UFO (1970-1973)

Gerry Anderson brought the world several rather unique sci-fi programs during his celebrated career, though 1970’s UFO was his first foray into full ‘live-action.’ While his previous series (all cult hits these days) Firebird XL5 and Thunderbirds were populated with life-size (and somewhat creepy) marionettes, UFO boasts Edward Bishop and George Sewell as the intrepid heroes. The setting is the ‘futuristic’ landscape of 1980, a time in which Earth is constantly under threat from green-skinned aliens. Luckily our planet has the Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organization (S.H.A.D.O.) to keep us all safe. Corny and silly at times, clever and exciting at others, UFO is a worthwhile cult fave, and the recently-released DVD set should please those who grew up with Anderson’s fantastic creations.