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
Missile Command - April 21, 1980
April 21, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.54 MBIt was a video game that was a little too real and caused ongoing nightmares for one of its designers. Find out how Missile Command, released today in 1980, became an arcade and pop-culture icon. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Andy Serkis - April 20, 1964
April 20, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.55 MBHe's a genre-favorite actor with a diverse, dynamic range, and he helped pioneer a kind of character performance that blurs the line between actor and special effect. Andy Serkis was born on this day in 1964. 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
Soylent Green - April 19, 1973
April 19, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBIt was a sci-fi movie with meaty issues on its mind: today's Sci-Fi 5 examines the making of Soylent Green, which - spoilers - is made of people), and which also debuted on this day in 1973. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green (also made of people) Music by Devin Curry
The Empire Strikes Back Toys - April 18, 1980
April 18, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.86 MBIt was a day like any other in 1980, except that a month before the new Star Wars movie came out, the toys were already in stores. Today's Sci-Fi 5 rewinds to examine a merchandising blitz that changed how movies are marketed forever. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Buck Rogers - April 15, 1950
April 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.74 MBThe first "Buck Rogers" TV series premiered 72 years ago today. Thought to be lost forever, one episode has recently resurfaced, giving us a glimpse into how Buck appeared to kids in TV's early golden age. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Gerry Anderson - April 14, 1929
April 14, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBStandby for action! Today on Sci-Fi 5, we celebrate the birthday of iconic TV producer Gerry Anderson - the talent behind some of the best-loved British children's sci-fi shows and creator of SUPERMARIONATION! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Batman: The Curse Of Tut - April 13, 1966
April 13, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.87 MBOne of Batman's most enduring villains debuted today, not in the pages of comics, but in the TV series starring Adam West. Today's Sci-Fi 5 digs into the backstory - and the surprising longevity - of King Tut. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Jose Chung's From Outer Space - April 12, 1996
April 12, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIt was the unlikely pairing of comedic actor Charles Nelson Reilly and a script deep in sci-fi meta references that made one episode of "The X-Files" stand out from the crowd. Hear the story of "Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space'" 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
Apollo 13 - April 11, 1970
April 11, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.83 MBGreat historic moments have always inspired Hollywood. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes there's more fiction than fact. Hear how NASA's "finest hour" inspired retellings of Apollo 13's mission on 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
Douglas Trumbull - April 8, 1942
April 08, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBA true master of his craft, Douglas Trumbull broke new ground in visual effects and defined futuristic worlds on screen for decades. Celebrating what would have been is 80th birthday, Sc-Fi 5 looks back at Trumbull's career. 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
Sky - April 7, 1975
April 07, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MBChildren's programming on the BBC in the early '70s injected elements of horror and the supernatural in its science fiction. One of the strangest entries, "Sky," premiered on this day in 1975, and Sci-Fi 5 is here to give you the lowdown in all its subversive glory. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
A Quiet Place - April 6, 2018
April 06, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBIt was a movie that eschewed dialogue for a tense, all-encompassing silence - and now looms loud as a rapidly expanding franchise. Lean in and listen closely for the story behind A Quiet Place in 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
First Contact Day - April 5, 2063
April 05, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MBEvery Federation citizen knows the general details of First Contact Day, but a new in-depth investigation may have found something fishy in the origin story of the Federation. Get a taste of the details in 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
Xenia Seeberg - April 4, 1967
April 04, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MBFans may know her best from the quirky cult classic series Lexx, but Xenia Seeberg has charted multiple paths through the entertainment industry. Today's Sci-Fi 5 celebrates her career on her birthday. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Get Off My Cloud - April 1, 1969
April 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.88 MBThere are genuine crossovers, there are casting stunts, and then there's something more meta in between. That's where you'll find the subject of today's Sci-Fi 5, an episode of the BBC sci-fi anthology Out Of The Unknown which guest starred enemies from an entirely different BBC series. 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 Proverbial Really Good Science Fiction Movie" - March 31, 1964
March 31, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.23 MBSome science fiction classics begin as a spec script, an elevator pitch, or a brainstorming session. On today's Sci-Fi 5, find out how one of the genre's all-time classics began with a simple letter on this day in 1964 from a famed director to a legendary writer. 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
Moon Knight - March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.36 MBWhile "Moon Knight" debuts on Disney+ today, we're here with the background story from one-time "Werewolf by Night" character to star of his own series. What more is there to "Moon Night" than Batman in a white outfit? A lot more. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Han Solo At Stars' End - March 29, 1979
March 29, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.78 MBAfter an unusual start, the growing Star Wars fiction publishing industry began in earnest with the publication on this day of Brian Daley's novel "Han Solo At Stars' End". Find out what lasting impact it's had on the franchise in 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
The Birds - March 28, 1963
March 28, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MBThough widely regarded today as a Hitchcock classic, The Birds premiered today in 1963 to a somewhat less enthusiastic reaction. Learn the origins of the story, and the surprising science behind a similar real-life incident, 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
Patrick Troughton - March 25, 1920
March 25, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBHe was an actor-turned-sailor-turned-actor-again who reluctantly took on one of the BBC's most popular roles then helped redefine the lore of Doctor Who. Get to know Patrick Troughton on his birthday on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Tig Notaro - March 24
March 24, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MBTo Star Trek fans, she is Jett Reno. Before joining the crew of the USS Discovery though, Tig Notaro was, and is, best known as a comedian who breaks molds with raw honesty. Today, we celebrate Notaro's birthday on SciFi 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
Genesis II and Strange New World - March 23, 1973
March 23, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.56 MBWhy let a good idea for a TV series languish if it doesn't get picked up the first time? Or the second time? That's what happened as Gene Roddenberry's "Genesis II" premiered on this day in 1973, then again with "Planet Earth" and again with "Strange New World." That whole saga is 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
Sliders - March 22, 1995
March 22, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MB"Sliders" was a show that held so much promise and quickly found a loyal following. Production drama fueled its untimely demise, but could an alternate timeline give us a series revival? That's the question on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator - March 21, 1983
March 21, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.02 MBAfter almost a decade of Star Trek terminology and iconography appearing in endless unauthorized computer and video games, today in 1983 saw the franchise's official entry into the video game arena. Find out why the captain's chair was literally the hot seat 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
Zack Snyder's Justice League - March 18, 2021
March 18, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MBThe story of how Zack Snyder's "Justice League" went from one director to another after an "unwatchable" print is an epic tale in itself, driven partly by an online campaign and an insistent fandom. Get the skinny 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
Ghost Story - March 17, 1972
March 17, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBWhat happens when a former Twilight Zone writer teams up with a horror producer for their own TV show? On this day in 1972, Richard Matheson and William Castle showed us. Ghost Story premiered on NBC with a different side of prime-time horror. Learn more 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
Kevin Smith - March 16, 1963
March 16, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBHe was fan-favorite Ares on both "Xena" and "Hercules," and had a budding career in action and genre pictures. New Zealand-born Kevin Smith was gone too soon, but today Sci-Fi 5 celebrates his birthday with a look back at his career. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Captive State - March 15
March 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MBThe aliens have taken over, and a human resistance is taking root in Chicago. It's a familiar enough story, told with cast that did have some star power to boast, so why isn't Captive State better known? Today's Sci-Fi 5 offers some perspective. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Penny Johnson Jerald - March 14
March 14, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBShe's a sci-fi staple with "The Orville" and more than one Star Trek to her credit. There's so much more to Penny Johnson Jerald, though, as you'll learn on today's Sci-Fi 5 in honor of her birthday. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Douglas Adams - March 11, 1952
March 11, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.53 MBA young writer with "implausible" ideas found himself collaborating with members of Monty Python and writing for Doctor Who. Then his true calling came as a sci-fi novelist who shared his guide to the galaxy. Today, we're celebrating Douglas Adams' birthday on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by David Sohl Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Atari's Space Invaders - March 10, 1980
March 10, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.53 MBDebuting in arcades in 1978, Space Invaders was the first genuine video game smash hit, but it was today in 1980 that Atari brought the game home to the Atari 2600, invading homes everywhere. Learn more about the Invaders' origins on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Johnny Kolasinski Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Star Wars on NPR - March 9, 1981
March 09, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBIf anything could boost the aging art form the of radio drama, it was the biggest sci-fi franchise in the world. Hear how Star Wars went audio-only and gave listeners a more complex peek into George Lucas' world. Is it canon? We'll discuss 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
Marvel's Star Wars Comics - March 8, 1977
March 08, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.84 MBBefore the public had seen anything more than a trailer or a convention poster, it's just possible that today is the day in 1977 that some lucky comic shop employees became the first to be exposed to the Star Wars saga, 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
Highlander - March 7, 1986
March 07, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.46 MBWith an unlikely brew of historical drama, urban mystery, swordplay, and a Queen soundtrack, Highlander debuted in theaters on this day in 1986, starting an enduring franchise with a loyal fanbase. Today's Sci-Fi 5 explores the roads not taken in the development of Highlander's story. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Norman C. Lao Music by Devin Curry
