voice dubbed by David Healy.
- The title was changed from Space Police to Space Precinct due to Lego's trademark on 'Space Police'.
More in Television Series About Extraterrestrial Life 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced