Mission: Impossible (1966)
The classic CBS espionage series that defined an era of television spy craft and inspired a global franchise.
Mission: Impossible - Series Information
- Original Title: Mission: Impossible
- First Air Year: 1966
- Last Air Year: 1973
- Created by: Bruce Geller
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 171
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, English
- First Air Date: September 17, 1966 (United States - TV-14), September 17, 1966 (Germany - 12), September 17, 1966 (France - 12), September 17, 1966 (Australia - PG), September 17, 1966 (Brazil - L), September 17, 1966 (Mexico - B), September 17, 1966 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Desilu Productions, Paramount Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 碟中谍 (CN)
Mission: Impossible - Plot
Mission: Impossible is an American television series that was created and initially produced by Bruce Geller. It chronicles the missions of a team of secret government agents known as the Impossible Missions Force. In the first season, the team is led by Dan Briggs, played by Steven Hill; Jim Phelps, played by Peter Graves, takes charge for the remaining seasons. A hallmark of the series shows Briggs or Phelps receiving his instructions on a recording that then self-destructs, followed by the theme music composed by Lalo Schifrin. The series aired on the CBS network from September 1966 to March 1973, then returned to television for two seasons on ABC, from 1988 to 1990, retaining only Graves in the cast. It later inspired a popular series of theatrical motion pictures starring Tom Cruise, beginning in 1996.
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Mission: Impossible - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bruce Geller
Main Cast
- Greg Morris
- Peter Lupus
- Bob Johnson
- Peter Graves
- Barbara Bain
- Martin Landau
- Leonard Nimoy
- Lynda Day George
- Steven Hill
- Lesley Ann Warren
Writers
- Allan Balter
- Laurence Heath
- William Read Woodfield
- Paul Playdon
- Ken Pettus
Executive Producers
- Bruce Geller
Mission: Impossible - FAQs
Where can you stream Mission: Impossible the TV series?
The original Mission: Impossible TV series is available to stream on Paramount+, including via the Paramount+ Apple TV Channel, Amazon Channel, and Roku Premium Channel. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
Did Mission: Impossible inspire the Tom Cruise films?
Yes. The original 1966 CBS series directly inspired the long-running theatrical franchise starring Tom Cruise, which launched in 1996. The films retain iconic elements from the show, including the self-destructing briefing tape, the IMF team concept, and Lalo Schifrin's legendary theme music.
Who are the main actors in Mission: Impossible?
The series features Peter Graves as team leader Jim Phelps, Greg Morris as tech expert Barney Collier, Peter Lupus as Willy Armitage, Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter, Martin Landau as Rollin Hand, Leonard Nimoy as Paris, and Steven Hill as original leader Daniel Briggs.
How many seasons does Mission: Impossible have?
The original Mission: Impossible ran for 7 seasons and 171 episodes on CBS from 1966 to 1973. Season 1 had 28 episodes, Seasons 2 and 3 had 25 each, Season 4 had 26, and Seasons 5, 6, and 7 had 23, 22, and 22 episodes respectively.
What is the original Mission: Impossible TV series about?
The series follows the Impossible Missions Force, an elite team of secret government agents who undertake elaborate covert operations involving disguise, deception, and teamwork. Each mission begins with a self-destructing recorded briefing. Critics have praised its intricate plots and ensemble chemistry as defining Cold War-era television.
When did Mission: Impossible first air on television?
Mission: Impossible premiered on September 17, 1966, on the CBS network in the United States. The series ran until March 1973, spanning seven seasons. A revival series later aired on ABC from 1988 to 1990, retaining Peter Graves as Jim Phelps.
Did Mission: Impossible win any major awards?
Yes. Mission: Impossible earned multiple Emmy Awards during its original run, including Outstanding Dramatic Series. Peter Graves, Barbara Bain, and Martin Landau received individual acting nominations and wins. Lalo Schifrin's iconic theme music also became one of the most recognized compositions in television history.
What is the content rating for Mission: Impossible?
Mission: Impossible carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. The series features espionage action, suspense, and mild violence consistent with network television standards of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
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