Threshold (2005)
A tense CBS sci-fi drama in which an elite government team races to contain humanity's first — and deeply dangerous — encounter with alien life.
Threshold - Series Information
- Original Title: Threshold
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Created by: Bragi F. Schut
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (41 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 16, 2005 (Brazil - 14), September 16, 2005 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Paramount Television, Phantom Four, Heyday Films, CBS Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
Threshold - Plot
Threshold was a science fiction drama television series that first aired on CBS in September 2005. Produced by Brannon Braga, David S. Goyer and David Heyman, the series focuses on a secret government project investigating the first contact with an extraterrestrial species.
Threshold - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the alien threat facing humanity:
Where to Watch Threshold
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Threshold - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bragi F. Schut
Main Cast
- Carla Gugino
- Brian Van Holt
- Brent Spiner
- Rob Benedict
- Peter Dinklage
- Charles S. Dutton
- Lauren Tom
- Diane Venora
- Scott MacDonald
- Kevin Durand
Writers
- Anne McGrail
- Brannon Braga
- Dan O'Shannon
- Michael Sussman
- Bragi F. Schut
Executive Producers
- David Heyman
Threshold - FAQs
What is Threshold about?
Threshold follows a covert government team assembled to respond to humanity's first confirmed contact with an alien species. Led by contingency analyst Dr. Molly Caffrey, the group races to contain an extraterrestrial signal that alters the biology of anyone exposed to it, threatening to transform the human race.
Why was Threshold cancelled after one season?
CBS cancelled Threshold in 2006 after its first season due to declining ratings. Despite a promising premiere, viewership dropped steadily, and the network pulled it from its Friday night schedule before all 13 episodes had aired. The remaining episodes were later broadcast to complete the run.
Who are the main cast members of Threshold?
The ensemble cast features Carla Gugino as Dr. Molly Caffrey, Peter Dinklage as linguist Arthur Ramsey, Brent Spiner as biologist Dr. Nigel Fenway, Charles S. Dutton as J.T. Baylock, Brian Van Holt as Sean Cavennaugh, Rob Benedict as Lucas Pegg, Lauren Tom, Diane Venora, and Kevin Durand.
Is Threshold based on a true story?
Threshold is entirely fictional, though it draws on real government protocols and Cold War-era contingency planning for dramatic authenticity. Creator Bragi F. Schut crafted the premise around a classified response plan — the "Threshold" protocol — designed to be activated in the event of confirmed extraterrestrial contact.
Where can you watch Threshold online?
Streaming availability for Threshold varies by region and changes over time. Your best option is to check a streaming aggregator like JustWatch, which tracks current availability across platforms including subscription, rental, and purchase options in your country.
How was Threshold received by critics?
Critics gave Threshold a mixed but cautiously positive reception on debut. Many praised its tense atmosphere, strong ensemble cast — particularly Carla Gugino and Peter Dinklage — and its ambitious sci-fi premise. However, some reviewers felt the pacing slowed in later episodes, contributing to the audience erosion that led to cancellation.
What makes Peter Dinklage's role in Threshold notable?
Peter Dinklage's portrayal of Arthur Ramsey — a brilliant but irreverent linguist and mathematician — stands out as one of the series' highlights. The role predates his global fame in Game of Thrones by several years and showcases the sharp comedic timing and commanding screen presence that would later make him a household name.
What shows are similar to Threshold?
Fans of Threshold tend to enjoy other government-conspiracy alien dramas like The X-Files, Earth: Final Conflict, Dark Skies, and Invasion. For a more recent fix, Debris (2021) and Emergence (2019) offer comparable tones, blending procedural structure with unsettling extraterrestrial mysteries and ensemble casts.
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