V (1983)
Kenneth Johnson's landmark sci-fi miniseries about alien occupation, hidden reptilian horrors, and the human will to resist against impossible odds.
V - Series Information
- Original Title: V
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 1983
- Created by: Kenneth Johnson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 98 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 2
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 1, 1983 (United States - TV-14), May 1, 1983 (United Kingdom - 15), May 1, 1983 (Germany - 16), May 1, 1983 (France - 10), May 1, 1983 (Australia - PG), May 1, 1983 (Brazil - 14), May 1, 1983 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Kenneth Johnson Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada
- Alternative Titles: Люди-ящеры (RU), V: La serie original (ES), V - A Minisérie Original (BR), V - The Original Miniseries (1983) (US), Visitors (IT), V: Η Τελευταία Ελπίδα για τη Διάσωση της Ανθρωπότητας (GR), V: Invasión extraterrestre (AR), V - Die ausserirdischen Besucher kommen (DE)
V - Plot
Fifty spaceships, each three miles across, hover ominously above Earth's major cities. The Visitors that emerge are humanlike in appearance and extend the hand of friendship. Our planet's resources are just what these aliens need to survive. And for its future survival, unsuspecting humankind will need... a miracle!
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V - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kenneth Johnson
Main Cast
- Jane Badler
- Michael Durrell
- Faye Grant
- Peter Nelson
- David Packer
- Neva Patterson
- Tommy Petersen
- Marc Singer
- Blair Tefkin
- Michael Wright
Writers
- Kenneth Johnson
Executive Producers
- Kenneth Johnson
- Brandon Tartikoff
V - FAQs
What is V about?
V follows the arrival of fifty massive alien spaceships hovering over Earth's major cities. The Visitors appear friendly and human-like, but a growing resistance movement uncovers their terrifying true nature. The miniseries is a gripping allegory about fascism, propaganda, and the courage required to fight back against overwhelming power.
Who are the main actors in V?
The cast includes Marc Singer as journalist Mike Donovan, Faye Grant as resistance leader Julie Parrish, and Jane Badler as the chilling alien commander Diana. The ensemble also features Michael Durrell, David Packer, Blair Tefkin, Michael Wright, Neva Patterson, Peter Nelson, and Tommy Petersen.
Is V based on a true story or real events?
V is not based on a specific true story, but creator Kenneth Johnson drew heavily from real history — particularly the rise of Nazi Germany. The alien occupation serves as a deliberate allegory for fascism, propaganda, and civilian collaboration, mirroring how ordinary people responded to totalitarian regimes in World War II Europe.
What do the Visitors really look like in V?
Beneath their convincing human disguises, the Visitors are reptilian creatures with scaly green skin, forked tongues, and carnivorous appetites. This shocking reveal — one of the miniseries' most iconic moments — transforms the story from a tale of alien diplomacy into a visceral horror about deception and predatory power hiding in plain sight.
Where can you stream or watch V?
V is available to watch for free on Plex and the Plex Channel. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Additionally, it is accessible through the MyOutdoor TV Amazon Channel with a flatrate subscription.
How many episodes does V have?
V consists of 2 feature-length episodes, structured as a miniseries event. Each episode runs approximately 98 minutes, giving the story a cinematic scope more akin to a two-part film than a traditional television series. Both parts aired on NBC in May 1983.
Did V win any awards or critical recognition?
V earned strong critical praise upon its 1983 debut and became a massive ratings success for NBC. It received Emmy Award nominations and won recognition for its special effects and makeup. Its cultural impact was significant enough to spawn a sequel miniseries, a weekly series, and a full remake in 2009.
What shows are similar to V?
Fans of V often enjoy Earth: Final Conflict, Dark Skies, and 3 Body Problem for their alien conspiracy themes. For broader sci-fi invasion drama, Invasion (2021), Alien: Earth (2025), and Secret Invasion (2023) offer compelling modern takes. Doctor Who (1963) and Andor (2022) also share V's spirit of resistance against oppressive forces.
More About V
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