Sci-Fi 5 artwork

Sci-Fi 5

493 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year 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

Star Maidens - September 1, 1976

September 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MB

Much 1970s sci-fi on TV tried to address the "battle of the sexes"; but this short-lived European series tried to do so with tongue firmly in cheek...and scripts from an all-male writing staff.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 tells the odd tale of the Star Maidens. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Dee Bradley Baker - August 31, 1962

August 31, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.56 MB

He's been the voice of so many Clone Troopers (including the Bad Batch), countless other animated characters, and even Star Trek: Prodigy's own Murf!  Learn more about Dee Bradley Baker in today's Sci-Fi 5. 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

Mary Shelley - August 30, 1797

August 30, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.51 MB

Whether or not Mary Shelley is the first woman to write science fiction, what can't be disputed is that she wrote one for the ages in the form of "Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus".  Learn more about this trailblazing author in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Dwarves Assemble! - August 29, 2013

August 29, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.74 MB

Not content simply to be an icon on '80s and '90s sci-fi and fantasy films, Warwick Davis had a hand in nearly every aspect of the internet series "Dwarves Assemble".  Find out more in today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

M.A.N.T.I.S.: The Series - August 26, 1994

August 26, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MB

It started with a promising pilot movie that wasn't expected to lead to a series...until the ratings demanded a series. On today's Sci-Fi 5, find out what happened when Fox's M.A.N.T.I.S. went weekly. 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

The Invisible Man vs. The Human Fly - August 25, 1957

August 25, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.24 MB

Some movies are just about the Invisible Man. Other movies are just about a guy who turns into a fly. But as today's Sci-Fi 5 proves, only one movie was bold enough to give audiences both! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Fantastic Voyage - August 24, 1966

August 24, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.07 MB

At the time of its release, it was billed as the most expensive science fiction movie ever made.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 puts Fantastic Voyage under the microscope. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Robert Fletcher - August 23, 1922

August 23, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.51 MB

How well do you know the "monster maroon?" Legendary costume designer Robert Fletcher would have turned 100 today. Hear the story of his career and the indelible mark he left on Star Trek history on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Cooley Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Ray Bradbury - August 22, 1920

August 22, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MB

One of the undisputed masters of fantastic fiction, Ray Bradbury said he was "given a future" by someone who later turned up in his stories.  This tale and more about one of the masters of science fiction in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Jonathan Frakes - August 19, 1952

August 19, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MB

As both actor and director, Jonathan Frakes has been in command of many of Star Trek series - and many others outside the franchise too.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 raises a glass to Number One himself. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashely Thomas  Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Homunculus - August 18, 1916

August 18, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MB

It would probably be considered one of the formative films in either the science fiction or horror genres...except that it's been lost for nearly a century.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 tells you why Homunculus may be making a partial comeback soon. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers  Music by Devin Curry

The Time Machine - August 17, 1960

August 17, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.12 MB

When did George Pal's "The Time Machine" premiere exactly?  As it turns out, several times, appropriately enough for an acclaimed time travel movie.  Learn more about the premiere date(s) and the critics' reaction in today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion  Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Stargate SG-1 picked up by Sci-Fi Channel - August 16, 2001

August 16, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.69 MB

Stop us if you've heard this one before: a popular sci-fi show is prematurely cancelled by a network, leaving millions of fans unhappy. On this day in 2001, "Stargate SG-1" fans got a new reason to smile when Sci Fi resurrected their favorite show. Hear the story on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashely Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Event Horizon - August 15, 1997

August 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.1 MB

In the summer of 1997, Paramount gambled on releasing a sci-fi horror movie that was rushed into post-production while James Cameron took his time to finish "Titanic." Find out how "Event Horizon" fared then, and now, on today's Sci-Fi 5!  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

Bruce Greenwood - August 12, 1956

August 12, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.72 MB

Before he was Captain Pike, Bruce Greenwood took up a residency at St. Elsewhere. Before that, he was in a rock band, and before that he was an aspiring pro skier. Hear what else Bruce is up to as Sci-Fi 5 celebrated the actor's birthday. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn  Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Marvel's "What If" Premiere - August 11, 2021

August 11, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MB

"What If...?" premiered one year ago today as the MCU's first animated series. Based on the comic book of the same name, it boldly rewrites some of Marvel's best-known stories with endless possibilities. Hear the background and what's next on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashely Thomas  Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Jeff Corey - August 10, 1914

August 10, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.51 MB

His promising career survived an interruption by World War II, only to be brought to a halt by the 1950s red scare.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 looks back on the life of legendary actor and director Jeff Corey. 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 Abyss - August 9, 1989

August 09, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.69 MB

On this day in 1989, James Cameron's "The Abyss" was released to underwhelmed audiences and critics alike. What they likely didn't know was just how tortuous it was to make and that it would become a kind of classic in due time. 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

Dino di Laurentiis - August 8, 1919

August 08, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MB

His string of hit movies is the stuff of legends, and he kickstarted the careers of many a genre favorite director and actor.  But who was Dino di Laurentiis?  Sci-Fi 5 looks back at his formidable filmmaking legacy and his unique style. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Daleks Invasion of Earth- August 5, 2150 AD

August 05, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.65 MB

If it worked on the small screen, bring it to the big screen - it's time-honored showbiz wisdom.  Terry Nation, creator of Doctor Who's Daleks, was in a position to do that more literally than most.  Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. looms ahead in today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn  Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry  

B5 Crusade episode "Racing The Night" - August 4, 1999

August 04, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MB

With Earth struggling to survive a deadly virus, the crew of the Excalibur are forced to travel space in hopes of finding a cure. Or maybe that was a different team, who knows. Uncover the truth behind Crusade and much more on today's episode of Sci-Fi 5.  Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green  Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

The Philadelphia Experiment - August 3, 1984

August 03, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.52 MB

It started as an urban legend about a top-secret military experiment, and it became a movie about a top-secret military experiment.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 uncovers why The Philadelphia Experiment left theaters in record time. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Wah Chang - August 2, 1917

August 02, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.26 MB

Born today in 1917, artist, painter, prop-maker, designer Wah Ming Chang created some of the most recognizable sci-fi hardware in modern history. So why does his name never appear in Star Trek's credits? Find out on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Cooley Hosted by Norman Lao Music by Devin Curry  

The Omega Man - August 1, 1970

August 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.54 MB

Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" got its second film adaptation with "The Omega Man," released on August 1, 1971. Find out what the movies get right, and get wrong, about Matheson's dark apocalyptic tale on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Tom Kozak  Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry  

Ace Of Wands series premiere - July 29, 1970

July 29, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.72 MB

A groovy mage fighting crime... sign me up! Ace of Wands might have only been on the air for a few years, but the impact it had on UK television even rivaled Dr. Who for a time. Find the magic behind the curtain on today's episode of Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green  Hosted by Kim Horcher  Music by Devin Curry      

Peter Cullen - July 28, 1941

July 28, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.64 MB

Peter Cullen's voice is synonymous with some of the best-loved characters in the popular culture, including a few you may not know about. Celebrate his birthday with us on today's show and find out which character is Cullen's favorite!  Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Doctor Who minisode: Music Of The Spheres - July 27, 2008

July 27, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.98 MB

What sound do planets make? Back in 2008, the team behind Dr. Who wished to answer that very question and created a minisode titled: Music of the Spheres. To find out what the sounds of the universe might be, tune in to today's episode of Sci-fi 5.  Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn  Hosted by Roberto Lewis  Music by Devin Curry

Stanley Kubrick - July 26, 1928 (Ft. Raymond Benson)

July 26, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.82 MB

Today's Sci-Fi 5 looks back at the immensely influential filmmaker career of Stanley Kubrick, with special guest and film historian Raymond Benson focusing on the genre-defining "2001: A Space Odyssey". Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinki  Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi  Music by Devin Curry

Viking 1 takes the famous Face on Mars photo - July 25, 1976

July 25, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.65 MB

Mere days after making history by sending the successful Viking 1 lander to the Martian surface, the Viking 1 orbiter took a photo that would ignite the imagination of UFO theorists for decades to come. Today's Sci-Fi 5 stares into the "Face" on Mars. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton  Hosted by Earl Green  Music by Devin Curry

Lightspeed - July 22, 2006

July 22, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.95 MB

Need a new made-for-TV superhero? Why not ask one of the names behind many of Marvel's characters to create him for you?  Today's Sci-Fi 5 reveals that Stan Lee's byline may have been one of Lightspeed's few redeeming qualities. 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

Mission: Genesis series premiere - July 21, 1997

July 21, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MB

Scraped together with a limited budget and a dream, Mission: Genesis is an intriguing case study of what works and doesn't with sci-fi television. Join us as we cover the highs and lows of the Sci-Fi channel's first original series on today's Sci-Fi 5.  Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn  Hosted by Earl Green  Music by Devin Curry

Frankenstein 1970 - July 20, 1958

July 20, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.98 MB

It was Boris Karloff's return to the franchise that made him famous, reinvented for the post-war movie-going audience. On this day in 1958, "Frankenstein 1970" resurrected Mary Shelley's creation with a modern spin, and Sci-Fi 5 has the story. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Max Fleischer - July 19, 1883

July 19, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MB

From a flirty flapper to the man of steel, artist and innovator Max Fleischer left his mark on the field of animation. On his 139th birthday, Sci-Fi 5 looks back at Fleischer's life and influences that still influence the industry today. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis  Music by Devin Curry

