War of the Worlds (1988)
The classic alien invasion saga continues in this bold TV sequel, pitting a team of scientists and soldiers against revived Martians threatening humanity's survival.
War of the Worlds - Series Information
- Original Title: War of the Worlds
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1990
- Created by: Greg Strangis
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 53 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 44
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 7, 1988 (United States - TV-PG), October 7, 1988 (Germany - 18), October 7, 1988 (France - 12), October 7, 1988 (India - U), October 7, 1988 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Syndication
- Production Countries: United States of America, France, United Kingdom
War of the Worlds - Plot
Humanity must resume its war against the Martians when they revive after decades of hibernation following their defeat in the 1950s. The fate of Earth may very well rest in the hands of a small yet courageous band: astrophysicist Harrison Blackwood, paraplegic computer wizard Norton Drake, microbiologist Suzanne McCullough and military man Paul Ironhorse.
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War of the Worlds - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Greg Strangis
Main Cast
- Jared Martin
- Lynda Mason Green
- Philip Akin
- Richard Chaves
- Rachel Blanchard
- Denis Forest
- Ilse von Glatz
- Adrian Paul
- Catherine Disher
- Julian Richings
Writers
- Tom Lazarus
- Nancy Ann Miller
- Patrick Barry
- Greg Strangis
- Herbert Wright
War of the Worlds - FAQs
Is War of the Worlds based on a true story?
The series is based on H.G. Wells' classic 1898 science fiction novel of the same name, and serves as a direct sequel to the 1953 film adaptation. It picks up decades after the Martians' original defeat, imagining what happens when the alien threat resurfaces in the modern world.
How does Season 2 differ from Season 1?
Season 2 took a dramatic tonal shift, introducing a darker, grittier post-apocalyptic atmosphere and replacing several original cast members. Adrian Paul joined as John Kincaid, and the Martian threat was reimagined with a new alien faction. Many fans of the lighter first season found the change jarring.
Who are the main actors in War of the Worlds?
The core cast includes Jared Martin as astrophysicist Harrison Blackwood, Lynda Mason Green as microbiologist Suzanne McCullough, Philip Akin as computer expert Norton Drake, and Richard Chaves as Colonel Paul Ironhorse. Adrian Paul joins the ensemble in Season 2 as John Kincaid.
Why was Colonel Ironhorse written out of the show?
Richard Chaves' character Colonel Paul Ironhorse was killed off at the end of Season 1 as part of the sweeping creative overhaul that reshaped the series for its second season. The decision was controversial among fans who had grown attached to the character throughout the first run.
When did War of the Worlds first air?
War of the Worlds premiered on October 7, 1988, in the United States. It aired in syndication, meaning it was distributed directly to local television stations rather than through a single national broadcast network, which was a common model for genre series during that era.
How many seasons and episodes does War of the Worlds have?
The series ran for two seasons and a total of 44 episodes. Season 1 comprised 24 episodes and Season 2 contained 20 episodes. The show concluded in 1990 after the significant creative changes of its second season failed to sustain the audience built during its debut run.
Where can I watch War of the Worlds (1988)?
You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for War of the Worlds on JustWatch, which tracks where the series can be streamed, rented, or purchased across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country.
What are some shows similar to War of the Worlds?
If you enjoy War of the Worlds, you might also like The Unit (2006), a military action drama with a tight ensemble cast, Walker (2021) for action-driven storytelling, or Starsky & Hutch (1975) for classic genre television. Expedition Unknown (2015) also appeals to fans of adventure-focused narratives.
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