Sci-Fi 5
493 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 2 ratingsYour 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
Supertrain - February 7, 1979
February 07, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.89 MBIt was meant to be NBC's centerpiece - a romantic comedy to compete with "The Love Boat." Find out how "Supertrain" bombed with the audience and nearly took down an entire network in the process - today on Sci-Fi 5! 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
George A. Romero - February 4, 1940
February 04, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.88 MBHorror maestro George A. Romero was born on this day in 1940. While he's best known for popularizing an entire genre of filmmaking about zombies, his start was something far different: a short film for Mr. Rogers. Hear the 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 Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Warwick Davis - February 3, 1970
February 03, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.74 MBHis first brush with stardom came when he lived every kid's dream - working on a Star Wars movie. Since then, Warwick Davis holds the distinction of being the most bankable supporting actor in film history. Celebrate his birthday on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
Bitter Suite - February 2, 1998
February 02, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MBIt was a bold move by the producers of "Xena: Warrior Princess" - heighten the drama with... a musical! The third-season "Bitter Suite" was a standout episode that delighted fans and set a precedent for other genre shows. Hear the story 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
Bill Mumy - February 1, 1954
February 01, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.61 MBIt's hard to boil down Bill Mumy's career - from Barnes & Barnes to Babylon 5, he has been a part of the pop-culture since before he was in first grade. Celebrate his birthday with Sci-Fi 5, unless you end up in the corn field. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Eliminators - January 31, 1986
January 31, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.78 MBIt was a movie designed to gain a foothold in the family entertainment market for a studio renowned for madcap horror movies...and whether you've heard of it or not, Eliminators has a surprising amount of influence on later media. Find out more in 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
The Man With Nine Lives - January 28, 1979
January 28, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.48 MBA mid-season episode of a glitzy disco-era sci-fi series seems like the last place you'd expect to find Hollywood royalty, and yet it was on this day in 1979 that Fred Astaire guest starred on Battlestar Galactica. Find out why he took on this series in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Norman C. Lao Music by Devin Curry
Resident Alien - January 27, 2021
January 27, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.17 MBTranslating an offbeat comic book to the screen is a challenge, and Resident Alien - which premiered on this day last year - underwent a few changes, mostly to highly the talents of its fan-favorite star. Find out what this unusual series is about in 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
Plague - January 26, 1979
January 26, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.65 MBFast-spreading contagious diseases aren't just for the nightly news! In 1979, the Canadian movie "Plague" predicted, with eery accuracy, how we'd react to a global pandemic. That was just one of many fictional takes that hit too close to reality. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
City Beneath the Sea - January 25, 1971
January 25, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBIrwin Allen had a string of TV hits in the 1960s, and he was ready to dazzle the networks again with a sci-fi spectacular to replace Star Trek. In 1971, NBC aired "City Beneath the Sea," and it quickly sank. Hear the story on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Ernest Borgnine - January 24, 1917
January 24, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.64 MBHis acting career started later than most of his contemporaries, but Ernest Borgnine played an astonishing number of roles over the years, including more sci-fi parts than you may remember. Born on this day in 1917, Borgnine is the focus of 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
DC's Legends of Tomorrow - January 21, 2016
January 21, 2022 08:57 - 5 minutes - 5.8 MBThe Marvel universe is known for a tightly integrated slate of characters and stories, then DC came along and said, "hold my cape." DC's "Legends of Tomorrow" turned that convention upside down in a show called "the Justice League meets Doctor Who." Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Salvage One - January 20, 1979
January 20, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIn the days before billionaires launching themselves into space, the thought of inventive, resourceful people doing home-grown spaceflight was pure science fiction. Sci-Fi 5 revisits the Andy Griffith vehicle Salvage One, which premiered on this day in 1979. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Tremors - January 19, 1990
January 19, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.53 MBThey came from below, and found themselves up against a cast straight out of sitcoms, Nashville, and, yes, every degree of Kevin Bacon as Tremors kicked off an entire genre franchise on this day in 1990. 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
Robert Anton Wilson - January 18, 1932
January 18, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.08 MBHe was a sci-fi writer steeped in '60s counterculture. Then he decided to turn the counterculture on its head by weaving outlandish conspiracy tales with pointed social critique along the way. Robert Anton Wilson's story, today on 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
The Electric Grandmother - January 17, 1982
January 17, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBRay Brandbury retooled one of his Twilight Zone scripts for a 1982 TV movie that entertained and seriously creeped-out kids in the audience. Hear the story from Whitman to Serling to "The Electric Grandmother" which premiered on this day in 1982. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
The Bionic Woman - January 14, 1976
January 14, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.21 MBIt was the show that wasn't supposed to happen, but audiences fell in love with Jamie Sommers on "The Six Million Dollar Man" and demanded more. On this day in 1976, "The Bionic Woman" came back from the dead. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. For more Bionic stories, follow The OSI Files on Facebook. Written and hosted by John S. Drew Music by Devin Curry
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - January 13, 2008
January 13, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBThe Sarah Connor Chronicles premiered on January 13, 2008 and never quite got the recognition it deserved, leading to an early cancellation. Today we look back at what made the show a worthy entry into the Terminator saga. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi
The Squire Of Gothos - January 12, 1967
January 12, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBAn on-the-nose anti-war statement in a sixties episode of Star Trek may have inadvertently spawned a long-running enemy who would take cues from Trelaine in harassing future Starfleet crews. The origins of The Squire Of Gothos, on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Holly Amos Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Hyperdrive - January 11, 2006
January 11, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.55 MBWith TV sci-fi's sophistication steadily growing, the BBC commissioned a new genre workplace comedy to fill the gap left by an audience favorite. Find out how an evolving cast kicked into Hyperdrive on today's Sci-Fi 5! 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
Batman Beyond - January 10, 1999
January 10, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.51 MBIt was a bold new take on the Batman mythos for a younger audience, while still being dark and pulling few of its dramatic punches. The story of how Batman Beyond came to be, 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
Alien Worlds - January 7, 1979
January 07, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.35 MBScience fiction was having its great renaissance in the late 1970s (hello, Star Wars...), and producers were looking for the next epic story to produce. It was the perfect time for a revival of the classic radio drama, and Alien Worlds fit the bill when it premiered on this day in 1979. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Rowan Atkinson - January 6, 1955
January 06, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.62 MBHis screen career has seen him serving on Her Majesty's Secret Service - well, sort of - and at the controls of the TARDIS. But who else has actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson "Bean" in his career? Find out 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
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - January 5, 1981
January 05, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.76 MBWhile Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy was still in production as a radio series, the BBC decided it wanted a TV version as well. The choices to be made along the way - animated or live action, laugh track or no - were just part of this ambitious project, as told 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
Babylon 5: In The Beginning - January 4, 1998
January 04, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.57 MBTNT's last-minute rescue of Babylon 5 from its failing syndication package meant that the series' much-lauded five-year pre-planned storyline might be completed, but TNT also wanted to make sure a new audience could catch up "In The Beginning" before the story's end, on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Norman C. Lao Music by Devin Curry
Space Vampire - January 3, 1980
January 03, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIt was January when Buck Rogers aired its Halloween episode, but audiences hardly forgot the over-the-top portrayal of a "Space Vampire" who had quite an effect on Col. Wilma Deering. Hear the story behind the story on todays' Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion and Earl Green Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
The Prisoner: Living In Harmony - December 31, 1967
December 31, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBWhat happens when you take an already-atypical genre TV series and then drop an episode into it that's atypical even for that show? That's how The Prisoner found himself Living In Harmony on the last day of 1967. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
The Zanti Misfits - December 30, 1963
December 30, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBThe were creepy, and weird, and oh-so memorable. On this day in 1963, "The Zanti Misfits" landed in an iconic episode of The Outer Limits. The effects masters who brought them to life went on to fame of their own as we cover on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
K-9 and Company - December 29, 1981
December 29, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBSpinning off popular characters from TV shows is nothing new, and in 1981 Doctor Who spun off two companions who resonated with the fans: Sarah Jane Smith and the plucky robot wonder-dog K-9. The pilot aired once, and the series was never picked up, but don't let it be said that an old dog can't be taught new tricks. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Nichelle Nichols - December 28, 1932
December 28, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.26 MBThe face and voice of Star Trek's Lt. Uhura has had a storied career, which included helping other begin very real journeys into space. Celebrate the life and career of Nichelle Nichols on today's Sci-Fi 5! 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
Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere - December 27, 1951
December 27, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.72 MBThe first American sci-fi TV hero to make the jump to the big screen did so today in 1951. Join us once again, Video Rangers, for Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere, on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea - December 24, 1916
December 24, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.4 MBDecades before Disney's colorful interpretation of the Jules Verne classic, it made for another cinematic spectacle in another age...even if it left a lot of the original story on the cutting room floor. Dive into 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea - again! - on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Norman C. Lao Music by Devin Curry
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea - December 23, 1954
December 23, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.04 MBIt brought Jules Verne's classic tale to the big screen with some impressive production values and a budget that put the studio releasing it at risk. Dive into 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea on today's Sci-Fi 5. 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
Quatermass And The Pit - December 22, 1958
December 22, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.24 MBIt was a trendsetting production from the classic era of formative British TV science fiction, but it was also trying to make a serious point about a growing social ill. Join us as we climb into Quatermass And The Pit on 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
The Black Hole - December 21, 1979
December 21, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBDisney's fanciful sci-fi epic was in development so long that its original conception hailed from a different era of movie-making than the post-Star-Wars era into which it debuted. Return with us to 1979 and the premiere of The Black Hole on today's Sci-Fi 5. 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
Star Wars: The Old Republic - December 20, 2011
December 20, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.65 MBCelebrating ten years of the biggest Star Wars MMORPG, we look back (and ahead) at "The Old Republic" and these stories that pre-date "a long time ago..." slide into the bigger canon. Sith or Galactic Republic, choose your side 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
The Dark Crystal - December 17, 1982
December 17, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.18 MBWhen "The Dark Crystal" premiered on this day in 1982, audiences weren't sure if it was a Muppet movie for kids or a serious, dark fantasy. It was both, and it had its roots in Saturday Night Live. Get the story on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Arthur C. Clarke - December 16, 1917
December 16, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.99 MBWith an eye for the places where science fiction and fact converge, Arthur C. Clarke emerged as one of the top authors of the genre in the 20th century. On his 104th birthday, we look back at the friendly rivalry that made him "second best." Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
The Time Warrior - December 15, 1973
December 15, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBThe Sontarans: those war-mongering potato-headed enemies of the Doctor. They made their debut on this day in 1973, and today we give you the full story on their origin and legacy and even how they, uh, make more Sontarans. 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
Dune - December 14, 1984
December 14, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.53 MBBringing Frank Herbert's "Dune" to the screen was a massive undertaking 14 years in the making and passed through the hands of many talented directors. That may have been what ultimately doomed the film. Get the story on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Norman Lao Music by Devin Curry
Mars Attacks - December 13, 1996
December 13, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.69 MBThey came to destroy the Earth - first as a set of trading cards, then as a star-studded film directed by Tim Burton. "Mars Attacks" on this day in 1996, and we have the story on today's ack ack ack ack ack! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Superman - December 10, 1978
December 10, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBIt was years in the making, and on this day in 1978, "Superman" got the big-screen treatment he deserved at a star-studded premiere in Washington D.C. When audiences believed a man could fly - 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
Dr. Englebart's Demo - December 9, 1968
December 09, 2021 16:15 - 5 minutes - 5.04 MBThe graphical user interface of your computer is older than you probably think. On this day in 1968, Dr. Englebart showed off a bit of the future to and audience of the Joint Computer Conference. Hear the story on today's podcast. Watch the "Mother of All Demos" Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Georges Melies - December 8, 1861
December 08, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBHe was a magician and theatrical illusionist who embraced the new technology of film and, in doing so, revolutionized an industry and paved the way for every science-fiction film made since. Hear the story of George Melies who was born on this day in 1861. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Akatsuki - December 7, 2015
December 07, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MBFor five long years, the team behind the Akatsuki space probe waited. The probe intended for Venus had malfunctioned and ended up in the sun's orbit. Patience and clever thinking paid off though, and on this day in 2015, the little probe that could, finally did. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Star Trek: The Motion Picture premiere - December 6, 1979
December 06, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.22 MBTen years after Star Trek aired its last episode, The Motion Picture was a reality. A premiere audience gathered for the highly-anticipated, still incomplete, film along with a gala at one of the Smithsonian's crown jewels. Get a taste of the off-screen drama in today's episode. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Frank Herbert's Dune - December 3, 2000
December 03, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MBThe path to film Frank Herbert's epic "Dune" is studded with successes and failures along the way. Then there was the Sci-Fi Channel attempt at a "Dune" mini-series that debuted this day in 2000, co-produced by a greeting card company. We'll look at what got the novels to the small-screen on today's Sc-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
Star Trek comic strip - December 2, 1979
December 02, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.55 MBStar Trek stories made the transition from TV to comic books to novels to animation, but on December 2, 1979, the crew of the Enterprise started a new voyage on the daily pages of newspapers in their own comic strip. Hear all about it on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Holly Amos Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry Promotional consideration - Eaglemoss
The Green Slime - December 1, 1968
December 01, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.71 MBThe name says it all. "The Green Slime" premiered on December 1, 1968, and its groovy-international-psychedelic-pop style became an instant cult classic. Something screaming 'cross your mind? Green slime... on today's Sci-Fi 5. The Green Slime theme song! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom - November 30, 1983
November 30, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBThe video game that tied in with the hit "Buck Rogers" TV show was, unfortunately, released a couple of years after the series' unceremonious cancelation. It did alright but failed to launch a new Buck franchise. Hear the story on today's show. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry Supporting the Hollywood Food Coalition