Exploring Frontiers Never Before Ventured by Humans in Television Dramas of the 1960s
In the 1960s, the small screen was ablaze with space-themed television shows that captivated audiences and ignited imaginations. This era, a creative decade for arts, also saw the birth of rock n' roll, pop culture, and the rise of science fiction television. Among the numerous shows that graced our televisions, three stands out: "Star Trek", "Lost in Space", and "My Favorite Martian".
"Star Trek", a groundbreaking series that aired from 1966-1969, stood out in the field of outer space shows. Led by William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, the series proclaimed, "To go where no man has gone before." The spaceship Enterprise, capable of entering warp drive, a concept that violates Einstein's theory of relativity, took viewers on a journey across the universe, encountering various aliens and using fantasy gadgets like a transporter and dilithium-crystals power source. One of the most challenging episodes for Shatner was "The Enemy Within", where Captain Kirk played both a good and a bad version of himself.
"Lost in Space", another notable series that aired from 1965-1968 on CBS, follows the story of a family of space colonists, the Robinsons, who leave an over-populated Earth in search of a new world. The spaceship Jupiter 2 gets damaged and crash lands on Priplanus in the first season, and the crew spends the season marooned there. During the second season, the ship is repaired and takes off, only to crash land again on another planet. A campy robot that calls out, "Danger, Will Robinson!", adds to the show's charm.
"My Favorite Martian", another campy 1960s space series that takes place on Earth, tells the story of a newspaper reporter, Tim O'Hara, who discovers a Martian who poses as O'Hara's uncle after his spaceship crashes and he doesn't turn him in.
Beyond these three iconic shows, the 1960s also saw the emergence of other space-themed television shows. "Men Into Space", a technically accurate series inspired by NASA's early space program, focused on realistic space exploration and challenges such as weightlessness and navigation. "It's About Time", a sci-fi comedy about two astronauts who travel faster than light and end up in prehistoric times, mixed space themes with time travel and comedy. "Space Angel", an animated cartoon series, followed Scott McCloud, who protected the galaxy from villains, with futuristic designs by Alex Toth. "The Time Tunnel" and "The Invaders", though not exclusively space-themed, were sci-fi shows that contributed to the era's sci-fi landscape.
These shows collectively represent a variety of approaches to space and science fiction on 1960s television, from adventure and drama to comedy and animation. They often combined emerging space-age themes with imaginative storytelling reflective of Cold War and scientific interests of the time.
One unique aspect of "Lost in Space" is the character of Dr. Zachary Smith, a selfish, unlikeable character not part of the family, who interferes with the Robinson's plans, often endangering the expedition.
The 1960s were a time when space-themed television shows flourished, and their impact continues to be felt today. "Star Trek" spawned an industry of merchandise, movies, spin-offs, and conventions for fans, known as "Trekkies." These shows not only entertained but also inspired generations to dream about the possibilities of space travel and the future of humanity.
Entertainment during the 1960s, a creative decade, was significantly influenced by pop-culture, with space-themed television shows becoming a staple. Among these shows, three stand out: "Star Trek," led by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, "Lost in Space" with June Lockhart, and "My Favorite Martian." These shows, as well as others like "Men Into Space," "It's About Time," "Space Angel," "The Time Tunnel," and "The Invaders," collectively represented various approaches to space and sci-fi on television, ranging from adventure and drama to comedy and animation, often reflecting Cold War and scientific interests of the time.
