TV: Anthologies
by qempyrean | created - 08 Sep 2020 | updated - 9 months ago | PublicGenerally series with no continuing characters from one episode to the next, although some include recurring leads or multi-part shows that could be considered miniseries on their own.
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1. The Magical World of Disney (1954–1997)
TV-G | 120 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
A Disney-produced anthology covering many different genres.
Stars: Walt Disney, Paul Frees, Clarence Nash, Slim Pickens
Votes: 2,290
2. Masterpiece Mystery (1980– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
An anthology series featuring various predominately British mystery stories.
Stars: Vincent Price, Alan Cumming, Gene Shalit, Diana Rigg
Votes: 904
3. Masterpiece (1971– )
Drama, History, Mystery
An anthology drama series featuring primarily British productions.
Stars: Alistair Cooke, Laura Linney, David Bamber, Russell Baker
Votes: 578
4. CBS Children's Film Festival (1967–1978)
Family
Kukla, Fran and Ollie hosted this film program. They would introduce children's films from around the world. In between, the three would act in short skits.
Stars: Perry Benson, Anoop Singh, Brett Way, Raymond Boal
Votes: 86
5. Hammer House of Horror (1980)
TV-14 | 54 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
This British anthology series, which was produced by England's leading exporters of horror films, told tales of haunted houses, demons, ghosts, and other supernatural wonders.
Stars: Peter Cushing, Denholm Elliott, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Anna Calder-Marshall
Votes: 2,286
6. Tales of the Unexpected (1979–1988)
TV-14 | 25 min | Comedy, Drama, Horror
Short dramas each with a twist of some kind; across the first four seasons most of these are from short stories by Roald Dahl.
Stars: Roald Dahl, Andrew Ray, Forbes Collins, Richard Johnson
Votes: 2,502
7. Tales of the Unexpected (1977)
60 min | Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
"Tales of the Unexpected" was an anthology series presenting stories of suspense, mystery and science-fiction, usually with some sort of twist ending.
Stars: William Conrad, Lloyd Bridges, Ronny Cox, Joanna Pettet
Votes: 153
8. The Best of the Post (1960– )
30 min | Drama
A syndicated anthology series adapted from stories published in the Saturday Evening Post magazine.
Stars: John Conte, Burt Douglas, Karl Swenson, Alan Lee
Votes: 34
9. Love, American Style (1969–1974)
60 min | Comedy, Romance
An anthology comedy series featuring a line up of different celebrity guest stars appearing in anywhere from one, two, three, and four short stories or vignettes within an hour about versions of love and romance.
Stars: Stuart Margolin, Barbara Minkus, William Callaway, Mary Grover
Votes: 2,505
10. NBC Experiment in Television (1967–1971)
60 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
NBC presents an anthology series made up of dramatic pieces and documentaries.
Stars: David Warner, Edward Binns, Jo Van Fleet, James Edwards
Votes: 90
11. Kraft Mystery Theater (1961–1963)
60 min | Crime, Mystery
A successor to Kraft Television Theater with a change of focus away from straight drama. The high productions remained along with the ability to attract well known talent.
Stars: Frank Gallop, Keir Dullea, John Ericson, Richard Anderson
Votes: 79
12. Kraft Suspense Theatre (1963–1965)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Kraft Suspense Theater was an anthology series which featured a new cast and stories each week.
Stars: David Lewis, Francis De Sales, Harry Townes, Jack Kelly
Votes: 289
13. Out of the Unknown (1965–1971)
60 min | Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
A classic anthology science fiction series which features adaptations of stories by famous authors including Isaac Asimov, J.G. Ballard, Frederik Pohl and John Wyndham.
Stars: John Gabriel, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Erik Chitty, Peter Copley
Votes: 176
14. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962)
TV-14 | 25 min | Drama, Mystery
Series of unrelated short stories covering elements of crime, horror, drama, and comedy about people of different backgrounds committing murders, suicides, thefts, and other sorts of crime caused by certain motivations, perceived or not.
Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Harry Tyler, John Williams, Patricia Hitchcock
Votes: 19,336
15. Circle of Fear (1972–1973)
60 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
An anthology of suspense dramas concentrating on individuals confronted with supernatural occurrences.
Stars: Sebastian Cabot, Sheila Larken, Meg Foster, Don 'Red' Barry
Votes: 555
16. Night Gallery (1969–1973)
TV-PG | 50 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Rod Serling presents tales of horror illustrated in various paintings.
Stars: Rod Serling, Larry Watson, Joanna Pettet, Matt Pelto
Votes: 6,186
17. The Outer Limits (1963–1965)
TV-PG | 51 min | Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi
An anthology series of insightful science fiction tales.
Stars: Bob Johnson, Ben Wright, William Douglas, Robert Culp
Votes: 9,312
18. The Outer Limits (1995–2002)
TV-PG | 44 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A modern revival of the classic science fiction horror anthology show The Outer Limits (1963). Episodes often have twist-endings and involve aliens. Sometimes, a story from one episode continues in a later episode.
Stars: Kevin Conway, Alex Diakun, Eric Schneider, Garvin Cross
Votes: 13,786
19. The Twilight Zone (2002–2003)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
This second revival of The Twilight Zone (1959) presents tales of suspense, fantasy, science fiction and horror.
Stars: Forest Whitaker, June B. Wilde, Chris Shields, Tangi Miller
Votes: 6,633
20. The Twilight Zone (1985–1989)
TV-PG | 45 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A collection of tales which range from comic to tragic, but often have a wicked sense of humor and an unexpected twist.
Stars: Robin Ward, Charles Aidman, Richard Mulligan, William Atherton
Votes: 12,268
21. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
TV-PG | 50 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.
Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, James Turley
Votes: 93,245
22. Tales from the Darkside (1983–1988)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
"Tales from the Darkside" was a horror anthology series where the viewer is taken through ghost stories, science fiction adventures, and creepy, unexplained events.
Stars: Paul Sparer, Catherine Battistone, John Marzilli, Karen Shallo
Votes: 6,963
23. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1985–1989)
TV-PG | 22 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Updated remakes of classic stories from Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962), originally produced by the Master of Suspense. His original opening bits are colorized for re-use here.
Stars: Bernard Behrens, Cynthia Belliveau, David B. Nichols, Kathleen Quinlan
Votes: 3,256
24. The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962–1965)
TV-14 | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
"The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" was a continuation of the dramatic anthology series Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) hosted by the Master of Suspense and Mystery.
Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Hinton Pope, Jimmy Joyce, Lew Brown
Votes: 5,159
25. Amazing Stories (1985–1987)
TV-PG | 30 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Truly amazing, fantastical, funny, and odd, and sometimes scary, sad, and endearing stories are portrayed. Many famous actors, actresses, and directors made guest appearances.
Stars: Charles Durning, Douglas Seale, Sharon Spelman, Louis Giambalvo
Votes: 6,422
26. The Ray Bradbury Theater (1985–1992)
TV-14 | 23 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"The Ray Bradbury Theater" was a Canadian-produced anthology series scripted by famed science-fiction author Ray Bradbury. Many of the teleplays were based upon Bradbury's novels and short stories.
Stars: Ray Bradbury, Michael Copeman, Frank Whitten, Desmond Kelly
Votes: 1,713
27. One Step Beyond (1959–1961)
Approved | 25 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"One Step Beyond" was a collection of tales about paranormal events, horrifying folklore, and the world of the unknown.
Stars: John Newland, Robert Douglas, Olan Soule, Will J. White
Votes: 1,879
28. The Next Step Beyond (1978–1979)
30 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"The Next Step Beyond" was a hosted science fiction series hosted by John Newland, airing from the late 1950s until the early 1960s.
Stars: John Newland, Henry Brandon, Craig Littler, Martin Rudy
Votes: 58
29. The Veil (1958)
25 min | Horror, Mystery
An anthology of horror stories hosted by actor Boris Karloff.
Stars: Boris Karloff, Robert Hardy, Harry Bartell, Ron Hagerthy
Votes: 541
30. Thriller (1960–1962)
TV-PG | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
Experience the complete series of the show that was hailed as the most frightening ever created for television--now available for the first time.
Stars: Boris Karloff, Richard Peel, Henry Daniell, Lillian O'Malley
Votes: 1,661
31. Fox Mystery Theater (1984)
70 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
"Fox Mystery Theater" was an anthology series of chilling tales with a twist.
Stars: David McCallum, David Carradine, Carol Lynley, Dean Stockwell
Votes: 470
32. Thriller (1973–1976)
TV-14 | 65 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
"Thriller" was an anthology series of self-contained episodes, with genres ranging from murder mystery to suspense to psychological and supernatural horror.
Stars: Donna Mills, Gary Collins, Derek Francis, Michael Jayston
Votes: 979
33. The Wide World of Mystery (1973–1976)
90 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A 90 minute late-night mystery and suspense anthology series which ran on ABC (American Broadcasting Company), between 1973 and 1978.
Stars: John Karlen, Michael Parks, Susan Strasberg, Robert Symonds
Votes: 134
34. 'Way Out (1961)
25 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"'Way Out" was a drama in the macabre genre was broadcast each week hosted by Roald Dahl.
Stars: Roald Dahl, Paul Tremaine, Richard Morse, George Turner
Votes: 191
35. American Playhouse (1980–1994)
61 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Anthology series which ran on PBS throughout the 1980s.
Stars: Jeffrey DeMunn, Elizabeth Franz, Edward Herrmann, Sada Thompson
Votes: 416
36. G.E. True (1962–1963)
30 min | Adventure, Drama
Episodes based on stories from "True" magazine.
Stars: Jack Webb, Felix Reinsch, Kurt Kreuger, Charles H. Radilak
Votes: 35
37. Espionage (1963–1964)
48 min | Drama, War
An anthology series telling different and unrelated stories of espionage set in many countries and historical periods.
Stars: Victor Platt, Martin Lyder, Maxwell Shaw, Alan Tilvern
Votes: 81
38. Off to See the Wizard (1967–1968)
60 min | Animation, Family, Fantasy
Family-oriented TV series, produced by MGM, in which guest hosts and animated versions of the "Wizard of Oz" characters were used as wrap-arounds to introduce various family-oriented films ... See full summary »
Stars: Daws Butler, Mel Blanc, June Foray, Vito Scotti
Votes: 77
39. Visions (1976–1980)
Drama
Weekly anthology series of original dramas, often with period settings.
Stars: Ellen Travolta, Lesley Woods, Harry Basch, Philip Baker Hall
Votes: 85
40. Journey to the Unknown (1968– )
60 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
"Journey to the Unknown" was a British anthology series about everyday people finding themselves put into unusual circumstances...many of them supernatural in nature.
Stars: Vera Miles, Brandon De Wilde, Carol Lynley, Stefanie Powers
Votes: 266
41. Playhouse 90 (1956–1961)
90 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Of the many anthology series, this is considered the most ambitious with outstanding talent in front of the camera. Attracting top ranked directors and scripts, it was often filmed live including the entire first season.
Stars: Richard Joy, Paul Lambert, Helen Kleeb, Charles Bickford
Votes: 419
42. Studio One (1948–1958)
60 min | Drama
A pinnacle of the Golden Age of Television, "Studio One" presented a wide range of memorable dramas and received eighteen Emmy nominations and five wins during its prestigious nine-year run on CBS.
Stars: Betty Furness, Paul Branson, Charlton Heston, Mary Sinclair
Votes: 329
43. Love Story (1973–1974)
60 min | Drama, Romance
An anthology of love stories dealing each week with a different couple with a different set of problems.
Stars: Samantha Eggar, Clifton Davis, Bruce Davison, Vic Morrow
Votes: 63
44. Medical Story (1975–1976)
60 min | Drama
Stars: Tony Musante, Robert Mandan, Catherine Burns, Elyssa Davalos
Votes: 57
45. Police Story (1973–1980)
120 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Detective Cheng is commissioned by Interpol to destroy the "Empire of Chaiba", a worldwide criminal organization based in Southeast Asia, he initiates an undercover operation to infiltrate the organization.
Stars: Scott Brady, Mel Scott, Don Meredith, Joe Santos
Votes: 1,184
46. Zane Grey Theatre (1956–1961)
TV-PG | 25 min | Western
An anthology based (earlier more so than later) on the novels and stories of Zane Grey. Dick Powell was often the star, as well as the host.
Stars: Dick Powell, Walter Sande, Denver Pyle, Bill Erwin
Votes: 582
47. Death Valley Days (1952–1970)
TV-PG | 25 min | Western
Western stories and legends based, and filmed, in and around Death Valley, California. One of the longest-running Western series, originating on radio in the 1930s. The continuing sponsor was "20 Mule Team" Borax, a product formerly mined in Death Valley.
Stars: Stanley Andrews, Robert Taylor, Ronald Reagan, Dale Robertson
Votes: 1,048
48. Navy Log (1955–1958)
30 min | History, War
Showed featured dramatic reenactments of true Naval events taken from the files of the Defense Department. The episodes generally featured little known actors although better known performers sometimes hosted.
Stars: Robert Carson, Robert Shayne, George Conrad, Joel Smith
Votes: 135
49. Science Fiction Theatre (1955–1957)
25 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
In this science-fiction anthology series host Truman Bradley introduces stories extrapolated from actual scientific data available in the 1950's, concentrating on such concepts as space flight, UFO's and mental telepathy.
Stars: Truman Bradley, Michael Fox, Marshall Thompson, Peter Hansen
Votes: 444
50. The Evil Touch (1973–1974)
30 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"The Evil Touch" was an anthology horror, science fiction and mystery series hosted by Anthony Quayle between 1973-74..
Stars: Anthony Quayle, Darren McGavin, Jack Thompson, Leslie Nielsen
Votes: 122
51. Worlds Beyond (1986)
25 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"Worlds Beyond" was a half-hour supernatural anthology series adapted from real cases of the Society for Psychical Research.
Stars: Darren McGavin, Paul Freeman, Nancy Travis, Judi Bowker
Votes: 53
52. Shadows of Fear (1970–1973)
60 min | Horror, Thriller
Anthology series in which characters find themselves in weird and scary situations. Not evoked by the supernatural but by other people.
Stars: Ray Smith, Michael Craig, Ian Bannen, Sheila Hancock
Votes: 118
53. Crossroads (1955–1957)
30 min | Drama
The anthology series dramatized the lives of clergymen of all faiths and the problems they faced in both their professional and personal lives.
Stars: Ray Teal, Robert Carson, Frank J. Scannell, Douglass Dumbrille
Votes: 92
54. Flight (1958–1959)
30 min | Adventure
Hosted by well known General George Kenney, the show was an anthology featuring the importance of aviation. Frequently war stories, it also dealt with the practical uses of civilian air as in severe weather conditions.
Stars: George C. Kenney, Joe Flynn, Forrest Compton, John Pickard
Votes: 62
55. Panic! (1957– )
30 min | Thriller
A short-lived anthology series narrated by Westbrook Van Voorhis. Each episode tells its own thriller story and featured its own unique cast.
Stars: Westbrook Van Voorhis, Bill Erwin, Norman Alden, Robert Anderson
Votes: 61
56. Insight (I) (1960–1984)
30 min | Drama
This American Roman Catholic religious-themed anthology sheds light on the contemporary search for meaning, freedom, and love.
Stars: Ellwood Kieser, Pat McGeehan, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Brian Keith
Votes: 284
57. Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963–1967)
60 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Legendary entertainer Bob Hope hosted, and occasionally starred in, one of the last major anthology series on network television, featuring many of Hollywood's top names, including quite a few who didn't do much television otherwise
Stars: Bob Hope, Jack Weston, Jack Kelly, John Francis
Votes: 239
58. Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (1958–1960)
60 min | Drama
An anthology series hosted by Betty Furness in the first season, and Desi Arnaz in the second. Stories came from several genres, often based on fact. A two part episode was spun off as the popular show The Untouchables (1959).
Stars: Desi Arnaz, Betty Furness, Bruce Gordon, Keenan Wynn
Votes: 143
59. The Chevy Mystery Show (1960)
45 min | Mystery
Anthology series featuring a different mystery each week.
Stars: Walter Slezak, Vincent Price, Everett Sloane, Barbara Stuart
Votes: 44
60. The United States Steel Hour (1953–1963)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
In this live drama series, over two hundred live plays, covering all aspects of society, were shown.
Stars: Richard Kiley, Betsy Palmer, Edward Andrews, Biff McGuire
Votes: 198
61. Armstrong Circle Theatre (1950–1963)
60 min | Drama
Documentary dramas, plays that were based on true stories, were the forte of Armstrong Circle Theater. Many movie actors and actresses got their start here.
Stars: Douglas Edwards, Sandy Becker, Bob Sherry, John Cameron Swayze
Votes: 123
62. Kraft Theatre (1947–1958)
60 min | Drama
A well-received anthology series presenting live television dramas.
Stars: Ed Herlihy, Vaughn Taylor, Valerie Cossart, Dan Morgan
Votes: 222
63. The Philco Television Playhouse (1948–1956)
60 min | Drama
This live dramatic series featured original stories and adaptations of novels, plays, etc., during its eight-year run. During the first year, the show was sponsored by the Actor's Equity ... See full summary »
Stars: Bert Lytell, Jay Jackson, Bob Stanton, E.G. Marshall
Votes: 137
64. Schlitz Playhouse (1951–1959)
30 min | Comedy, Drama
Originally billed as "Playhouse of the Stars" this long running anthology series was originally presented live from New York City. Irene Dunne was briefly the hostess in 1952, and the show frequently used Broadway performers in classic stories.
Stars: James Mason, Irene Dunne, Robert Paige, Walter Coy
Votes: 338
65. Four Star Playhouse (1952–1956)
30 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
This show featured four rotating stars, Charles Boyer, David Niven, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell in individual episodes consisting of everything from comedy to drama.
Stars: David Niven, Dick Powell, Charles Boyer, Ida Lupino
Votes: 244
66. The DuPont Show of the Week (1961–1964)
60 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical
An anthology weekly drama series.
Stars: Walter Matthau, Frank McGee, Art Carney, Gene Wilder
Votes: 185
67. General Electric Theater (1953–1962)
TV-G | 30 min | Drama
An American anthology series, with a new episode and different actors and actresses each week. Hosted by Ronald Reagan, the series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.
Stars: Ronald Reagan, Don Herbert, Nancy Reagan, Lee Marvin
Votes: 432
68. Lux Video Theatre (1950–1959)
30 min | Comedy, Drama
Live dramatic shows featuring Hollywood stars, adaptations of motion pictures, and a host accompanying. The host would introduce each act, and would conduct an interview with the stars at the end of the play.
Stars: Ken Carpenter, Jay Jackson, Otto Kruger, Gordon MacRae
Votes: 154
69. Omnibus (1952–1961)
55 min | Drama, History, Music
Omnibus was a television program that sought to provide the best of what television could provide as the highest common denominator of intellectual curiosity and interest. This level of programing excellence has not been achieved again.
Stars: Alistair Cooke, Leonard Bernstein, Joseph N. Welch, Helen Hayes
Votes: 218
70. Alcoa Premiere (1961–1963)
60 min | Drama
Hosted by famous dancer and actor Fred Astaire, this series presented a new drama with each week's episode. Unlike some of the earlier drama series, which tended either toward classics or ... See full summary »
Stars: Fred Astaire, Keir Dullea, Brian Eliot, Paul Comi
Votes: 141
71. ABC Stage 67 (1966–1967)
51 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical
A weekly anthology of one-hour plays, both original and adapted from literary sources.
Stars: Lee Grant, Arthur Kennedy, The Doodletown Pipers, Diahann Carroll
Votes: 110
72. The DuPont Show of the Month (1957–1961)
90 min | Comedy, Drama, History
The award winning bing play of Mary Chase came to television in 1958. It tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd (Art Carney), a personable chap who drinks a little, and befriends a "pookah", a ... See full summary »
Stars: Tim O'Connor, James Valentine, Hurd Hatfield, John Colicos
Votes: 105
73. Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951–1978)
Comedy, Drama
Probably the longest-running anthology series on television, the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" has been presenting television dramatizations of famous plays and books, as well as original programs especially written for the series, since 1951.
Stars: Sarah Churchill, Howard Wierum, Frank Daly, Robert Daggett
Votes: 337
74. Country Matters (1972– )
60 min | Drama
The story of people living in the countryside of the United Kingdom after World War I.
Stars: Peter Firth, Ian McKellen, Rosalind Ayres, Susan Fleetwood
Votes: 82
75. Lamp Unto My Feet (1948–1979)
60 min | Talk-Show
One of Television's earliest religious series providing inspirational drama and readings. Aired usually on Sunday mornings.
Stars: Lyman Bryson, George Crothers, Abby Lewis, Arnold Moss
Votes: 29
76. The Dick Powell Theatre (1961–1963)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
Powell served as host and, in early shows at least, occasional star in this dramatic anthology. It was his last television series and contained his last filmed acting (episode: 'The Court-Martial of Captain Wycliff').
Stars: Dick Powell, David Niven, June Allyson, Oscar Beregi Jr.
Votes: 210
77. Black Mirror (2011– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Featuring stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.
Stars: Wunmi Mosaku, Monica Dolan, Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen
Votes: 640,714
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