How the Cancelled UFO Series 2 Became Space:1999

Chris Dale takes us on an in-depth look at UFO and the reasons for its cancellation, and how Gerry Anderson salvaged the vast amounts of preproduction for the second season into the smash hit, Space:1999 that we all know and love today.
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[@0x777]

Canceling UFO was one of the biggest crimes of TV in the 20th century. UFO was one of the first really well designed SciFi series in existence. A series that didn't just have cardboard-cutout heroic figures but real people. Straker was a broken man. A fanatic that would have sacrificed the Earth for his battle against the Aliens. This alone made him a flawed hero, but one that already sacrificed his life and soul for this battle. That alone elevated the series above any of the other SciFi shows of the time.

[@TryptychUK]

It's only after rewatching many years later that I see something I never noticed as a kid. Straker is one hard nut. Humourless and totally driven. And, it has to be said, not a very nice person as a result.

[@0x777]

@@TryptychUK There is this one scene in the first episode where Lt. Ford screws something up and says "Well, sir, it ain't easy..." to Straker who pretty much goes ballistic on him over it. Well, once you realize what he sacrificed to his personal war against the aliens, that outburst makes a lot of sense.

[@TryptychUK]

@@0x777 Oh, sure. I get all the reasoning, but then it was his hard-nosed attitude that got his boy killed and destroyed his marriage.

[@TheCarterKent]

How to tell if you are REALLY a UFO-series lover: In WHICH episode did Straeker say they were having a tough time explaining to the government bean-counters how one of Harlington-Staekers movies actually MADE a PROFIT?

[@johnpetty3574]

When i was a kid, i thought UFO & SPACE 1999 were so AWESOME.

[@peterdixon7734]

UFO had considerably more charisma than Space 1999.

[@davidminken4094]

I had the Eagle Transporter when I was a kid. Probably the single coolest toy I owned.

[@brentwalker8596]

I only learned about UFO on KZbin. Space:1999. on the other hand, was one of my favorite shows as a kid. The visual aspect was fantastic and always foreboding.

[@DJANTONIVS]

Both UFO and Space:1999 are and forever will be lovely shows. 😍

[@shyamdevadas6099]

Great video! I'm 57 now and these shows were the reruns of my childhood, except for Space 1999. At the time, they were the coolest thing in the world.

[@DanTheMan2150AD]

I’ve been rewatching UFO recently with my dad, who watched it on first broadcast. It’s amazing how well he recalls so many of the epsiodes and details vividly. Would have killed for a second season of UFO, truly excellent TV.

[@daveroche6522]

Know what you mean Dan - my dad (R.I.P.), myself and my eldest religiously watched UFO and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea back in the day (ok, obviously just myself and my dad initially but over time....). To this day we still remember most of them and rewatch every so often. Who cares that sometimes there were continuity errors, plot holes, iffy effects etc. - they were/are compulsive viewing, which we're passing on to the new generation of nippers in the family. S.I.G.

[@2095yourstruly]

Like your father Dan, I too watched it with my brothers when it was on back in 1972 - such a great atmospheric Sci Fi action drama. And like your Dad, have passed it on to my sons. Remember, great quality of any kind - no matter when it was produced - is timeless and can be enjoyed forever - glad to see you and others are carrying that torch.

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Salute to you and your dad. You are fortunate to still have him.

[@daveroche6522]

@@goodoldbubba6620 Thank you Bubba, alas he's departed Moonbase since - still on patrol (yep, he served in the armed forces here (Ireland). Gave myself (and my brothers) an awareness of and appreciation for much. Take care Bro....

[@Warriorking.1963]

Well if a UFO Season 2 had been as bad as Space 1999 Season 2, I think we should be thankful it was never made.

[@anitacamera6685]

I grew up with UFO, it was the highlight of my teenage years. Sad we never got a season 2.

[@Geekeric]

Those Anderson shows had the best theme sequences! Why can't tv make an effort to be exciting like that?

[@leet2089]

Gerry Anderson was a genius!

[@PurityVendetta]

Gerrymandering and Sylvia both years ahead of their time and geniuses in their own rights.

[@londontrotter7481]

We kids Enjoyed every single Jerry Anderson show in the 70's. The craftsmanship itself was/is brilliant

[@upsonpratt6394]

UFO is one of the best sci-fi shows ever. Still a favorite. The endings of some of those episodes are so bleak (especially the episode where Straker has to decide between stopping a UFO strike or rerouting a plane with equipment capable of saving his critically injured son). It was bold of them also to do an entire episode showing how the setting up of SHADO lead to the breakdown of Straker's marriage. I'm forever a fan! ❤

[@halcyon289]

There are very few things in life that I hold on to ...life goes on , friends will arrive , friends will disappear - you get over things etc. One thing that I have never been able to let go of , however how much I try , is the cancellation of UFO . Everything was in place for a second season . Ed Bishop WAS Straker . His performance went above and beyond conventional television acting. He gave the show depth and gravitas rarely seen in TV at that time. I believed in him ...and I was ten years of age when I first watched it . Straker was tough , he had charisma but he was committed to the job in hand .And from Bishop's commitment to playing Straker came superb performances from Wanda Ventham , George Sewell, Michael Billington and the extraordinary Valdek Sheybal among others . A programme that is over fifty years old that today has an IMDb rating of 7.9 should I hope entice a new generation of people to watch this one of a kind televisual experience.

[@iscreemz4494]

@@halcyon289 hear hear. Well said. I'm with you, my friend.

[@halcyon289]

@@iscreemz4494 Thank you friend :)

[@rodmanpactacrbryant]

I have all 26 episodes 🖖 nice back 1970 !! i was 14 at the times 😀

[@protorhinocerator142]

I'm sure I'm not alone in getting psyched up every time I hear that theme song. It had a lot of punch, in a time where most theme songs might have been memorable but just didn't "hit you" like that and get you ready to go. There haven't been that many since that get me in the mood for the action like that. Battlestar Glactica (original), Dallas, Miami Vice, Star Trek TNG, Highlander (TV series), Charmed (original), and True Blood come to mind. That's really not a lot for the last 50 years. More shows could benefit from an awesome theme song.

[@mpersad]

Given the constant number of contract difficulties, studio issues and US cancellations it's amazing that Space 1999 was ever produced! And thank goodness it was , I loved it!

[@motocomfort_de]

It was nothing vs UFO

[@blasterman789]

First season of Space 1999 had some of the best cinematography I've ever seen in a TV series. The lighting, editing and camera work is at times amazing. Infernal Machine is one of the best stand alone episodes of any sci fi series on any list.

[@raven4k998]

thunderbirds are GO!

[@petestanton1945]

S.H.A.D.O.W

[@jondunmore4268]

Used to love the show - always thought that it was super legit amongst a rash of other inauthentic copycats and wannabes.

[@susanbooth6793]

To quote Barry Morse on why he left 'Space 1999 ' (or, as Bob Shaw had it, 'Space 19 and 99 pence') "'Gerry,' I says, "'what this show needs is more characterisation and less bangs!'" For which he was cheered at the first Fanderson convention.

[@enkisdaughter4795]

The books were far better

[@commanderstraker6732]

Fantastic documentary on the story behind the evolution of Space 1999. I too was disappointed that UFO didn't get a second series. That's the trouble where you have to rely on foreign investment for the productions. I liked series one of 1999, but hugely disappointed with series two. It was then more of a comic strip fantasy show than stories which could have some sort of scientific reality to them. I was hugely saddened by the way Gerry's series were treated by tv networks. Even the last venture into Captain Scarlett was ruined by splitting episodes into segments. That would leave audiences bored and quickly lose interest. To me Gerry Anderson is one of England's finest ever film and TV maker

[@daveroche6522]

S2 of Spance:1999 as 100% spaceshit!

[@Scouphobos]

Pl.

[@thomasdavis875]

Very well said.

[@STEViEmando]

☆

[@paulhunter6742]

Blame poor quality of Space:1999 season II on Fred Freiburg, the same American producer that gave us Spock's Brain and Turnaround Intruder episodes final season of Classic Trek.

[@Dkentflyer]

Space 1999 has been my favourite show since i was a child. I then discovered UFO about 20 years ago and have grown in love the series, the quality of the stories in both UFO and series 1 of Space were fanatastic. I knew of the transition between the 2 shows but there was so much info in this documentary that i didn't know. An absolutely stunning documentary, many congrats to Chris Dale and the team.

[@Beantownreview]

I loved Space: 1999 so much that I had some of the toys and Eagle model sets.

[@smokinggunsaloon208]

The joys of Michael Billington (Col. Foster). How he was overlooked for the role of James Bond: 007, I'll never comprehend.

[@Mike_Hughes]

@@smokinggunsaloon208 Could not agree more ! Well said.

[@markthomas8322]

Ed Straker was a leading character of the Gerry Anderson world.... the best in my mind. There should have been a second series of UFO. It had its faults in production time to time but overall miles better than Space 1999. If only the 2nd series had been approved ...now Ed has become a true legend sent to the stars.....transported into space.....like many others in the cast (by the aliens?)

[@mccartney2]

UFO wins by a country mile!

[@BoydsofParadise]

these shows had outstanding scores! UFO's theme was and still is one of my favorites.

[@nordan00]

Agree 100%! Great theme! Wish they had the original on iTunes!

[@Mike_Hughes]

Bang On !

[@pkworld]

Mine too, and I've had it as my ringtone for many years :-)

[@Mike_Hughes]

@@pkworld Wow ! - How do I get that, PK ?

[@pkworld]

@@Mike_Hughes I'm not sure, I found it online many years ago, before I even had a smart-phone.

[@joeking4206]

I grew up with Gerry Anderson programmes. I was born in 1961 and I'm pretty sure I became an aerospace engineer because of Thunderbirds. I'm no Brains but I've had fun. A golden era; before the current generation who have their imaginations and opinions created for them by mega-billionaires, mostly in Silicon Valley or Seattle. Your use of clips from the programmes to add to the narrative is brilliant. You must have the scripts to everything Gerry ever did.

[@bobthebomb1596]

Same year, probably the two greatest influences on my childhood were Apollo and Gerry Anderson.

[@Mike_Hughes]

@@bobthebomb1596 Same here !

[@topcat4759]

I was born in1965 and always remember watching Stingray and Thunderbirds whilst eating my tea. Watched UFO on a Sunday lunchtime back in the days when ITV also had The Persuaders and Randall and Hopkirk deceased on. Great tv, nothing compares these days. Space 1999 was first on in 1975 and I made sure had the annual for Christmas that year.

[@MrTokyoholmsey]

@@bobthebomb1596 you and me both

[@betsyelee4434]

Yeah,I still enjoy:Ufo!I have the whole serie”s on DVD!They have great merchandising,too!(even to this day!).And,Fanderson sell”s all the merchandise!

[@raedgaj3878]

Chris Dale did a great job of narrating this, possibly the perfect person to do this with a very 70's type of delivery, really made me smile, well done.

[@1FATHEMI]

Much better than the show he was describing, for sure.

[@marklafrance8141]

Very enjoyable documentary. I adore both UFO and series one of SPACE1999.

[@daveroche6522]

Fun fact - when Gerry was initially evaluating Dereks Thunderbirds models he wasn't impressed with Thunderbird 2 - as because of the wings it couldn't fly. Derek responded with something along the lines of "Well neither should a bumble bee, yet it does. We're not making a documentary here - once it looks good, it'll work. Doesn't Thunderbird 2 look good?" Answer - "Yes". Personally T2 is my absolute favourite (which says something, as they're all pretty awesome) - a few years ago I had Sky 1 as my (work) wallpaper, until I was instructed by a certain manager to remove it, because "people might think it's real"!. There's no talking to some people - specifically those with absolutely no creativity and/or imagination - oh yeah, they're called 'managers'. Jeez.

[@CardiffOneOne]

Interesting doc but the inclusion of "amusing" clips to illustrate the narrative is extremely irritating and tiresome. Just tell us what happened!!

[@speedracer1945]

UFO was cooler than Space 1999 . The intro music and quick editing gave newbies what the show was about in 35 seconds.

[@KlausBahnhof]

@@daveroche6522 That manager needs a strong dose of LSD.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

@@CardiffOneOne By way of contrast, I enjoyed the witty selection of clips. Just shows the variety that makes up the human race. A but like Space:1999?.

[@imajhawk11]

I wish and preferred a second season of UFO than 1999!!!!

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Agreed.

[@hermask815]

The stories of 1999 seemed to be more far fetched when I saw it at the first broadcast.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

Loved them both but more UFO would have been great to see. Especially those gorgeous Moonbase crew in their purple wigs😉

[@ianhill4585]

Also agree.

[@angelomezzadri2463]

I agree 100%.

[@AaronNewcomb]

Those scene inserts are PERFECT! LOL.

[@delavalmilker]

UFO had such enormous potential. It still impresses today. Would have loved to have seen a 2nd season. Especially with the "expanded" changes mentioned in this documentary.

[@stevesgaming7475]

indeed, it would have been amazing. Utterly gutted it didn't happen. damn yanks :(

[@agranero6]

Yes. Even being a kid I was impressed that they envisioned several the details of a future: clothing, haircuts, cars. Not only the tech part that SciFi is mostly focused. And I loved the idea that a secret base was under a film studio.

[@TryptychUK]

UFO was far superior to Space:1999. Lew Grade's, (and to some degree, Gerry Anderson's) obsession with brown-nosing the Americans is what always interfered with all the Century 21 work.

[@michaelmcchesney6645]

I was 7-years-old when Space 1999 premiered in 1975. I remember watching it every week with my parents. I seem to remember the show airing at 7 pm on Saturday nights, though I could certainly be wrong about that. We only had one TV in those days, so if my parents didn't want to watch something in the evenings, I wasn't going to get to watch it. But my parents were usually game to watch Sci Fi shows. We used to watch Planet of the Apes as well. It was probably around that same time that I watched at least some reruns of episodes of UFO. My favorite part of UFO though is the theme music. I've been using that as my ringtone for years. At least UFO and Space 1999 are available to stream. There were a lot of other Sci Fi shows from the 60's and 70's that I wish was able to find streaming somewhere.

[@paulhunter6742]

I believe your right about Space:1999 aired Saturday night 7pm because that our dinner hour. My mother allowed us bring tv tray into Living Room. And we also had only one TV set. The only frustration were my Sisters constantly questions about Aliens or Space ships or why certain characters always appear on Screen.

[@aguage99]

Thank you for this video! I first met Space:1999 and then UFO. My love is unconditionally for Space:1999 but I also appreciate UFO. The reality, in my opinion, is that we have to thank very much Gerry Anderson and his TV world viewing. He was a true producer and as such perhaps opposed by others. Thank you mr. Gerry Anderson! I love Space:1999 since 1976.

[@dogwalker666]

UFO with eagle transporters would have been perfection.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

The Eagle transporters were iconic, best looking British space ships until the Liberator from Blake's Seven.

[@STho205]

The moon hoppers of UFO looked like they took the pre 1967 prototype models of NASAs LM and kitbashed it into a 1980s moon flyer. The Eagles were an industrial version with cargo cranes and modular payload bays. One of the most believable Earth designed spaceships ever built in a TV space show. Replicating the command module onto every other Earth ship too, added to believability. The Eagles made perfect sense as something designed to carry waste to the dump sites, and still have other purpose. Well thought out.

[@dogwalker666]

@@STho205 agreed

[@Rooticalsteppa]

Watch doppelgänger for proto eagles and other ships 1969

[@dogwalker666]

@@Rooticalsteppa I have it in my watch list actually i will watch out for them.

[@brianedwards7142]

After TB2 the Eagle was the best looking Anderson vehicle.

[@peteriuliano5846]

I MISS THE END TITLE MUSIC OF UFO --- THE CRAZY, SPOOKY, MUSIC WAS BEYOND AMAZING

[@swannvictor1388]

glad its not just me!! I've loved it since I was 6 years old, nearly 51 years lol.

[@johnstephenson6231]

Try this from a german band Amon Duul 2 circa 1971. The whole album is good, in my opinion, but from 35:21 has a track which is similar in part to the sound to the closing of UFO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKvOq5-oiJKeqZY

[@johnstephenson6231]

@@swannvictor1388 Try this from a german band Amon Duul 2 circa 1971. The whole album is good, in my opinion, but from 35:21 has a track which is similar in part to the sound to the closing of UFO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKvOq5-oiJKeqZY

[@swannvictor1388]

@@johnstephenson6231 Thanks, will check it out and get back to you.

[@Aengus42]

23:44 Insert 11 year old boy here! I can still remember forgetting to chew a mouthful of chicken & chips from the chip van when I first saw Sandra Baines. My Dad said "Close your mouth son, girls like that tend not to go for dribblers!" and then collapsed in a heap of laughter. Which meant that every time she was on screen I blushed! She still stops me in my tracks!

[@markmaiello9180]

A professionally made, well constructed, entertaining look at the making of Space: 1999. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for UFO & am sorry that Ed Bishop didn’t get his enhanced version of the show. His lines in 2001: A Space Odyssey were also erased. During Covid lockdown I did rewatch both series and despite the flawed science in Space: 1999, & a few gaffs in UFO, they were entertaining & artistically satisfying. That’s about all you need.

[@jakeoregano2069]

I was a young child and vividly remember both UFO and Space:1999 - they were my favorite shows and always wanted more. I had a UFO lunchbox (anyone remember those)! and had an Eagle model - it was made mostly out of paper and paper straws - with white glue to assemble it. The UFO Long Sleep episode (I didn't know it was the last one when I was a kid) stuck with me, as did the episode Straker's son is killed. I still watch both of these shows today. Sadly, my kids just roll their eyes, thinking they are hokey with bad SFX. It was the stories...

[@AdmrlLocke]

Robert Vaughn was so cool! I knew him first from The Man from U.N.C.L.E.!

[@TryptychUK]

Apparently he was a total diva and pain in the arse on The Protectors.

[@contessa.adella]

For years now……My phone ringtone has been the opening UFO theme tune. Yes…loved UFO, still do Season one of S1999 was brilliant too…the drama and background science was very well done.

[@mikes5637]

Same ringtone here!

[@jeannoelsandrazie1874]

😊

[@MarchPaynesMidlifeDollyCrisis]

I will now be using the term "drinking tea in the midlands" as often as I can.

[@StephenMurrayMurrayfitness]

In outer space the aliens actually call the show Tea in the Midlands.

[@shibolinemress8913]

I loved all those shows. Thunderbirds, Planet of the Apes, UFO, Space: 1999 and most of all Star Trek, which I'd managed to catch from the tail end (1968) of its original run, and have loved ever since. My favourite authors were Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury and Andre Norton, among many others. I was a scifi nerd long before that became cool. 🖖😊 Thanks so much for the memories! 😊

[@graytonw5238]

Wow, the selection and timing of the clips and dialog are first rate! You can tell this took some time to put together.

[@guidosarducci209]

It's too bad those forces changed UFO until it was unrecognizable. I think it was the better concept. Nothing really against Space:1999, but I wish it hadn't _replaced_ UFO 2. And Ed Bishop - what a brilliant actor! I still cry when I think of Straker's son, and the twisted knife of losing his wife too, while Straker understood she wasn't being unreasonable considering she knew nothing. And Bishop did a PHENOMENAL job of making that whole thing believable. I wanted more Ed Bishop, among other things. And the gradual exposition of the aliens, and their purpose in visiting, was a wonderful plot development. It just seemed a much more serious story than Space:1999.

[@halcyon289]

I absolutely agree with your entire comment .Ed Bishop was quite brilliant .

[@barelyasurvivor1257]

Having lived through UFO and Space 1999 , I am amazed how much drama went on off stage . TY for showing me it was fascinating to watch

[@dougsguitarlounge7927]

They should have made a second season of UFO, it was way better than Space 1999. With the new moon base and Eagles it would have been great!

[@stephencrawford6082]

I agree Space 1999 was absolute crap but UFO May have run it’s course as it had nowhere to go. Barbara Bain was especially terrible in 1999 and should have auditioned for the Wooden Tops.

[@stevenclarke5606]

I wish that UFO 2 had gone ahead, space 1999 was just dreadful, the acting was wooden and the stories were just stupidly ridiculous!

[@arenean85]

@@stephencrawford6082 Rubbish!

[@LatitudeSky]

There needs to be a fan video where Anderson forces go up against aliens with ITC New York and Fred Frieberger as the main enemies. But the sad thing is how many times Gerry was let down in his desire to get another network show. It was a great goal to have. But the real enemies were all the actual networks and studios who didn't want that to happen. Hollywood was always going to be in his way. He never gave up. To his credit, he never ever accepted no for an answer. It's quite heroic in a sense.

[@varanid9]

Yeah, he was a true showman, like Irwin Allen and Quinn Martin. Today's soul-less bean-counting studio execs can't begin to compare to such dynamic personalities. Regardless of their travails, in the end, they created iconic shows that, despite their flaws, had huge fan bases and were unique and enduring.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

"Never give up, never surrender"

[@upsonpratt6394]

Anderson was waaaay too imaginative and creative for the average US Network Suit. He was one of a kind. A bloody legend.

[@davidarmitage901]

I always held Fred Freiburger responsible for lousing up the 2nd series of Space 1999 & the 3rd of Star Trek. However, on consulting Wikipedia it appears that he was doing his best with reduced budgets and more Yankee bean-counters calling the shots. I think it was universally acknowledged that Space 1999 Series 2 was a disaster, full of bug-eyed monsters redolent of cheapo 50s pictures. As a fan of Series 1, I couldn't understand why Moonbase was re-designed - it looked awful. Series 2's happy-clappiness was also a great annoyance.

[@spockboy]

Your use of clips from the show to enhance the narrative were brilliant. Subscribed.

[@iandeeley9033]

I think Big Finish should do a UFO 2 Series, that would be EPIC!

[@hgwells1899]

They'd have to remote record. All that cigarette smoke in the booths would be a health and safety nightmare

[@matthewblack7206]

I'm writing a sequel novella to UFO - they'd be welcome to dramatize that.

[@davidcoberly9240]

Great idea 💡!

[@daveroche6522]

Yep - and can we PLEASE have the ladies on Skydiver wearing string vests, as did the blokes? Just askin'.

[@TryptychUK]

I think Ed Bishop's voice is so distinctive, it could never be the same without him.

[@goodoldbubba6620]

All these truly great shows suffered from the same stupidity that network suits always seem to possess. From the likes of original Star Trek and UFO, to Firefly, their bad decisions cost us much. Yet, look at the absolute garbage that gets endlessly renewed! On second thought, stupidity is not a strong enough word.

[@steveprestegard5151]

The networks seem to be unable to figure out science fiction.

