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
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
Chadwick Boseman - November 29, 1976
November 29, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBHe is best known for playing T'Challa in "The Black Panther," but in a short career, Chadwick Boseman left an indelible impression in many breakthrough roles. On what would have been his 45th birthday, we celebrate Boseman's career and legacy. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Doctor Who: Dimensions in Time - November 26, 1993
November 26, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.45 MBIt was the crossover event that excited yet baffled fans. Learn how multiple Doctors Who teamed up with the cast of long-running British soap-opera "EastEnders" in support of the Children in Need charity on this day in 1993 with "Dimensions in Time." Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Babylon 5: Sleeping in Light - November 25, 1998
November 25, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBBabylon 5's serialized storytelling is legendary, and the producers had the good fortune of planning ahead - way ahead. The series finale, "Sleeping in Light," was filmed entirely before airing the final season. That's the topic 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
Mystery Science Theater 3000 - November 24, 1988
November 24, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.8 MBIt was on this day in 1988 that viewers got their first glimpse of the Satellite of Love. Mystery Science Theatre 3000 aired on KTMA in Minneapolis and launched a long-running series that has gone through many permutations since. 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 Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Captain America II: Death Too Soon - November 23, 1979
November 23, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.57 MBCaptain America might have found success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the road to get him to the screen was paved with difficulty. Today, a look at the second attempt to get Cap on the air with CBS' "Death Too Soon" which aired today in 1979. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Plato's Stepchildren - November 22, 1968
November 22, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.76 MBStar Trek pushed social boundaries through sci-fi storytelling and broke a prime-time taboo on November 22, 1968 with the episode "Plato's Stepchildren." What was the story behind the first scripted interracial kiss on American TV, and what were the repercussions? Find out 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
Robert Beltran - November 19, 1953
November 19, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.58 MBRobert Beltran worked extensively in Shakespeare before joining the crew of the USS Voyager. Hear his story on today's Sci-Fi 5 as we wish "happy birthday" to Chakotay. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry (Photo credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons.)
The Enterprise Retires - November 18, 1985
November 18, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.58 MBIt was a long road, getting from the first Space Shuttle glide tests in 1977 to an early retirement in 1985. Today's show explains why the shuttle Enterprise never went into orbit, and where you can see it today. 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 Star Wars Holiday Special - November 17, 1978
November 17, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.94 MBHappy Life Day, one and all! We come not to bash The Star Wars Holiday Special (aired on this day in 1978) but rather to put it in the proper context among variety shows of the 1970s. Even though those had fewer wookies. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Unusual Suspects - November 16, 1997
November 16, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.11 MBOn this day in 1997, The X-Files episode "Unusual Suspects" first aired. The fallout from that one episode is enormous, with dozens of popular TV shows wiped out of existence... theoretically, anyway. 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 Prisoner - November 15, 2009
November 15, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.97 MBThe Prisoner is an iconic, surreal series with a deserved cult following. The 2009 remake is... not that. We'll look at the differences in the two 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
The Mandalorian - November 12, 2019
November 12, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBOne of the most successful translations of Star Wars onto the small screen, Disney's "The Mandalorian" has wowed audiences since its debut on November 12, 2019. Sci-Fi 5 looks behind the scenes at the cutting-edge production. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Goliath Awaits - November 11, 1981
November 11, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.1 MBA sunken ocean-liner is discovered after more than 40 years... with people on board! Their utopian society is interrupted by modern explorers who discover their terrible secrets. "Goliath Awaits" premiered on November 11, 1981. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
Star Wars: Christmas in the Stars - November 10, 1980
November 10, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.8 MBNot content to stick merely with Galactic Funk, Meco hopped on the Star Wars marketing train again in time for Christmas of 1980. "Star Wars: Christmas in the Stars" featured stories from C-3PO and the singing debut of one of the most famous of '80s rockers. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis
Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs - November 9, 1966
November 09, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 7.86 MBThe fiendish Dr. Goldfoot was ready to reveal his most diabolical plan yet on November 9, 1966 - a sequel! Find out how how an international co-production stumbled its way to release "Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs" 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
Night Gallery - November 8, 1969
November 08, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MBIt's generally thought of as one of the pinnacles of early '70s TV horror and suspense, and the TV comeback for the man who first led us into the Twilight Zone. But it was also a starting point for other major talents as well, and it premiered in the late '60s. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers
Flux Capacitor invented - November 5, 1955
November 05, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBIt was an invention born of unlikely circumstances, whose inventor claimed would make time travel possible. Today's show asks: who was Dr. Emmett Brown, and what was his so-called "flux capacitor"? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and Hosted by Ryan Myers
The Incredible Hulk - November 4, 1977
November 04, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.35 MBLong a comic book favorite, the Incredible Hulk took many twists and turns on its way to becoming one of network television's biggest superhero success stories of the seventies. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Roberto Lewis
Gojira - November 3, 1954
November 03, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.05 MBMaybe it was the movie that invented the entire kaiju genre, or maybe it was an allegory for recent history. Sci-Fi 5 chronicles the theatrical premiere of Gojira in its native Japan - before its central character became known as Godzilla. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and Hosted by Ryan Myers
The Pillars of Creation - November 2, 1995
November 02, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.67 MBNestled away in the Eagle Nebula was a stellar nursery formation dubbed the Pillars of Creation after the Hubble Space Telescope spotted it in 1995 - an image so iconic that it began reshaping the look of both science and sci-fi on our screens. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi
Phantom Of The Paradise - November 1, 1974
November 01, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBIt was a Faustian Phantom of the Opera with a glam-rock twist. Was Brian de Palma's distinctly '70s take on some literary classics always destined to be confined to the cult classic midnight movie circuit? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Earl Green
ARPANET First Data Packet - October 29, 1969
October 29, 2021 14:22 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIt was a moment when science-fiction became reality. On October 29, 1969, the humble first packet of data made its way over ARPANET (the progenitor of the Internet). Learn about the history and legacy on today's show. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ashley Thomas Hosted by Roberto Lewis
KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park - October 28, 1978
October 28, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBThe hottest rock band in the world battling androids in a theme park was the premise. October 28, 1978 was the date. All the decisions that resulted in "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park" is still a mystery. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion and David Sohl Hosted by Earl Green
EPCOT film - October 27, 1966
October 27, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.73 MBWalt Disney stepped before the cameras on October 27, 1966 for what would be the last time. It was for a pitch film of a different sort - something to get industry and government behind his idea for the city of tomorrow: EPCOT. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Curry
The Terminator - October 26, 1984
October 26, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.52 MBOne measly dollar doesn't buy very much - unless you happen to be producer Gale Anne Hurd when cutting a deal to let James Cameron direct a movie that would become the iconic "The Terminator," released on this day in 1984. Today's episode tells the rest of the story of our favorite murder robot. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Gale Anne Hurd - October 25
October 25, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBIt was working for Roger Corman that exposed Gale Anne Hurd to every aspect of filmmaking - an education that would make Hurd one of the most successful producers in the business. Today, Sci-Fi 5 celebrates the birthday of the woman behind some of your favorite genre films. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
The Policeman's Beard Is Half-Constructed - October 22, 1984
October 22, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.08 MBIts publisher claimed it was the first book written by an artificial intelligence. The truth was a little bit more nuanced than that. Data's cat poetry, it wasn't. Learn the strange story of The Policeman's Beard Is Half-Constructed. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Currry
Gunmen of the Apocalypse - October 21, 1993
October 21, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.64 MBThe British sci-fi/comedy "Red Dwarf" released an episode on this day in 1993 that is remembered as one the series' epic achievements. Find out why "Gunmen of the Apocalypse" was embraced by viewers and critics alike 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
Bela Lugosi - October 20, 1882
October 20, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBHe defined the on-screen image of Count Dracula for generations, but before Bela Lugosi wore the cape, he was a soldier, stage actor, and an immigrant who passed through Ellis Island. Lugosi was born on this day, 139 years ago. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Vic Sage Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Curry
Fahrenheit 451 - October 19, 1953
October 19, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 7.16 MBOne of the best-known works of dystopian science-fiction, Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," was first published on October 19, 1953. While Bradbury predicted things like earbuds, flat-screen TVs and ATMs, it's a relief he was so far off about censorship and anti-intellectualism. Right? 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
The Quiet Earth - October 18, 1985
October 18, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.64 MBNew Zealand may be commonly associated with Middle Earth, but it wasn't the site of a sci-fi feature film until the October 18, 1985 of Geoff Murphy's "The Quiet Earth". Paul Knauer of Half Measures Podcast explores the history of a unique Kiwi genre classic. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Paul Knauer Music by Devin Currry
Computer Space - October 15, 1971
October 15, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MBReleased on this day in 1971, the first mass-produced arcade video game arrived in a futuristic shape and with a science fiction theme, setting the stage for a new industry even as success proved elusive. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Earl Green Music by Devin Currry
Moonbase 3 Finale - October 14, 1973
October 14, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.93 MBIt was a new original sci-fi series from the makers of what were then considered Doctor Who's golden years, and it was even sold and shown in the U.S. Why was Moonbase 3 out of circulation and considered lost for decades? Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Currry
Christopher Judge - October 13, 1964
October 13, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.27 MBBorn on this day in 1964, Christopher Judge's career has spanned everything from athletics to acting, but for many he will always be the face and voice of Stargate SG-1's Teal'c. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Thomas Kozak Hosted by Jessica Lynn Verdi Music by Devin Currry
2001: A Space Odyssey lost score - October 12, 1993
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.64 MBStanley Kubrick's perfectionism permanently altered the soundtrack for "2001: A Space Odyssey" as well as his working relationship with composer Alex North. Hear the story of how the premiere devastated the musician and how his work was salvaged years later. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Hosted by Roberto Lewis Music by Devin Currry
Missing Doctor Who episodes found - October 11, 2013
October 11, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.89 MBA policy of erasing old videotape has created gaps in Doctor Who's long television history. In 2013 some of those gaps were closed when a trove of nine episodes were discovered in Nigeria. Special guest Nicola Bryant tells 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 Nicola Bryant Music by Devin Curry
Frank Herbert - October 8, 1920
October 08, 2021 11:20 - 5 minutes - 4.86 MBFrank Herbert's writing career took more than a few turns before he arrived in science-fiction. Once he found his genre of choice, he created one of the most epic stories in the field, and "Dune" continues to find audiences today. Celebrate Herbert's 101st birthday 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
Alien Nation - October 7, 1988
October 07, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBIt was the buddy-cop, neo-noir, alien-invasion movie that launched a small franchise. "Alien Nation" was released in cinemas on October 7, 1988 and showed us the charms of getting milk drunk. Three decades later, we haven't heard the last of the story. 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
Mercy Point - October 6, 1998
October 06, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.02 MBPerhaps it was the wrong show in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whatever the case, UPN's "Mercy Point" didn't last long and was derided as "ER in Space." Does the format hold up, though? A look back at "Mercy Point's" 1998 premiere 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
Dr. No - October 5, 1962
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MBNearly sixty years on, the James Bond film franchise is as strong as ever. As "No Time to Die" drops in theaters, we look back at "Dr. No," a movie that defined a genre and reshaped moviegoer expectations for decades. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Norman Lao Music by Devin Curry
Misfits of Science - October 4, 1985
October 04, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MBThree young people and a scientist ride around in an ice-cream truck and fight crime with their amazing, superhuman powers - except the ability to draw an audience for NBC. That was the promise, and failure, of "Misfits of Science" which premiered on October 4, 1985 and featured an up-and-coming Courtney Cox. 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 and Other Galactic Funk - October 1, 1977
October 01, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 6.77 MBStar Wars was hot in 1977, but was it funky enough? Fortunately all doubt was laid to rest when Meco released "Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk" on October 1 of that year, making sure that disco and sci-fi would forever go hand-in-hand. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Earl Green Music by Devin Curry
Darmok - September 30, 1991
September 30, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBCaptain Picard found himself stranded with a Tamarian when "Darmok" premiered on September 30, 1991. Find out why their language barrier helped make this one of Star Trek: The Next Generation's most enduring episodes. Temba, his arms wide on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Andrew Beal and Owen Beal Hosted by Music by Devin Curry
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons - September 29, 1967
September 29, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.26 MBAn all-star cast (of sound-alikes), an indestructible hero, and all the (puppet-sized) hardware you could imagine. When "Captain Scarlet" premiered on September 29, 1967, it was a leap forward for Gerry Anderson's "Supermarionation." S.I.G. on today's Sci-Fi 5. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by John Champion Music by Devin Curry
Cosmos - September 28, 1980
September 28, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBPublic television took to the stars on September 28, 1980 with the premiere of "Cosmos." It was an attempt to impart complex scientific concepts to a wide audience, and host Carl Sagan used science-fiction as one of his teaching tools. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry
Doctor Who original pilot - September 27, 1963
September 27, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MBHear the story of how the time lord got a do-over before he even started. On this day in 1963, cameras rolled for the Doctor Who pilot, but something wasn't right, and that footage wasn't seen again for decades. We have the "Unearthly" 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
Marty Abrams - September 24
September 24, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.89 MBNo toy collection is complete without at least a few of the iconic action figures made by Mego since the 1970s and covering a wide range of pop-culture subjects. The "father of action figures," Marty Abrams, is almost as famous as some of his creations, and today we celebrate his birthday. Follow Sci-Fi 5 for your daily dose of science-fiction history. Written and hosted by Ryan Myers Music by Devin Curry