UFO (1970)
The landmark British sci-fi series that pitted a secret defence agency against a relentless alien threat — decades ahead of its time.
UFO - Series Information
- Original Title: UFO
- First Air Year: 1970
- Last Air Year: 1973
- Created by: Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 50 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 16, 1970 (United States - TV-14), September 16, 1970 (Canada - G), September 16, 1970 (United Kingdom - 12), September 16, 1970 (Germany - 12), September 16, 1970 (France - 12), September 16, 1970 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Associated Television
- Alternative Titles: UFO - Weltraum-Kommando S.H.A.D.O. (DE), UFO - Minaccia dallo spazio (CH)
- Production Companies: Century 21 Television, ITC Entertainment
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
UFO - Plot
A secret, high-technology international agency called SHADO defends Earth from alien invaders.
UFO - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of SHADO's battle against the unknown:
Where to Watch UFO
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UFO - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gerry Anderson
- Sylvia Anderson
Main Cast
- Ed Bishop
- Dolores Mantez
- Michael Billington
- Ayshea Brough
- George Sewell
- Keith Alexander
- Antonia Ellis
- Vladek Sheybal
- Gabrielle Drake
- Jon Kelley
Writers
- Tony Barwick
- David Tomblin
- Terence Feely
- Alan Fennell
- Gerry Anderson
Executive Producers
- Gerry Anderson
UFO - FAQs
Where can you stream UFO the TV series?
UFO (1970) is available to stream for free with ads on Tubi TV and Shout! Factory TV. It can also be watched via the Shout! Factory Amazon Channel (subscription) or purchased on Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region.
What is UFO the TV series about?
UFO follows SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation), a covert international agency operating in the 1980s to repel a relentless alien invasion of Earth. The series blends Cold War paranoia with futuristic hardware, espionage tension, and surprisingly adult dramatic storytelling.
Who created the UFO TV series?
UFO was created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson, the British producing duo best known for their earlier Supermarionation puppet series such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. UFO marked their first fully live-action science fiction television production.
Was UFO ever renewed for a second season?
UFO was not renewed for a second season. After its single 26-episode run, Gerry Anderson developed a follow-up concept that eventually became Space: 1999 (1975). Some story ideas and production elements originally intended for a UFO second season were repurposed for that successor series.
Who are the main actors in UFO?
The principal cast includes Ed Bishop as Commander Ed Straker, George Sewell as Alec Freeman, Michael Billington as Paul Foster, Gabrielle Drake as Gay Ellis, Wanda Ventham as Virginia Lake, Dolores Mantez as Nina Barry, and Vladek Sheybal as Dr. Doug Jackson.
How many episodes does UFO have?
UFO consists of 26 episodes across a single season, originally broadcast from 1970 to 1973. An additional collection of 15 special or supplementary episodes is also catalogued. Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes, giving the series a feature-length feel.
What is the content rating for UFO?
UFO carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating material that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series deals with themes of alien threat, military conflict, and psychological tension, which contributed to its notably darker tone compared to other genre shows of the era.
Did UFO win any awards or critical recognition?
UFO earned considerable critical respect for its sophisticated visual effects, mature storytelling, and production design, which were groundbreaking for a British television series of its time. While it did not accumulate major broadcast awards, it has since become a cult classic widely celebrated by science fiction historians and enthusiasts.
More About UFO
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