Sci-Fi 5
540 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 26 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
Orson Welles - May 6, 1915
May 06, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MBHe was an actor, producer, director, writer... and one of the pioneers of science-fiction storytelling in mass media. Orson Welles was born on May 6, 1915, and he left behind a body of work that, to this day, lives in legend. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Delia Derbyshire - May 5, 1937
May 05, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.72 MBIf you've ever heard the haunting, futuristic theme from Doctor Who, you've probably wondered how it was produced. Meet the creative genius behind those electronic sounds, Delia Derbyshire, who was born on May 5, 1937 and defined a music genre a full decade before the digital synthesizer existed. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Star Wars Day - May 4, 2013
May 04, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.94 MBOn this day in 2013, The Walt Disney Company officially recognized May 4th as "Star Wars Day." While it may not have coincided with Star Wars releases until the premiere of "The Bad Batch" on Disney+ in 2021, fans and Star Wars marketers have taken to the holiday like the Millennium Falcon stuck to a Star Destroyer. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
F.R.E.D.I. - May 3, 2018
May 03, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.07 MBIf you're looking for a feel-good, family sci-fi film, F.R.E.D.I. might do the trick. It's about a boy who befriends an artificial intelligence that he then has to shield from nefarious government types. What's unique about the film's release on May 3, 2018 is where it happened - at a film festival you've probably never heard of but with some big aspirations. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
The Tomorrow People - April 30, 1973
April 30, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.84 MBDon't be a sap. Learn about the next stage in human evolution, known as "The Tomorrow People," which premiered on April 30, 1973. Complete with telekinetic powers and sentient computers, the kids of this British children's TV series slipped subversive messages into a show that proved to have staying power long after cancelation. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - April 29, 2005
April 29, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.74 MBAfter nearly three decades in "development hell," Douglas Adams' popular science-fiction comedy was ready to come to the big screen. With an amazing cast and years of fan loyalty built around the franchise, it was sure to be a hit. Find out what happened on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Madge Sinclair - April 28, 1938
April 28, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.72 MBFrom a starship captain to the Queen of Zamunda, Madge Sinclair had a powerful on-screen presence. Born on April 28, 1938, Sinclair moved from Jamaica to New York to pursue work as a model and actress, making history in her new career as one of Star Trek's firsts. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Godzilla - King of the Monsters - April 27, 1956
April 27, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.74 MBHe's mean, lean, and green, and while Godzilla has made a number of comebacks in the past eight decades, like all great characters he's got an epic origin story. Hear the tale of bringing Japanese "Gojira" to American audiences for the first time with "Godzilla - King of the Monsters" which was released on April 27, 1956. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Time Express - April 26, 1979
April 26, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBIt's a train that's also a time machine! Before you can say "Eastwood Ravine," get acquainted with the all-star cast and crew who brought "Time Express" to TV screens on April 26, 1979. Vincent Price himself led something that was akin to "The Love Boat" meets "The Twilight Zone," but neither time nor the network was not on this show's side. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Planet Earth - April 23, 1974
April 23, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MBIf Gene Roddenberry learned anything from getting Star Trek off the ground it was the lesson that a "no" in Hollywood could sometimes lead to a second chance. "Genesis II" had come and gone without a series pick-up, but the Dylan Hunt character would be revived in a new show called "Planet Earth" that premiered on CBS television on April 23, 1974. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
The New York World's Fair - April 22, 1964
April 22, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.18 MBA world's fair with lasting impact on our vision of the future opened on April 22, 1964. We'll go back in time to New York to meet a master storyteller and get a sense of the exhibits that sold post-war America on the progress that was in front of them. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Caprica - April 21, 2009
April 21, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBDo Cylons dream of electric sheep? After Battlestar Galactica's breakout success, producer Ronald D. Moore set out to give audiences a richly developed backstory for the cybernetic villains. On April 21, 2009, the pilot "Caprica" was released on DVD, but everyone had to wait nearly a year for the rest of the story to unfold. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
George Takei - April 20, 1937
April 20, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBWhile Star Trek fans know him as Mr. Sulu, actor George Takei has made a name for himself as a political activist and rights advocate. Celebrating his birthday today, we'll look at the formative influences that have made Takei a hero on the bridge of the Enterprise and in the real world. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Tim Curry - April 19, 1946
April 19, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.62 MBVersatile and beloved actor Tim Curry was born on April 19, 1946. We'll examine his career, the difficult relationship Curry has had with some of this roles, and why audiences can't seem to get enough of him. So come up to the lab, and see what's on the slab... Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Artwork courtesy Thomas Autumn Photography.
