Sci-Fi 5 artwork

Sci-Fi 5

493 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★ - 2 ratings

Your daily Sci-Fi 5 is five minutes of science fiction history. Presented by a panel of hosts who share some of the least-known details about some of the best-known stories in popular culture. Brought to you by Roddenberry, the first name in science fiction.

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Episodes

Max Headroom U.S. series premiere - March 31, 1987

March 31, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.68 MB

From unlikely beginnings - a character created to introduce music videos to UK audiences - sprang a trailblazing, underappreciated #cyberpunk chapter in American genre TV.  Sci-Fi 5 reloads Max Headroom into your memory. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Tank Girl - March 30, 1995

March 30, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MB

It started as an indie comic with a cult audience, but on this day in 1995 a movie version tried to introduce a whole new audience to #TankGirl. Sci-Fi 5 fills you in on the character's origins and some spicy could-have-been casting. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Vangelis - March 29, 1943

March 29, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.24 MB

You may know him best from the music of Blade Runner or Cosmos, but as Sci-Fi 5 celebrates composer and musician Vangelis on his birthday, there's so much more to his career than that. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Lost; Expose - March 28, 2007

March 28, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MB

Sometimes, showrunners trying to broaden a show's palette of characters and storylines...don't quite stick the landing. Sci-Fi 5 examines the curious case of two survivors who didn't fascinate the otherwise obsessive fans of Lost. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Nathan Fillion - March 27, 1971

March 27, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.71 MB

You may know him from non-genre hits such as The Rookie and Castle, but chances are good that you still know Nathan Fillion best as Captain Mal Reynolds from Firefly. Sci-Fi 5 aims to misbehave and wish him a happy birthday. Learn more about Nathan's charity: Kids Need To Read Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

King Kong - March 24, 1933

March 24, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.27 MB

The king of the ape world made his big-screen debut today in 1933, and Sci-Fi 5 scales the whole tall tower of trivia behind what made King Kong such a groundbreaking cinematic spectacle. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Matthew Comegys Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Akira Kurosawa - March 23, 1910

March 23, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.53 MB

Even if you haven't sought out the films he wrote and directed, you have seen movies - many of them in the sci-fi category - heavily influenced by legendary director Akira Kurosawa. Sci-Fi 5 charts his influence on cinematic history. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

V: The Return - March 22, 1985

March 22, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.55 MB

It was the last episode of the series, but it wasn't the last episode viewers saw. It was meant to lead into a second season, but the show was cancelled. Sci-Fi 5 tries to unravel tha tangle of trivia surrounding the original V finale. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Johnny Jupiter - March 21, 1953

March 21, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MB

Early American TV sci-fi was wild.  Magical TVs, puppets, a teleporting comic relief robot - anything goes!  Today's Sci-Fi 5 infuses you with super jelly bean power and tells you all about Johnny Jupiter. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Mike Richards Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Battlestar Galactica: Daybreak Part 2 - March 20, 2009

March 20, 2023 07:04 - 5 minutes - 5.68 MB

With four years of storylines and mysteries to wrap up, was the Battlestar Galactica series finale going to satisfy everyone? Sci-Fi 5 runs down the pros and cons of one of sci-fi's most controversial endings. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Godzilla vs. Merchagodzilla - March 17, 1977

March 17, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.46 MB

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla made its American debut today in 1977 - with an altered title intended to cash in on an American TV favorite. Sci-Fi 5 revisits the arrival of Godzilla's mechanical nemesis. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

The Ice Pirates - March 16, 1984

March 16, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.65 MB

It was meant to propel a reliable star under studio contract to movie stardom, and was meant to absolutely not resemble any other contemporary genre films in any way. Really. Sci-Fi 5 puts out the plank for 1984's The Ice Pirates. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Slaughterhouse Five - March 15, 1972

March 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.64 MB

How close should a movie be to the book that inspired it?  And can any movie even get close to a mind-bending classic like Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s Slaughterhouse-Five?  Sci-Fi 5 gives the 1972 movie adaptation a fresh look. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Robocop The Series - March 14, 1994

March 14, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MB

With diminishing returns in his big screen sequels, it was only natural that RoboCop would start patrolling the small screen. Sci-Fi 5 tries to find out if RoboCop: The Series did the character... well... justice. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Battlestar Galactica: Daybreak Part 1 - March 13, 2009

March 13, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MB

It was a deceptively quiet beginning to one of modern sci-fi's most picked-over endings.  Revisit part one of Battlestar Galactica's series finale, Daybreak - so say we all, and so says today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Silent Running - March 10, 1972

