Blake's 7 (1978)
The landmark British sci-fi series that pitted a ragtag crew of rebels against a ruthless galactic empire — and never flinched from the consequences.
Blake's 7 - Series Information
- Original Title: Blake's 7
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1981
- Created by: Terry Nation
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 50 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 2, 1978 (United Kingdom - PG)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Οι Ανίκητοι 7 (GR), Blakes 7 (UK)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Blake's 7 - Plot
A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship.
Blake's 7 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the rebellion:
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Blake's 7 - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Terry Nation
Main Cast
- Michael Keating
- Paul Darrow
- Peter Tuddenham
- Jan Chappell
- Jacqueline Pearce
- Gareth Thomas
- Steven Pacey
- Josette Simon
- Sally Knyvette
- David Jackson
Writers
- Chris Boucher
- Terry Nation
- Allan Prior
- Robert Holmes
- Roger Parkes
Blake's 7 - FAQs
What is Blake's 7 about?
Blake's 7 follows a band of convicts and rebels who commandeer a powerful alien spacecraft and wage a guerrilla campaign against the oppressive Terran Federation. The series blends space opera action with sharp political allegory, moral ambiguity, and complex character dynamics rarely seen in British TV of its era.
Who created Blake's 7?
Blake's 7 was created by Terry Nation, the prolific British screenwriter best known for inventing the Daleks on Doctor Who. Nation developed the series for the BBC, drawing on themes of totalitarianism, resistance, and moral compromise to craft one of British television's most enduring science fiction dramas.
How does Blake's 7 end, and why is it so shocking?
The series finale, 'Blake', is one of TV's most devastating endings. In a tragic misunderstanding, Avon shoots Blake dead, believing him a traitor. Federation troops then gun down the entire crew. The final image — Avon raising his gun surrounded by soldiers — remains one of the bleakest, most unforgettable conclusions in science fiction history.
Is Kerr Avon the real hero of Blake's 7?
Many fans argue Avon, played with cold brilliance by Paul Darrow, is the true heart of the series. Cynical, self-serving, yet fiercely intelligent, he gradually becomes the de facto leader after Blake's departure. His arc — from reluctant rebel to tragic anti-hero — is widely considered one of British sci-fi's greatest character studies.
Who are the main actors in Blake's 7?
The principal cast includes Gareth Thomas as Roj Blake, Paul Darrow as Kerr Avon, Michael Keating as Vila Restal, Jan Chappell as Cally, Sally Knyvette as Jenna Stannis, David Jackson as Olag Gan, Peter Tuddenham as the ship computers Zen and ORAC, and Jacqueline Pearce as the iconic villain Servalan.
Where can you watch Blake's 7 today?
Blake's 7 is available to purchase digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. Physical releases are also widely available. For the most current streaming and rental options in your region, JustWatch is a reliable resource to check availability.
How many seasons and episodes does Blake's 7 have?
Blake's 7 ran for four seasons on BBC One, with 13 episodes per season, totalling 52 episodes. The series aired from January 1978 to December 1981. Each season is self-contained enough to enjoy independently, though the overarching story rewards viewers who watch from the beginning.
What shows are similar to Blake's 7?
Fans of Blake's 7 often enjoy Battlestar Galactica (both the 1978 original and the acclaimed 2004 reimagining), Lexx, Star Trek: Voyager, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. For classic British sci-fi in a similar vein, Doctor Who (1963) — which shares creator Terry Nation — is a natural companion.
More About Blake's 7
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