The Quatermass Experiment - July 18, 1953

July 18, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.9 MB

Quartermass' team of experts took flight to become the 1st humans in space. While in space, the team is sent off course, forcing a crash landing and leaving the crew decimated. What horrors did they face while up there? Find out on today's Sci-Fi 5.   Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Kim Horcher  Music by Devin Curry

Apollo-Soyuz launched - July 15, 1975

July 15, 2022 18:30 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MB

Despite the US and USSR's Cold War in full effect, a moment of peace was forged through a surprising joint space operation: Apollo Soyuz. What inspired this mission, how did the two giants get along, and why whiskey? All this and more on today's Sci-Fi 5.  Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green  Hosted by Music by Devin Curry

Muppets From Space - July 14, 1999

July 14, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.89 MB

Unlike previous Muppet films, Muppets From Space focuses on Gonzo, a strange blue-furred alien from outer space, as he tries to find his way home. Who will he meet along the way? Will anyone listen to an alien? Find out this and more on today's Sci-Fi 5!  Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

Harrison Ford - July 13, 1942

July 13, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.8 MB

From his humble beginnings as a radio host and carpenter to his immensely popular roles in Star Wars, Blade Runner, and Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford is a truly fascinating character. Unveil the mystery behind this action icon on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Explorers - July 12, 1985

July 12, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.11 MB

Today's Sci-Fi 5 re-examines the making of a quiet standout in the heyday of family-oriented sci-fi adventure movies, Joe Dante's Explorers. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Greg Grunberg - July 11, 1966

July 11, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MB

Here's a familiar face in genre film and TV, especially if you've been following the works of a particularly prominent producer.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the life, career, and charitable contributions of actor Greg Grunberg. 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

Doctor Who: "Doomsday" - July 8, 2006

July 08, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MB

As Rose petals blossom so too do their thorns. With a romance, a war between aliens, and a season finale occurring all at the same time, tune in to hear all about this bitter-sweet ending on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn  Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi  Music by Devin Curry

Billy Campbell born - July 7, 1959

July 07, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MB

Happy birthday to Billy Campbell - the one-time "Outrageous Okona," who flew onto the big screen as "The Rocketeer." Find out what else he's up to and how he's a part of the next generation Rocketeer story on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage  Hosted by Earl Green  Music by Devin Curry

Star Cops premieres on BBC2 - July 6, 1987

July 06, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MB

During a time when Sci-Fi shows were on the brink of being cut from British television, one show stood as a beacon of hope for the scene, Star Cops. Find out all about the show's creation, rise, and fall into obscurity on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis  Music by Devin Curry

Roswell UFO incident - July 5, 1947

July 05, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.75 MB

It was 45 years ago today that mysterious debris was found on a ranch near Roswell, NM, kicking off popular speculation about visitors from another world. Just how many aliens crashed in the desert southwest? Find out on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinki Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Mars Pathfinder Lands - July 4, 1997

July 04, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.81 MB

It was the mission that sent NASA's robotic explorers to Mars for the first time in two decades, relying on a new landing method and revolutionizing the public's interaction with the space program.  Today's Sci-Fi 5 remembers Mars Pathfinder. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

The final end of the Daleks - July 1, 1967

July 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.29 MB

It was meant to be the episode that wrote the Daleks out of Doctor Who forever. Wait, why would anyone write the Daleks out of Doctor Who forever? Learn what was behind the secret extermination plan on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry

Judge Dredd - June 30, 1995

June 30, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.5 MB

Judge... Jury... Executioner. Ride along with us as we go over the comic book origin, star-studded cast and fluctuating success of the film: Judge Dredd, on today's Sci-Fi 5. 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

Ray Harryhausen - June 29, 1920

June 29, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.14 MB

His childhood imagination sparked by some of the earliest masters of cinematic special effects, could Ray Harryhausen have aspired to any other career?  Today's Sci-Fi 5 gets Kraken on the legendary stop-motion animator's history. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry

Blade TV series - June 28, 2006

June 28, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.96 MB

Blade was successful enough to launch theatrical sequels but didn't fare quite as well on TV. You missed its entire three month run starting on this day in 2006? Find out what critics and audiences said on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry

WALL-E - June 27, 2008

June 27, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.35 MB

Whether you thought it was overmerchandised or underappreciated, Pixar's WALL-E premiered on this day in 2008, and today's Sci-Fi 5 looks back at its high-concept genre elements and, to coin a phrase, its morals, messages, and meanings. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry

Spaceballs - June 24, 1987

June 24, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MB

Mel Brooks' epic sci-fi parody became one of his biggest hits despite the critics. Released on this day in 1987, "Spaceballs" got George Lucas' cooperation in every way but one. Find out what that is on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers  Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry