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An Episode Guide and Complete History of the Mid-1970s Science Fiction Boom

Efrain Powell

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Published in Exploring Space: 1999: An Episode Guide And Complete History Of The Mid 1970s Science Fiction Television

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The mid-1970s was a golden age for science fiction television. With the advent of new technologies like cable and satellite, and the growing popularity of science fiction films, there was a sudden explosion of new science fiction shows on the airwaves. These shows were groundbreaking and influential, and they helped to shape the way that we think about science fiction today.

Exploring Space: 1999: An Episode Guide and Complete History of the Mid-1970s Science Fiction Television Series

by John Kenneth Muir

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2964 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	222 pages

The Major Science Fiction Shows of the Mid-1970s

Space: 1999 (1975-1977): This British science fiction series was set in the year 1999, and it followed the adventures of the crew of the Moonbase Alpha. The show was groundbreaking for its use of special effects and its exploration of complex social issues. It was also one of the first science fiction shows to feature a female lead character.
Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979): This American science fiction series was set in a distant future, and it followed the adventures of the crew of the Battlestar Galactica. The show was groundbreaking for its use of special effects and its complex characters. It was also one of the first science fiction shows to explore the theme of space warfare.
The Six Million Dollar Man (1973-1978): This American science fiction series was based on the novel Cyborg by Martin Caidin. The show followed the adventures of Colonel Steve Austin, a former astronaut who is rebuilt into a cyborg after a near-fatal plane crash. The show was groundbreaking for its use of special effects and its exploration of the ethical implications of human enhancement.
The Bionic Woman (1976-1978): This American science fiction series was a spin-off of The Six Million Dollar Man. The show followed the adventures of Jaime Sommers, a former professional tennis player who is rebuilt into a bionic woman after a near-fatal skydiving accident. The show was groundbreaking for its focus on a female lead character and its exploration of the ethical implications of human enhancement.
Logan's Run (1977-1978): This American science fiction series was based on the novel of the same name by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. The show followed the adventures of Logan 5, a Sandman who is tasked with tracking down and killing Runners, people who have escaped from the domed city of Sanctuary. The show was groundbreaking for its use of special effects and its exploration of the themes of death and mortality.

The Impact of the Mid-1970s Science Fiction Boom

The mid-1970s science fiction boom had a profound impact on the genre. These shows helped to popularize science fiction and make it more accessible to mainstream audiences. They also helped to shape the way that we think about science fiction, and they continue to influence the genre today.

Here are some of the ways that the mid-1970s science fiction boom impacted the genre:

Increased popularity: The mid-1970s science fiction boom helped to increase the popularity of science fiction. These shows were watched by millions of people around the world, and they helped to make science fiction a more mainstream genre.
Greater accessibility: The mid-1970s science fiction boom made science fiction more accessible to mainstream audiences. These shows were broadcast on major networks, and they were available to a wide range of viewers. This helped to break down the barriers between science fiction and other genres, and it allowed more people to experience the genre.
New themes and ideas: The mid-1970s science fiction boom helped to introduce new themes and ideas to the genre. These shows explored complex social issues, such as racism, sexism, and environmentalism. They also explored the ethical implications of human enhancement and the dangers of space warfare. These shows helped to expand the boundaries of science fiction and make it more relevant to contemporary audiences.
Influence on later works: The mid-1970s science fiction boom had a major influence on later works in the genre. Many of the shows that were produced during this time have been remade or reimagined in recent years. These shows continue to inspire and influence new generations of science fiction writers and filmmakers.

The mid-1970s science fiction boom was a watershed moment in the history of the genre. These shows helped to popularize science fiction, make it more accessible to mainstream audiences, and introduce new themes and ideas to the genre. They continue to influence the genre today, and they remain some of the most beloved science fiction shows of all time.

Exploring Space: 1999: An Episode Guide and Complete History of the Mid-1970s Science Fiction Television Series

by John Kenneth Muir

4.4 out of 5