Tales to Keep You Awake (1966)
The legendary Spanish horror anthology that terrified a nation and defined a genre, one chilling tale at a time.
Tales to Keep You Awake - Series Information
- Original Title: Historias para no dormir
- First Air Year: 1966
- Last Air Year: 1982
- Created by: Chicho Ibáñez Serrador
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: Spanish
- First Air Date: February 4, 1966 (United States - NR), February 4, 1966 (Canada - 14+), February 4, 1966 (Germany - 16), February 4, 1966 (France - 16), February 4, 1966 (Mexico - B), February 4, 1966 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: La 1, La 2
- Alternative Titles: Stories to Stay Awake (US)
- Production Companies: TVE
- Production Countries: Spain
Tales to Keep You Awake - Plot
Tales of terror by established authors such as Ray Bradbury or Edgar Allan Poe, as well as original scripts.
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Tales to Keep You Awake - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Chicho Ibáñez Serrador
Main Cast
- Chicho Ibáñez Serrador
- Narciso Ibáñez Menta
- Estanis González
- Lola Lemos
- Pedro Sempson
- José María Caffarel
- Antonio Colinos
- José Luis Lespe
- Manuel Galiana
- Mario Álex
Writers
- Chicho Ibáñez Serrador
- Ray Bradbury
- Juan Tébar
- Harlan Ellison
- Fredric Brown
Tales to Keep You Awake - FAQs
Is Tales to Keep You Awake based on real stories?
Many episodes adapt works by celebrated horror and science fiction authors, including Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, Harlan Ellison, Fredric Brown, and W.W. Jacobs. Others feature original scripts penned by creator Chicho Ibáñez Serrador and collaborators, blending literary classics with fresh, homegrown terror.
Why is Tales to Keep You Awake considered a landmark series?
Premiering in 1966 under Franco's censorship regime, the show pushed the boundaries of what Spanish television could depict. Chicho Ibáñez Serrador crafted genuinely unsettling stories with cinematic ambition, earning the series a reputation as the foundational text of Spanish horror television and a major influence on generations of filmmakers.
Where can you stream Tales to Keep You Awake?
The series is available to stream on Night Flight Plus, Eternal Family, and Troma NOW. You can also watch it free with ads on Tubi TV and Fawesome, or for free via Hoopla. Episodes are available to purchase on Amazon Video.
Who created Tales to Keep You Awake?
The series was created by Chicho Ibáñez Serrador, one of Spain's most celebrated television and film directors. He not only conceived and wrote many episodes but also appeared on screen as the host, guiding viewers through each tale with his signature mix of wit and menace.
How many seasons and episodes does Tales to Keep You Awake have?
The series ran for three seasons totalling 30 episodes: Season 1 contains 18 episodes, Season 2 has 8, and Season 3 wraps up with 4. Originally broadcast between 1966 and 1982, the long gaps between seasons reflect the sporadic nature of Spanish television production during that era.
Is Tales to Keep You Awake worth watching today?
Absolutely, especially for fans of classic horror anthologies. Despite its age, the series holds up remarkably well, with tight scripts, committed performances, and an atmosphere of dread that feels timeless. Its influence on Spanish-language genre television is undeniable, making it essential viewing for anyone curious about horror's international roots.
What shows are similar to Tales to Keep You Awake?
Fans often enjoy Inside No. 9, Masters of Horror, Tales from the Darkside, and Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, all of which share the anthology format and a love of dark, imaginative storytelling. The Hunger and Monsters are also strong picks for viewers drawn to classic genre television.
Who are the main cast members of Tales to Keep You Awake?
The ensemble shifts across episodes, but recurring faces include Narciso Ibáñez Menta, Estanis González, Lola Lemos, Pedro Sempson, José María Caffarel, Antonio Colinos, José Luis Lespe, Manuel Galiana, and Mario Álex, alongside creator Chicho Ibáñez Serrador himself.
More About Tales to Keep You Awake
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