Tales of the Unexpected (1979)
Roald Dahl's celebrated British anthology series, where every story conceals a sting in its tail.
Tales of the Unexpected - Series Information
- Original Title: Tales of the Unexpected
- First Air Year: 1979
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Created by: Roald Dahl
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (28 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 112
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: ITV, Anglia Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Tales of the Unexpected - Plot
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
Tales of the Unexpected - Trailer
See the dark wit and twisted storytelling of this classic anthology series:
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Tales of the Unexpected - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Roald Dahl
Main Cast
- Roald Dahl
- Andrew Ray
- Forbes Collins
- Paul Herzberg
- Peter Tuddenham
- William Hootkins
- Mark Lewis
- Richard Foxton
- John Mills
- Lucy Gutteridge
Writers
- Robin Chapman
- Roald Dahl
- Denis Cannan
- Ronald Harwood
- Ross Thomas
Tales of the Unexpected - FAQs
Where can you stream Tales of the Unexpected?
Tales of the Unexpected is available to stream in the US on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV, both free with ads, as well as through the Shout! Factory Amazon Channel as a flatrate subscription add-on. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options.
Is Tales of the Unexpected based on real stories?
Most episodes are adaptations of published short fiction rather than true events. Early seasons drew heavily from Roald Dahl's own short story collections, while later seasons incorporated tales by other authors, all united by their signature twist endings and darkly comic sensibility.
Who are the main cast members of Tales of the Unexpected?
As an anthology series, Tales of the Unexpected featured a rotating roster of guest performers. Notable names include John Mills, Joan Collins, Lucy Gutteridge, Richard Johnson, Sheila Gish, and William Hootkins, with Roald Dahl himself appearing as host and narrator in the early seasons.
Did Tales of the Unexpected win any awards?
Tales of the Unexpected earned recognition primarily through its cultural impact and enduring popularity rather than a lengthy awards record. Its prestige casting, high production values for British television of the era, and Roald Dahl's involvement gave it considerable critical standing throughout its original run.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
Tales of the Unexpected ran for 9 seasons and a total of 112 episodes, airing from 1979 to 1988. Season lengths varied considerably, ranging from 4 episodes in Season 8 to 18 episodes in Season 5, reflecting the anthology format's flexible production model.
What is Tales of the Unexpected about?
Tales of the Unexpected is a British anthology series presenting self-contained stories laced with sinister undertones, dark humour, and ironic twist endings. Roald Dahl wrote and hosted the early episodes, setting a tone of wry menace that persisted throughout the show's nine-season run on ITV.
What are shows similar to Tales of the Unexpected?
Viewers who enjoyed Tales of the Unexpected often appreciate other anthology series with a dark or ironic edge, such as Inside No. 9, Tales from the Crypt, Masters of Horror, and the classic Twilight Zone. Murder in Mind and Somerset Maugham Hour offer similarly compact, twist-driven storytelling.
Who created and wrote Tales of the Unexpected?
Roald Dahl created the series and wrote several early episodes, also serving as on-screen host. Additional scripts came from a distinguished roster of writers including Robin Chapman, Ronald Harwood, Denis Cannan, Ross Thomas, John Collier, and Henry Slesar, among others.
More About Tales of the Unexpected
Explore further details about this classic British anthology series through these authoritative sources.