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Tales of Tomorrow
85 episodes (1951-53) 30m

The granddaddy of them all, this series was aired live and featured a much higher sci-fi content than its lauded successors - Twilight Zone and Outer Limits. Live TV means that most DVD and video versions still show the original ads and, of course, the occasional flub-up by the actors. The show was exceptionally well-written and is still highly entertaining.

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Science Fiction Theatre
78 episodes (1955-57) 30m

Groundbreaking show that attempted to inject scientific credibility into the mix. Host Truman Bradley would demonstrate a scientific principle at a critical juncture, all backed by a real-live scientist who acted as technical advisor (Dr Maxwell Smith). The show's third season was an early foray into colour TV. Trailblazing show that deserves more credit than it is getting.

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The Twilight Zone
156 episodes (1959-64) 30/60m

The most famous sci-fi/fantasy anthology series was host Rod Serling's baby from start to finish. He penned half of the screenplays and deftly delivered the dramatic monologues bookending each episode. When the show was finally shown in the UK in the 1980s it became an instant cult classic. Often pessimistic, but never dull - the sci-fi episodes are pure gold.

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The Outer Limits
49 episodes (1963-66) 60m

Often straying into 'monster of the week' territory, this series is fondly remembered for its handful of genuine sci-fi gems. Somewhat conventional when compared to The Twilight Zone's eccentricities, writers like Harlan Ellison ensured the occasional spindizziness. William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and Martin Landau all honed their credentials on the show.

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Amazing Stories
43 episodes (1985-87) 30m*

This Steven Spielberg series epitomises the tendency of the big American networks to avoid large doses of anthological sci-fi content. At best, a clutch of these episodes can be classified as either sci-fi or science fantasy. Nevertheless, some highly-regarded sci-fi talent was involved - but not nearly enough for most of us. Spielberg at his peak of mediocrity.

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The (New) Twilight Zone
36 episodes (1985-87) 60/30m

Noted sci-fi bizarro Harlan Ellison came on board as creative consultant and top-notch sci-fi writers like Ray Bradbury, Theodore Sturgeon and Arthur C Clark (for his 1955 short story 'The Star') managed to get the occasional credit. Not unexpectedly however, the new series failed to match either the zest or the sci-fi content of the far-superior Rod Serling original.

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Mystery Science Theater 3000
198 episodes (1988-99) 90m

Comedy/sci-fi series that has done the rounds of independent stations and cable networks. We join an affable space exile and his robot sidekicks who each episode are railroaded into watching a really bad B-grade flick - often of the sci-fi variety. The crew hurls endless sly barbs and witty comments at the screen, while the rest of us laugh loudly. Unique concept that is still fun.

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The Outer Limits
154 episodes (1995-2002) 60m

The Twilight Zone revivals pale in comparison to this well produced anthology series that is jam-packed with sci-fi content. DVD collections themed under titles like 'Fantastic Androids & Robots', 'Mutation & Transformation', 'Aliens Among Us' and 'Time Travel & Infinity' give some idea of what to expect. Intentionally avoids the 'monster of the week' syndrome featured in the original series.