Thunderbirds (1965)
The iconic British Supermarionation series that sent International Rescue soaring into the hearts of generations worldwide.
Thunderbirds - Series Information
- Original Title: Thunderbirds
- First Air Year: 1965
- Last Air Year: 1966
- Created by: Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 50 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 30, 1965 (United States - TV-G), September 30, 1965 (Canada - G), September 30, 1965 (United Kingdom - U), September 30, 1965 (Germany - 12), September 30, 1965 (France - 12), September 30, 1965 (Australia - G), September 30, 1965 (Brazil - 10), September 30, 1965 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Associated Television
- Alternative Titles: Κεραυνοί του Διαστήματος (GR), Les Sentinelles de l'air (FR), Thunderbirds (BR)
- Production Companies: AP Films, Century 21 Television, ITC Entertainment
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Thunderbirds - Plot
Thunderbirds is a 1960s British science-fiction television series which was produced using a mixed method of marionette puppetry and scale-model special effects termed "Supermarionation". The series is set in the 21st century and follows the exploits of International Rescue, a secret organization formed to save people in mortal danger with the help of technologically advanced land, sea, air and space vehicles and equipment, launched from a hidden base on Tracy Island in the South Pacific Ocean.
Thunderbirds - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see International Rescue spring into action.
Thunderbirds are Go!
Where to Watch Thunderbirds
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Thunderbirds - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gerry Anderson
- Sylvia Anderson
Main Cast
- Christine Finn
- Ray Barrett
- Peter Dyneley
- Sylvia Anderson
- Matt Zimmerman
- Shane Rimmer
- David Graham
- David Holliday
- Paul Maxwell
- Alexander Davion
Writers
- Alan Fennell
- Alan Pattillo
- Dennis Spooner
- Donald Robertson
- Martin Crump
Executive Producers
- Gerry Anderson
Thunderbirds - FAQs
What is Supermarionation and how was it used?
Supermarionation was a pioneering technique developed by Gerry Anderson that combined sophisticated marionette puppetry with large-scale model special effects. In Thunderbirds, electronically lip-synced puppets performed alongside meticulously crafted miniature vehicles and sets, creating a cinematic visual style unlike anything else on television at the time.
Where can you stream Thunderbirds today?
Thunderbirds is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and Peacock Premium. Free ad-supported viewing is offered on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, and Plex. You can also purchase episodes on Amazon Video.
Who created Thunderbirds and when did it air?
Thunderbirds was created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson, produced by AP Films and Century 21 Television. It first aired on September 30, 1965, on Associated Television in the United Kingdom, running for two seasons and 32 episodes before concluding in 1966.
Did Thunderbirds win any awards or critical recognition?
Thunderbirds earned widespread critical admiration for its groundbreaking special effects and ambitious production design. The series won a BAFTA for its visual achievements and has since been recognized as one of the most influential British television productions of the 1960s, celebrated for revolutionizing puppet-based entertainment.
How many seasons and episodes does Thunderbirds have?
Thunderbirds ran for two seasons totaling 32 episodes. Season 1 contained 26 episodes and Season 2 featured 6 episodes. There are also special episodes available. Each episode ran approximately 50 minutes, giving the series a feature-film quality that set it apart from typical children's television.
What is Thunderbirds about?
Set in the 21st century, Thunderbirds follows International Rescue, a secret organization run by the Tracy family from a hidden base on Tracy Island in the South Pacific. Using five extraordinary vehicles — from submarines to rockets — they respond to catastrophic emergencies around the world and beyond.
Is Thunderbirds suitable for children to watch?
Thunderbirds carries a TV-G rating, making it suitable for all ages. Despite featuring dramatic rescue missions and perilous scenarios, the series avoids graphic content and maintains a family-friendly tone throughout. It remains a beloved classic enjoyed by both children discovering it fresh and adults revisiting a nostalgic favourite.
Are there any modern remakes or spin-offs of Thunderbirds?
Yes — Thunderbirds Are Go!, a CGI-animated reboot, launched in 2015 and ran for three seasons, reimagining International Rescue for a new generation. Two theatrical films were also produced: Thunderbirds Are Go (1966) and Thunderbird 6 (1968), both expanding on the original puppet series during its original run.
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