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles - March 4, 1992
March 04, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.3 MBBy hitting rewind on the life and times of one Indiana Jones, George Lucas hoped not just to entertain, but to educate as well. But The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles was also expected by its network to be a ratings hit as well, 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
Logan - March 3, 2017
March 03, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.36 MBLogan was a daring attempt to plot an end-point for the X-Men saga on film, leaning heavily on a beloved story straight from the comics. Find out how this superhero movie broke the typical franchise-film mold on today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Kim Horcher Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Tracee Lee Cocco - March 2, 1961
March 02, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MBThere are lots of familiar faces on the bridge of the Enterprise - and elsewhere in the universe of '90s Star Trek - but few have been seen as often as the unmistakable Tracee Lee Cocco, 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
Splinter Of The Mind's Eye - March 1, 1978
March 01, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.6 MBIt was the first original Star Wars novel ever to see print...but the storyline might have been the second Star Wars movie had things gone differently for the franchise. Delve into Splinter Of The Mind's Eye 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
The Invisible Man - February 28, 2020
February 28, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIt's far from the only update of the H.G. Wells classic, but the 2020 remake of The Invisible Man flipped the script by dealing with serious real-world issues, and then had its release complicated by more real-world issues. See how things turned out for The Invisible Man 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
George Duning - February 25, 1908
February 25, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.73 MBGeorge Duning was born on this day in 1908. A pioneer in the industry, Duning composed original scores across all genres, but it was his childhood love of science-fiction that made him a perfect match for those films - and a few episodes of Star Trek! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Shane Vaughn Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
Quantum Apocalypse - February 24, 2010
February 24, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.97 MBHow many apocalypses can happen in the same week!? If you're in the world of the "mockbuster", as many as your small budget can afford. Today's Sci-Fi 5 dives into the numbers behind this subgenre of modern sci-fi filmmaking, and today's specimen, Quantum Apocalypse. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Meteor Apocalypse - February 23, 2010
February 23, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.79 MBToday in 2010, The Asylum released "Meteor Apocalypse" about Earth facing a threat from space. The low-budget action film fit firmly in their low-budget catalog, and we're certain we won't need to cover another "apocalypse" film for some time. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Jeri Ryan - February 22, 1968
February 22, 2022 18:31 - 5 minutes - 5.46 MBFans know her from her roles in a number of genre productions, and we'll be seeing her soon yet again in the upcoming second season of Star Trek: Picard. But what early role of Jeri Ryan's ended up on the cutting room floor? Find out in today's Sci-Fi 5! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Space Rockers - February 21, 1980
February 21, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.63 MBBuck Rogers faced many foes in his short TV run, but was he ready for the age-old danger of those kids with their rock and roll music? It was on this day in 1980 that Buck squared off with the "Space Rockers!" 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
Constantine - February 18, 2005
February 18, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.76 MBJohn Constantine's journey from the comic book page to the big screen culminated in the premiere, on this day in 2005, of "Constantine" starring Keanu Reeves. Find out why this isn't necessarily the end of the story 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
The Cosmic Man - February 17, 1959
February 17, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.43 MBA mysterious visitor strikes sphere fear into the heart of a town's citizens, the military, and scientists... but the real fear that inspired 1959's The Cosmic Man was fear about our future, not theirs, on 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
LeVar Burton - February 16, 1957
February 16, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBAs a kid, he was an Army brat with a love of comic books. As an adult, he has worked non-stop in front of and behind the camera while share his passion for reading with children. Sci-Fi 5 wishes LeVar Burton a happy birthday! Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Holly Amos Hosted by Kim Horcher Music by Devin Curry
The Strangerers - February 15, 2000
February 15, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.5 MBThey came from another world to study life on Earth... and then it went all wrong. But for a few weeks, it resulted in high hilarity and lowbrow humor on British TV. Meet The Strangerers, which premiered today in 2000, 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
Simon Pegg - February 14, 1970
February 14, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.27 MBLike so many of us, Simon Pegg grew up with an obsession for nerdy pop-culture. Unlike all of us, he has appeared in Star Trek, Star Wars, and Doctor Who - one of only three actors to do so. Find out who he wants to play next 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
Doctor Who: The Moonbase - February 11, 1967
February 11, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBDoctor Who had a formidable enemy in the Cybermen. A year after their introduction, with the threat of losing the Daleks, the Cybermen came back in an all new and more terrifying form. Hear what happened on "The Moonbase" 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