Strange Universe
Syndicated daily half-hour on paranormal phenomena, 1996–1998.
From 1996 to 1998, the syndicated U.S. series *Strange Universe* aired daily for half an hour, focusing on paranormal subjects. Created by Rysher Entertainment and Chris Craft Television, the show launched in 1996 with co-hosts Emmitt Miller and Dana Adams. It followed a tabloid television format, where the hosts presented segments on fortean and New Age topics, occasionally including interviews. In February 1997, Adams was removed as co-host, leaving Miller as the sole host; around that time, *Variety* reported a “weak” national rating of 1.2 over the prior two months. The program ran for 390 episodes total, typically airing on UPN affiliates (Chris-Craft, which co-owned UPN, carried the network’s programming on its stations). Internationally, it was syndicated, including in Canada on Access, The Education Station (now CTV 2 Alberta). In 1996, the show devoted its first full episode to alleged footage from Area 51 of an “alien interview.” This material was later released in 1997 as *Area 51: The Alien Interview*, directed by Jeff Broadstreet and starring Steven Williams.
Quick Facts
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 30 minutes
- Company
- Team Entertainment Group / Rysher Entertainment / Chris-Craft Television Productions / United Entertainment Group
- Network
- Syndicated
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Strange Universe aired from 1996 to 1998, totaling 390 episodes. It debuted with co-hosts Emmitt Miller and Dana Adams, but in February 1997 Adams was dropped, leaving Miller as the sole host. At that time, Variety reported a 'weak' 1.2 national rating over the prior two months. The show usually appeared on UPN network affiliates, as Chris-Craft owned half of UPN and their stations carried UPN programming. It was also syndicated internationally, airing in Canada on Access, The Education Station (now CTV 2 Alberta).
Reader's Guide
Strange Universe occupies a niche in 1990s television as a daily tabloid-style program dedicated to paranormal and New Age subjects. Its significance lies in its format—a half-hour syndicated show that brought fortean topics into daily broadcast, often featuring interviews and segments on UFOs, cryptids, and other anomalies. The show's 1996 episode dedicated to alleged Area 51 alien interview footage was later released as a 1997 film, Area 51: The Alien Interview, directed by Jeff Broadstreet and starring Steven Williams. Despite a weak rating reported in early 1997, the series completed 390 episodes over three years, reflecting a sustained audience for paranormal content in the pre-internet era. Its legacy includes serving as a precursor to later paranormal reality shows and documentaries.
Did You Know?
- Strange Universe aired 390 episodes from 1996 to 1998.
- In February 1997, Dana Adams was dropped as co-host, leaving Emmitt Miller as sole host.
- The show dedicated a full 1996 episode to alleged Area 51 alien interview footage, later released as a 1997 film.
- It aired on UPN affiliates because Chris-Craft owned half of UPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strange Universe?
Strange Universe was a syndicated American half-hour TV program that aired daily from 1996 to 1998, covering paranormal, fortean, and New Age topics in a tabloid-style format. It was produced by Rysher Entertainment and Chris Craft Television.
Who hosted Strange Universe?
The show launched in 1996 with co-hosts Emmitt Miller and Dana Adams, but after Adams was dropped in February 1997, Miller continued as the sole presenter for the rest of the series.
Why was Dana Adams removed from Strange Universe?
In February 1997, Adams was let go as co-host, a change that coincided with Variety citing a weak 1.2 national rating over the preceding two months. Miller then carried the show on his own.
What was the notable Area 51 episode of Strange Universe?
In 1996 the series devoted a full half-hour to what it presented as alleged interview footage from Area 51 involving an alien. That episode went on to become one of the show's most talked-about moments among paranormal-TV fans.
How long did Strange Universe run and how many episodes were produced?
The program broadcast daily for roughly two years, from 1996 through 1998, and produced a total of 390 episodes before ending its run.
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