Survivors - April 16, 1975
April 16, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBAfter creating the Daleks (but before creating Blake's 7), Terry Nation produced a series for the BBC about people... surviving. It was called "Survivors," and it premiered on April 16, 1975. Find out what happens when the world's population is decimated from a pandemic and everything has to be made again from scratch. Even candles. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Star Wars Question and Answer Book About Space - April 15, 1979
April 15, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.9 MBThe first generation of Star Wars fans had their imaginations fired up for space travel and robotics with their favorite movie. In April of 1979, C-3PO and R2-D2 became the stars and teachers in a real-world science book that challenged kids with complex ideas about gravity, lasers, space exploration and the vastness of our galaxy. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Peter Capaldi - April 14, 1958
April 14, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBEvery regeneration of the Doctor brings along unique personality traits and stories that fit the strengths of the new character. In 2013, Peter Capaldi (born on April 14, 1958) stepped into Doctor Who and brought along a whole new way to explore the Doctor's empathy toward others. We'll find out what made him so appealing in today's show! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Lost in Space - April 13, 2018
April 13, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.84 MBSo many 1960s sci-fi properties, so many reboots. When it comes to Lost in Space, we seem determined to not leave the space family Robinson languishing in fandom of the past. The most recent incarnation, and the one that seems to have stuck, got its start on Netflix on April 13, 2018. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
STS-1 Space Shuttle Columbia - April 12, 1981
April 12, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MBAstronauts John Young and Robert Crippen boldly pioneered NASA's space shuttle program when they sat aboard the Columbia orbiter on April 12, 1981 - the first launch of a complete (and untested!) reusable spacecraft system. Movie fans may have already been familiar with how it would all work though, as we'll explore in this intersection of science fiction and science fact. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Marty Krofft - April 9, 1937
April 09, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.3 MBToday we celebrate the birthday of Marty Krofft, one half of an enduring and distinctive producing partnership with his brother Sid. The Krofft's filled Saturday morning TV with live-action fantasy and adventure as well as science fiction in just part of their storied careers. Hear all about it in today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
General Grievous - April 8, 2004
April 08, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MBWho's the birthday boy wielding four lightsabers simultaneously along with his wheezing cough? It's none other than the breakout cyborg star of Star Wars: Clone Wars who made the leap from the small to the big screen. General Grievous made his big debut on April 8, 2004. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Mobile Suit Gundam - April 7, 1979
April 07, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MBPremiering on this day in 1979, Mobile Suit Gundam was the birth of a special kind of Japanese giant robot genre. An ordinary kid finds a giant prototype robot suit and ends up as Earth's protector - then launched sequels and toy lines that flourish to this day! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Billy Dee Williams - April 6, 1937
April 06, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.74 MBAn actor so cool he could have played Han Solo (he auditioned for it), but ended up playing the equally cool Lando Calrissian. We're celebrating Billy Dee Williams, born on April 6, 1937, and in today's show we'll tell you all about this talented actor, music patron and painter! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Project Yellow Sphere - April 5, 2012
April 05, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBIt's the dark, gritty origin story you didn't know you needed. Meet the Polymorphic Autonomous Compound Manipulator - Pac-Man for short. That was the premise of a short fan-film that made its debut on this day in 2012. What is Pac-Man's purpose? And where does the project go from here? Find out on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
2001: A Space Odyssey - April 2, 1968
April 02, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MBIt's only one of the most famous, most influential films in history, and it premiered 53 years ago on April 2, 1968. Find out how the collaboration between Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey, started with a simple letter. Want to make a "really good" science-fiction movie? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
On Basilisk Station - April 1, 1993
April 01, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBOn April 1, 1993 science fiction readers were introduced to Commander Honor Harrington in David Weber's "On Basilisk Station." The military adventure storylines fused with political drama spawned a series of follow-up novels, spin-offs and short stories. Find out what's next for Harrington and our love of six-legged treecats in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
The Matrix - March 31, 1999