March 10, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.8 MB

With a renowned special effects artist as its director, a potential human breakout star and three almost-certain robot breakout stars, Sci-Fi 5 rejoices in the distant sunlight of the cult classic movie, Silent Running. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Starcrash - March 9, 1979

March 09, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MB

Sci-Fi 5 halts the flow of time - for just a few minutes, at any rate - to fill you in on just a few of the strange stories behind the making of the legendary sci-fi film Star Crash. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Doctor Who: Genesis Of The Daleks - March 8, 1975

March 08, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.77 MB

Genesis of the Daleks is one of the most beloved chapters of #DoctorWho history. Sci-Fi 5 examines the origins of the Daleks' origin story and its extremely pivotal place in the lore of Doctor Who - old or new. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Probe - March 7. 1988

March 07, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.87 MB

It was a new sci-fi show that boasted, as one of its co-creators, one of literary sci-fi's all-time heavy hitters.  Sci-Fi 5 asks, with those kind of credentials, what happened to the 1988 series Probe? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Mass Effect 3 - March 6, 2012

March 06, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.6 MB

The Mass Effect video game franchise has indeed had a massive effect on modern gaming. Today's Sci-Fi 5 recounts how the release of Mass Effect 3 was greeted by controversies of both the real and manufactured varieties. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Jeremiah - March 3, 2002

March 03, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.82 MB

From its European comic origins to the next act in the career of Babylon 5's showrunner, Sci-Fi 5 reveals that nothing in Jeremiah's post-apocalyptic world was ever going to be easy. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

The Twilight Zone: To Serve Man - March 2, 1962

March 02, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MB

Not to make a meal of the issues, but Sci-Fi 5 has some truly tasty details about one of the most popular - and frequently quoted - Twilight Zone episodes in the history of the show... if you're hungry for that kind of trivia. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Matthew Comegys Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Crime Traveller - March 1, 1997

March 01, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MB

A police forensic scientist with a time machine. A detective trying to bring criminals to justice. In today's Sci-Fi 5, they fight crime and they fight time in the '90s British time travel drama, Crime Traveller. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Murray Gold - February 28, 1969

February 28, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.93 MB

When longtime collaborator Russell T. Davies became the showrunner of #DoctorWho, Murray Gold found himself along for the ride. Sci-Fi 5 finds out what else Gold has scored - and wonders if he'll be resuming his time travels. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Dark City - February 27, 1998

February 27, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.81 MB

Audiences may have passed up their chance to walk through the Dark City, but today's Sci-Fi 5 demonstrates that this didn't stop this 1998 movie from influencing later genre films. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Barry Bostwick - February 24, 1945

February 24, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.76 MB

If you're looking for a man of deeds, not words, look no further than today's Sci-Fi 5 and its tribute to star of Megaforce and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Barry Bostwick! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Superman & Lois - February 23, 2021

February 23, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.55 MB

The DC Comics-inspired "Arrowverse" shows spawned many a spinoff, but today's Sci-Fi 5 reveals how one such spinoff left the rest of the Arrowverse behind to put a bold spin on arguably DC's best known hero. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

A Trip To Mars - February 22, 1918

February 22, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.97 MB

A Danish sci-fi film from 1918 pioneered the "space opera" format that persists to this day. Hear the story of "A Trip to Mars" and its themes that left a legacy on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Fenton Queens Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Probe - February 21, 1972

February 21, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MB

It tried to bring superspy exploits up to date with recent space age technology (and alumni from Star Trek and other popular shows). Today's Sci-Fi 5 probes the question: why didn't Probe survive as a series called Search? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Generation X - February 20, 1996

February 20, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.99 MB

It could have hailed a new Marvel TV universe in the mid 1990s... but, as today's Sci-Fi 5 reveals, Fox's Generation X pilot-turned-movie was not the Marvel property that would take over the multimedia universe. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Jerry O'Connell - February 17, 1974

February 17, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MB

With family and co-star connections to the Star Trek franchise, it seemed like only a matter of time before Jerry O'Connell found himself on the final frontier. Sci-Fi 5 wishes a happy birthday to the voice of Lower Decks' Commander Ransom! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Mike Richards Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Ghost Rider - February 16, 2007

February 16, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.61 MB

He's the spirit of vengeance who looks like he rode in straight out of hell.  But despite Ghost Rider's success in comics, today's Sci-Fi 5 chronicles a bumpier ride for the character onto the big screen. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Isaiah Hardy Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Saturn 3 - February 15, 1980

February 15, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.02 MB

It's a familiar story: A-list talent in front of and behind the cameras, with the best intentions, somehow turns out a universally derided genre film. Today's Sci-Fi 5 explores what happened on the journey from page to stage for Saturn 3. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Pale Blue Dot - February 14, 1990

February 14, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MB

How far away can you get from home and still see it?  On this day in 1990, Voyager 1 looked back toward the planet it launched from and saw half a pixel. Today's Sci-Fi 5 recalls how even that was enough to inspire a whole new perspective. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. See Voyager 1's original "family photo". Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Dollhouse - February 13, 2009

February 13, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MB

In today's Sci-Fi 5, with the premiere of a new Joss Whedon creation on Fox in 2009, one might assume that everyone had learned from Firefly...or perhaps those experiences had been completely forgotten, as often happened in Dollhouse. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Jerry Goldsmith - February 10, 1929

February 10, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MB

You may know him as the composer behind the sound of the first Star Trek movie, but as today's Sci-Fi 5 demonstrates, there's so much more to Jerry Goldsmith's storied career than any one film score. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

The Winter Dragon - February 9, 2015

February 09, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.11 MB

Fans turned out in droves when The Wheel Of Time streaming series premiered in 2021. But only insomniacs might have noticed the quickly-produced 22-minute prelude, which premiered on this day in 2015. Today's Sci-Fi 5 unravels the connection between the two. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Mike Richards Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

John Williams - February 8, 1932

February 08, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.54 MB

He's provided the symphonic sounds that made Star Wars soar, made Harry Potter's magic real, and gave Jaws its bite. Today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the life and career of John Williams - who says he's not done yet. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Lower Decks - February 7, 1994

February 07, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MB

Star Trek isn't always just about the heroes. On this day in 1994, The Next Generation introduced us to "Lower Decks" which, decades later, would inspire "Star Trek: Lower Decks." Get the story on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Andrew and Owen Beal Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Jupiter Ascending - February 6, 2015

February 06, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.85 MB

With a studio asking them to create a new movie with franchise potential, the Wachowskis created the universe of Jupiter Ascending.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 explores why this film didn't catch on quite like their previous creation. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

STS-63 - February 3, 1995

February 03, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MB

It's easy to find a sci-fi story that involves two spacecraft docking.  But how easy is docking?  Sci-Fi 5 looks back at the historic first rendezvous of a U.S. space shuttle and a former Soviet space station to find out. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Brent Spiner - February 2, 1949

February 02, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MB

With his dedication to bringing his characters to life, Brent Spiner could have become a household name in almost any role. Today's Sci-Fi 5 explores how his star was rising even before a certain android was brought online. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Mulder & Scully Meet The Weremonster - February 1, 2016

February 01, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.8 MB

It was an atypically funny X-Files case with some familiar guest stars - and a story that was intended for another series years earlier. Today's Sci-Fi 5 recalls when Mulder and Scully met the Weremonster! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Paul Scheer - January 31, 1976

January 31, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.97 MB

Known best for his comedy and podcasting success stories, Paul Scheer is also the voice of characters in the Marvel and Star Trek universes.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates his life, laughs, and his career. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Earthbound - January 30, 1981

January 30, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5 MB

It had heartwarming family drama, comedy, some big names, and even a space monkey.  But today's Sci-Fi 5 asks: was that enough to make 1981's Earthbound noteworthy? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Frank Miller - January 27, 1957

January 27, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MB

His dissatisfaction with the comic book industry led him to revitalize that industry by cross-pollinating genres.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 pays tribute to Frank Miller. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Attraction - January 26, 2017

January 26, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.1 MB

A sci-fi thriller with a bit of everything - paranoia about invading aliens, romance, and a message.  Find out why the latter may not land the same way as it did at release as today's Sci-Fi 5 revisits Attraction. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Minutemen - January 25, 2008

January 25, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MB

It may not be on the tip of the tongues of fans of time travel adventures everywhere, but today's Sci-Fi 5 has some reasons why Minutemen is still worth a minute of your time - maybe quite a few minutes. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Mike Richards Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry

Daveed Diggs - January 24, 1982

January 24, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5 MB

His career may have suddenly exploded on stage as part of the cast of Hamilton, but today's Sci-Fi 5 reminds you that Daveed Diggs has genre cred too, from Snowpiercer to Star Trek and beyond! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Thundercats - January 23, 1985

January 23, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MB

From unlikely beginnings came an animated show (and, since it was the '80s, accompanying toy line) loved by many. Find out how Thundercats gained a major foothold in the '80s pop culture landscape, on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry