Sci-Fi 5
540 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 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
Blade TV series - June 28, 2006
June 28, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.96 MBBlade 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 MBWhether 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 MBMel 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
Adam Adamant Lives! - June 23, 1966
June 23, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MBHe was a dashing gentleman spy who found himself awakened in a world that had passed him by. It's not Austin Powers but rather the short-lived series that inspired Mike Myers. Find out how complaints to the BBC led to "Adam Adamant Lives!" Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Thomas Dolby's Floating City - June 22, 2011
June 22, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.73 MBIt was a bold experiment in promoting a new album: an interactive, global online game that sparked its players' imaginations so much, it had to change to keep up with how they played it. Find The Map Of The Floating City 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
Mariette Hartley - June 21, 1940
June 21, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.36 MBWhether you know her as the woman who married the Hulk, Zarabeth, or any of a number of other memorable genre (and mainstream) roles, today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the life and career of Mariette Hartley. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Doctor Who: The New Adventures - June 20, 1991
June 20, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.27 MBDoctor Who was dead on TV - long live Doctor Who in prose! On today's Sci-Fi 5, over a decade before the Doctor's TV revival, the beginning of the franchise's more modern storytelling may have happened with the New Adventures novels. 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
Superman III - June 17, 1983
June 17, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.53 MBToday's Sci-Fi 5 returns to the Superman franchise with a reminder that not every 20th century Superman film landed with audiences either...but still had their redeeming qualities, as we discover with Superman III. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
John Cho - June 16, 1972
June 16, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBFans of the most recent trilogy of Star Trek movies know him as Mr. Sulu from an alternate timeline, but John Cho's life and career are much wider than that. We look back as today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates his birthday. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Battle For The Planet Of The Apes - June 15, 1973
June 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBAs it wrapped up the original five-film cycle that initiated the Planet Of The Apes franchise, today's Sci-Fi 5 may prove that one of Battle For The Planet Of The Ape's biggest surprises may have been who was underneath some of the ape makeup. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Man Of Steel - June 14, 2013
June 14, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.71 MBThis century's first attempt to reboot Superman as a film series flipped the script on some of the expectations of longtime fans of the character, but also launched the modern DC Comics film franchise. The story of Man Of Steel, 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
Logan's Sanctuary - June 13, 2000
June 13, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.72 MBIt was sold as a soundtrack to a Logan's Run sequel, though no one ever got around to making the movie. Find out which power pop practitioners created the music and the story behind "Logan's Sanctuary" on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
This Island Earth - June 10, 1955
June 10, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.86 MBA war between two alien races, a group of unknowing human scientists, and a notorious monster to boot. Join us as we explore the construction, last-minute changes, and the eventual downfall of 1955's This Island Earth on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Tom Kozak Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Michael J. Fox - June 9, 1961
June 09, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBHe's an actor and activist with a beloved role in one of the most popular time-travel movie franchises in history. Whether you know him best as Marty McFly or tireless crusader for those with Parkinson's Disease, today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates Michael J. Fox. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Prometheus - June 8, 2012
June 08, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.5 MBIt's a prequel, it's a sequel, wait... it's neither? Ridley Scott's Prometheus gave audiences a wider glimpse of the Alien franchise's lore. What behind-the-scenes changes led to the eventual creation of this 2012 film? Find out 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
Blade: The Series - June 28, 2006
June 07, 2022 23:54 - 5 minutes - 5.96 MBBlade was a big enough hit to spawn theatrical sequels, but if you blinked at the right moment you may have missed the TV series it inspired, running for a full three months, starting on this day in 2006. Hear what audiences and critics thought 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
Karl Urban - June 7, 1972
June 07, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MBFrom minor roles in his native New Zealand to major roles in the Lord Of The Rings Films, the 2009 Star Trek movie, The Boys, and more, raise a glass to birthday boy Karl Urban on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
The Mission to Save Salyut 7 - June 6, 1985
June 06, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBA small, easily damaged spacecraft with two very mortal pilots. An uncontrollably tumbling space station. A sci-fi epic? It could be...except that it really happened to the crew of a Soviet-era Soyuz mission launched on this day in 1985. Learn more in 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
Battlestar Galactica Season 1 Soundtrack - June 3, 2005
June 03, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MBFans already awed by the music in the show itself had their first chance to hear to the music from season one of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica by itself today in 2005 - the birthdate of composer Bear McCreary's loyal listener fan base, 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
Lester Del Rey - June 2, 1915
June 02, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MBA prolific star of early 20th century literary sci-fi, Lester Del Rey wrote fascinating stories (including, occasionally, rewriting his own backstory). But was it his name that was lent to the equally prolific genre publisher? Find out in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Atari's Superman - June 1, 1979
June 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.81 MBNewly acquired by Warner Brothers, which already owned DC Comics, Atari introduced the Man of Steel to the world of video games in 1979, pushing the boundaries of what its own early game hardware could do. Learn more in today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Kevin Bunch Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Lea Thompson - May 31, 1961
May 31, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MBFrom an acting career replete with genre films (both hit franchises and a legendary genre misfire) to her current directing career, today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the life and career of Lea Thompson. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinki Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Tales Of Tomorrow: The Little Black Bag - May 30, 1952
May 30, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.4 MBFirst adapted for television on this date 70 years ago, C.M. Kornbluth's Retro-Hugo-winning short story of a medicine bag from the future was only beginning to wind its way though television's present, as told in 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
Sir Christopher Lee - May 27, 1922
May 27, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.18 MBHe's one of Britain's most versatile actors, with an unmistakable voice that has helped to make his career, and he's been a huge presence in genre film and TV. Today's Sci-Fi 5 looks back on the life and legacy of Sir Christopher Lee. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Escape From The Planet Of The Apes - May 26, 1971
May 26, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBIt was an unlikely sequel that turned what seemed like a completed story into an ongoing franchise with a powerful social statement...and today's Sci-Fi 5 recalls how it all began a strange, four-word telegram. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Where There's a Whill... - May 25, 1977
May 25, 2022 08:06 - 5 minutes - 5.27 MBWith a certain crazy old hermit preparing to re-emerge from the desert of Tatooine, today seemed like a perfectly appropriate day for Sci-Fi 5 to look back to the day a certain sci-fi saga began with the premiere of its first installment. 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
Overwatch - May 24, 2016
May 24, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.5 MBIt's a tale of AI gone mad, with humanity forced to save itself from extinction at the hands of its own creations. It's also the tale of a video game project that underwent radical changes over the course of its evolution. It's the tale of Overwatch, 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
James Blish - May 23, 1921
May 23, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.86 MBHe was one of the original chroniclers of the voyages of the starship Enterprise, but today's Sci-Fi 5 reveals that there was much more to James Blish's career - both Star Trek-related and otherwise. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Brian Clayton Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Superman vs. The Hatemongers Organization - May 20, 1946
May 20, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.94 MBSuperman's crusade for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow took to the airwaves as the Man of Steel battled an enemy with its roots in the headlines rather than fantasy. Today's Sci-Fi 5 rewinds to an era when superheroes were heard and not seen. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Alien3 - May 19, 1992
May 19, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBOn today's Sci-Fi 5, the third movie in the Alien saga has sparked debate in the years since its release...but how did the story radically change between the earliest scripts and when the movie premiered on this day in 1992? 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
Diane Duane - May 18, 1952
May 18, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.15 MBToday's Sci-Fi 5 offers you just a peek into the expansive career of fantasy and sci-fi novelist Diane Duane, including her Star Trek credits both in print and on screen. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Attack Of The Insult Comic Dog - May 17, 2002
May 17, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.65 MBIt was a momentous day in Star Wars movie history, with the release of Episode II. That also means this is the anniversary of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog expertly trolling a line of fans waiting at the theater, 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
Yvonne Craig - May 16, 1937
May 16, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBClassic Batfans know her as TV's Batgirl, while Star Trek fans know her as Marta - but today's Sci-Fi 5 proves there was so much more to Yvonne Craig's life and career than that. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Kim Horcher Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Solaris premieres at Cannes - May 13, 1972
May 13, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.01 MBThe Soviet film "Solaris" broke ground in Russia with its slow, brooding examination of humanity, using sci-fi metaphor to get around banned discussions of god. It premiered 50 years ago today in Cannes and took home the Grand Jury Prize. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Absolutely Anything - May 12, 2017
May 12, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.73 MBWith a script written by Monty Python's Terry Jones, and featuring not just Simon Pegg, but voice roles for the rest of the surviving members of Monty Python plus Robin Williams, what could go wrong? Today's Sci-Fi 5 answers: Absolutely Anything. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Absolutely Anything - May 12, 2015
May 12, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.73 MBWith a script written by Monty Python's Terry Jones, and featuring not just Simon Pegg, but voice roles for the rest of the surviving members of Monty Python plus Robin Williams, what could go wrong? Today's Sci-Fi 5 answers: Absolutely Anything. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Bride Of The Monster - May 11, 1955
May 11, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.69 MBIt was a film by an infamous auteur, intended to bring his hero, Bela Lugosi, back into the limelight. But, as often happened with the legendary films of Ed Wood, Bride Of The Monster just didn't quite shake out that way, as today's Sci-Fi 5 attests. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Tom Kozak Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Phoenix Five - May 10, 1970
May 10, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.92 MBA decades-old sci-fi series featuring a starship crew in brightly-colored costumes while exploring space? It's not Star Trek, but it is "Phoenix Five" that brought the final frontier to some Australian TV screens on this day in 1970. 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
Short Circuit - May 9, 1986
May 09, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBIn a crowded field of robot movies in the '80s, a comedy stood out with an endearing central character and existential questions, as well as a problematic stereotype. We look back at "Short Circuit" and forward to its possible reboot! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Naomi Scott - May 6, 1993
May 06, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.31 MBFrom an early career start as a rising Disney Channel star, to a stint in the series Terra Nova, to donning the armor of the Pink Ranger, today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the life and career of actress Naomi Scott. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Star Wars Arcade Game - May 5, 1983
May 05, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.15 MBEven as the original Star Wars trilogy was nearing its end, the first generation of video gamers was still itching the relive the final battle at the Death Star. Despite the limits of technology at the time, Atari's Star Wars arcade game was worthy of mention in the Jedi Archives - and 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 Bad Batch - May 4, 2021
May 04, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.22 MBThe Clone Wars are over, and yet some of the clone warriors keep on fighting the good fight. Today's Sci-Fi 5 marks a year since they get their own series in the form of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and gets you caught up on the ongoing story. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Atlantis: The Lost Continent - May 3, 1961
May 03, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.88 MBIt was intended to be George Pal's latest epic journey into the fantastic...but instead, it became an exercise in cutting corners just to ensure the film's completion. Today's Sci-Fi 5 sets sail for Atlantis: The Lost Continent! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Don Marshall - May 2, 1936
May 02, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.07 MBYou may know him from TV projects such as Daktari, Land Of The Giants, Star Trek, or even the first series created by Gene Roddenberry, The Lieutenant. Today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the life and career of actor and activist Don Marshall. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Doctor Who: School Reunion - April 29, 2006
April 29, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.56 MBOn this day in 2006, fans of Doctor Who were treated to a reunion with one of the Doctor's most beloved companions, Sarah Jane Smith. The touching story excited audiences who wanted even more, leading to Smith's next adventures, along with a familiar robot. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Space Force - April 28, 1978
April 28, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.21 MBRemember that time Fred Willard starred in the comedy Space Force? No, not Netflix's Space Force...the one-off 1970s sitcom that came long before there was a real Space Force. Learn more about this obscure corner of sci-fi TV history 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
Future Cop - April 27, 1980
April 27, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBThe TV show "Future Cop" came and went without much fanfare, but on this day in 1980, a jury decided who, ultimately, should get the credit for the story. Harlan Ellison and Ben Bova took Paramount to court, and we have 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 Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
The Phoenix - April 26, 1981
April 26, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.22 MBAn alien sent to Earth in ancient times and recently reawakened, Judson Scott was "The Phoenix" in 1981 (and, afterward, for a very brief series run). Found out what inspired the series on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Plague From Space - April 25, 1952
April 25, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBA seemingly typical episode in the midst of the first season of the first American sci-fi TV anthology holds special significance in hindsight. Was this a future Star Trek star's first sci-fi exposure? Find out more in 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
Invaders from Mars - April 22, 1953
April 22, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.67 MBThe first sci-fi film distributed in color featured a boy's nightmare and a disembodied Martian head calling the shots. On this day in 1953, "Invaders from Mars" cemented its place in history and quickly became a cult classic. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry