The 1970s were a golden age for science fiction television, with shows like "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" paving the way for a genre that would go on to captivate audiences for decades. However, not all of these shows managed to find the audience they needed to survive the test of time. Today, we take a look at five forgotten sci-fi shows from the 1970s that still hold up today, despite their short runs and limited recognition. From "Project U.F.O." to "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," these shows are well worth a watch, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring appeal of sci-fi.
One show that stands out is "Project U.F.O." This series, produced and narrated by Jack Webb, followed a pair of U.S. Air Force airmen as they investigated UFO sightings across America. What makes "Project U.F.O." particularly intriguing is that it was produced by Col. William T. Coleman, who had been in charge of the USAF's "Project Blue Book" UFO study for five years. The series also featured episodes based on actual UFO reports, adding a layer of believability to the proceedings. Despite its intriguing premise and production values, "Project U.F.O." has never been released on home video or streaming, making it a bit of a hidden gem for sci-fi fans.
Another show that deserves a second look is "Logan's Run." This series, a spin-off of the 1976 film starring Michael York, Richard Jordan, and Jenny Agutter, only lasted for 14 episodes. The show followed Logan and Jessica, who escape from the City of Domes to avoid being put to death at the age of 30, and Rem, a self-programming android who joins them on their journey. "Logan's Run" featured a talented writing staff, including D.C. Fontana, who wrote for "Star Trek," and Harlan Ellison, who wrote for "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Despite its impressive writing staff, the show struggled to find an audience and was canceled after a relatively short run. Today, "Logan's Run" is available on DVD and digital release, making it easier for fans to experience this cult classic.
"The Fantastic Journey" is a show that deserves a bit more recognition. This series, created by Bruce Lansbury (Angela's brother), took its cue from the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. The show followed a group of characters, including a 13-year-old boy, a freshly graduated physician, and a scientist from the 1960s, as they ventured into the island's mysterious space-time gateways in an effort to make their way back to their respective homes. Despite its intriguing premise, "The Fantastic Journey" only lasted for 10 episodes before NBC pulled the plug. To date, the show has never been released on DVD or digital purchase, making it a bit of a challenge for fans to find and watch.
"Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" is a show that many viewers may have forgotten, but it's well worth a second look. The two-hour premiere of the show was actually released in theaters in March 1979, and it was so successful that NBC greenlit the series. The show starred Gil Gerard as the titular hero, Erin Gray as Col. Wilma Deering, and Tim O'Connor as Dr. Elias Huer. "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" ran for two seasons and 37 episodes, and it featured a plethora of fun guest stars, including Gary Coleman, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jack Palance. Despite its cult following, the show is not currently available on streaming services, making it a bit of a hidden gem for sci-fi fans.
Finally, "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" is a show that has never truly climbed above cult status, despite its influence on "The X-Files." The show followed Carl Kolchak, an investigative reporter with a fascination for crimes that can't readily be explained, as he dealt with a wide variety of curious characters, including vampires, aliens, and a murderous android. The show was pulled after only 20 episodes, but it has since found a new life on streaming services like Peacock. "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" is a show that is well worth a watch, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring appeal of sci-fi.
In conclusion, these five forgotten sci-fi shows from the 1970s are well worth a watch, despite their short runs and limited recognition. From "Project U.F.O." to "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," these shows offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring appeal of sci-fi. So, if you're looking for a bit of sci-fi nostalgia, be sure to check out these hidden gems and see for yourself why they still hold up today.