March 31, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.57 MBThe pitch meeting must have been interesting. It's martial arts with "wire-fu" and cutting edge special effects but placed in a virtual world that challenges the audience's very grasp of reality. On this day in 1999, The Matrix broke new artistic ground and changed science-fiction filmmaking for a generation. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Maurice LaMarche - March 30, 1958
March 30, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 7.04 MBWe're celebrating the birthday of one of the world's top voice actors and impressionists today: Maurice LaMarche, born on March 30th, 1958. LaMarche may be best known for his spot-on Orson Welles or his many voices on "Futurama," but his early impression of Christopher Lloyd as Reverend Jim as Commander Kruge from Star Trek III showed us his true Trek cred. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Assignment Earth - March 29, 1967
March 29, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.37 MBWhen is a TV episode not just another episode? When it's actually a "backdoor" pilot meant to launch a brand new series of its own. Get the inside scoop of the Roddenberry series that never was, "Assignment Earth," with a time-traveler and his companion from Trekspert Larry Nemecek on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Doctor Who Returns - March 26, 2005
March 26, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 7.02 MBAs a Time Lord, the Doctor has had many regenerations. What was the longest-running science-fiction series already was reborn on March 26, 2005 when "Doctor Who" premiered for a whole new audience. How would the old guard accept this newcomer? Find out in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Sylvia Anderson - March 25, 1927
March 25, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.75 MBOne of the powerful forces behind British science fiction of the 1960s and '70s was Sylvia Anderson, born on March 25, 1967. Hear the story of her contributions, behind the camera and behind the microphone, on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Terraforming Venus - March 24, 1961
March 24, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBAn up-and-coming young scientist named Carl Sagan made a bold proposal in the March 24, 1961 issue of Science magazine - that we could terraform Venus as a second Earth. His plans met with a few troubling details which leave this project in the realm of science-fiction... for now. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Errand of Mercy - March 23, 1967
March 23, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.08 MBThe Star Trek universe got a little bigger on March 23, 1967 when "Errand of Mercy" premiered and introduced fans to the first Klingons. Who better to tell the story than L'Rell herself, Mother of the Klingon Empire, Mary Chieffo! Hear how the Klingons came to be and how they evolved of the years in an honorable Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history!
Man Will Conquer Space Soon - March 22, 1952
March 22, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBIn the days between World War II and the space race, a team of scientists attempted to inspire public sentiment about human spaceflight. It was the perfect alignment of science and science-fiction, led by a former Nazi rocket scientist and a temperamental artist. Hear how "Man Will Conquer Space Soon," starting in Collier's magazine on March 22, 1952, got people to look forward to a trip to the moon and beyond. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Farscape - March 19, 1999
March 19, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.35 MBIt was perfect timing for the Jim Henson Company, looking to expand beyond muppets, and the new Sci-Fi Channel which needed, well, some new sci-fi. Enter "Farscape" which premiered on March 19, 1999 and succeeded for four season with the mandate to "make it as weird as you possibly can." Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Voskhod 2 Launch - March 18, 1965
March 18, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 7.24 MBA spacewalk might look routine in movies or on the ISS today, but it was a dangerous "first" for Alexei Leonov after Voskhod 2 launched on March 18, 1965. In addition to the concerns about suit pressurization or being lost in space, the Cosmonaut crew of Voskhod 2 also had to worry about bears. Find out why in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
William Gibson - March 17, 1948
March 17, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.77 MBA science-fiction fan since childhood, William Gibson (born March 17, 1948) sold a few short stories before breaking into the big time with his 1984 novel "Neuromancer," and in doing so created the whole cyberpunk sub-genre. Did you know he's also credited with another sub-genre? The one with gears, steam and airships... so many airships... Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Earthshock - March 16, 1982
March 16, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.83 MBThe Cybermen were back to antagonize the fifth Doctor, Peter Davison, in "Doctor Who." Their plan to wipe out humanity goes slightly awry, but in a bold move, the writers decided to say goodbye to a regular character. Catch up with the "Earthshock" finale which premiered on March 16, 1982. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
David Cronenberg - March 15, 1943
March 15, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.67 MBAfter scandalizing Canadian critics and audiences with his first film, David Cronenberg found his niche in disturbing "body horror." It took an unlikely producer to get behind his most well-known film, "The Fly," in 1986. Today we celebrate the 78th birthday of David Cronenberg. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
The Andromeda Strain - March 12, 1971
March 12, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.34 MBA deadly pathogen spreads while scientists rush to contain the outbreak and find a cure. Meanwhile, the government considers drastic measures. "The Andromeda Strain" premiered on March 12, 1971 and thank goodness it was only science fiction... Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Anton Yelchin - March 11, 1989
March 11, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.69 MBToday we celebrate an actor who left a big impact in genre films - especially in his portrayal of Chekov in the J.J. Abrams "Star Trek" movies. Anton Yelchin was born on March 11, 1989. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Discs of Tron - March 10, 1983
March 10, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.94 MBThere was the movie "Tron," and there was the video game "Tron," but in 1983 Bally-Midway released an ambitious arcade sequel with "Discs of Tron." From the artwork to the gameplay, find out the story of this legendary machine that would seduce players to drop a quarter at a time - or two if the arcade owner felt like taking advantage. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Voyage of the Rock Aliens - March 9, 1984
March 09, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MBIn a banner year for genre films, one movie attempted to do it all! Hear the story of the nostalgic science-fiction alien comedy rock-musical you need in your life. Voyage of the Rock Aliens, featuring Pia Zadora and Jermaine Jackson, premiered on March 9, 1984. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - March 8, 1978
March 08, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.5 MBBBC writer Douglas Adams was asked to draft an original comedy script which he conceived as a small, one-room affair that wouldn't strain the production budget. When he was encouraged to think bigger, the story became the epic tale of Arthur Dent and company who zoom through the galaxy aboard a stolen spaceship after Earth's destruction - and that was only the beginning. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy began on March 8, 1978. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fictio...
Beyond Westworld - March 5, 1980
March 05, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.05 MBFans of Michael Crichton's sci-fi thriller about killer robots in a theme park were filled with anticipation when "Westworld" made the jump from feature film to TV series. If you were thinking of the HBO hit though, you might be surprised to learn about "Beyond Westworld" that premiered on March 5, 1980 and then quickly went away. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Man from Atlantis - March 4, 1977
March 04, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.8 MBThe problem for NBC was how to put a science-fiction show on the air without setting it in space. The solution was to set it underwater and thus "Man From Atlantis" was created and premiered on March 4, 1977. Even with TV's Patrick Duffy, top guest stars and Star Trek veterans behind the scenes, the show had a tough time staying afloat. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 and get your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Forbidden Planet convention premiere - March 3, 1956
March 03, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.36 MBCharlotte, North Carolina is a long way from Hollywood, but in 1956 MGM decided to premiere a new sci-fi film there at the Southeastern Science Fiction Convention on March 3, 1956. That movie, Forbidden Planet, would amaze its small audience and go on to become one of the most important films of the genre ever made. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
Pioneer 10 Launch - March 2, 1972
March 02, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.48 MBSpecial guest host Gates McFadden tells the story of the launch of Pioneer 10, the fastest vehicle built by humans at the time and the first to pass through the asteroid belt to get a close glimpse of Jupiter. What became of Pioneer 10 and its invitation to aliens to visit Earth? Find out on today's Sci-Fi 5. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history.
USS Enterprise at the Smithsonian - March 1, 1974
March 01, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.2 MBScience fiction arrived at one of the great institutions of science fact on March 1, 1974. The 11-foot original filming model of the USS Enterprise from Star Trek was donated by Paramount to go on display at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., but it was a bumpy road before and after. Get the full story in today's episode. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for a daily dose of science-fiction history.
Alien from L.A. - February 26, 1988
February 26, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.89 MBAlien from L.A. may have had a lot working against it when it premiered on February 26, 1988 - an inexperienced director and star, a low budget and a laughable script. It found a new audience through MST3K, though, and it even has a sequel... of sorts. Subscribe to Sci-Fi 5 for a daily dose of science-fiction history.