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

@@steveprestegard5151 Personally I think it's the audience. Scifi watchers are extremely critical and will condemn a tv show just because the intro isn't to their liking (Enterprise anyone?). Also making their personal opinion look like it's empirical fact - that's a sign of utter ignorance.

[@varanid9]

The companies that make them are so huge and bloated that the image of success which causes their shares to increase in value has become more important than the actual profits from their shows and movies. That's why modern shows are often more concerned with pushing agendas, or subject to the whims of studio execs that will cancel a successful show simply because they don't like the producer.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, truly such groundbreaking television, sorry, I mean oh my god what mind numbing utter garbage.

[@daveroche6522]

But HEY - don't they get their bonuses? Isn't that the important thing? NOT!

[@kencase2179]

I loved uFO and the first series of Space 1999. I wish they had never revamped Space 1999.

[@christophermaurer3938]

I love the fact that the moon flies out of orbit because the execs didn't want any more scenes of people drinking tea on earth.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

No drinking tea in the Midlands. Fine we shall drink tea on the moon.

[@michaelleary9233]

Sounds like Power Rangers trying to crop out the Japanese footage in the 90s.

[@ncshuriken]

@@vinnyganzano1930 Countless lightyears into deep space; 3,000,000 years from Earth... "Anyone fancy a cuppa?"

[@ncshuriken]

@@michaelleary9233 Interesting. I used to watch that when I was a kid. Were chunks of footage cut then? I hate it when that happens lol.

[@michaelleary9233]

@@ncshuriken Oh yeah, it was actually worse then cause they were in such a hurry to crank out new episodes when it was super popular that they left in a lot of Japanese stuff by mistake. By S2 they had contracted with Toei Co. In Japan to make more original footage (called Zyu2), then after the White Ranger came, they had to make most of it over here cause he was in a different Japanese show called Dairanger. Check KZbin for clips from those shows and compare them to PR, you'll see what I mean.

[@SuperDancingdevil]

In this day and age UFO could be revived with great special effects and a great cast I’m sure it would be a hit too.

[@barcham]

But you would have to replace all the sexy women. They would never be permitted in any modern remake of the series.

[@davidcoberly9240]

I still miss SPACE:1999 50 years later The Last of the Dorcons was a tour de force. Only wish it hadn’t been the finale!

[@marpsr]

As an American child watching Space 1999 I couldn’t tell the difference between an English accent and an Australian accent. Nick Tate is AWESOME.

[@lynneufeld3175]

I had a big crush on Nick ❤

[@petermay8298]

Just watching UFO on Forces TV even though I have the dvd set. It's better than I remember it. Bring it back!

[@gieselats]

So interesting. I could listen and watch this content for hours. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@CybershamanX]

(25:48) The Eagle launch FX were always impressive to me. Especially as a child. It always got my blood pumping when an Eagle launched. Especially multiple launches! The sound was spot on, too. Even though there isn't any sound in space. 😉

[@peterresetz1960]

To all the old farts here remember the TV series INVADERS that ran two seasons from 1967-1968. I always though it was kinda funny how the aliens when they were killed would disintegrate to a pile of ashes. I even had built the Monogram model of the alien space ship.

[@ewokander]

I'm a HUGE fan of SPACE and was aware of all this information but never the less, really enjoyed this video. Well done, thank you!!! Look forward to more and long live Alpha!

[@thecraggrat]

I'd like to see a revisiting of UFO, with suitably sensitive scripts/storylines to the ethos of the original, or even based on the originals. The serious nature of the original scripts always impressed me as a kid and re-watching them as an adult, no fluff to them. With today's CGI/effects I think a lot could be done, plus given the ubiquity of cell phones, keeping the secret would be that much harder in a current version. Unfortunately Moon base just wouldn't be quite the same place today...but I can live with that to see UFO live again! When Space: 1999 showed up I was initially quite impressed, though that wore off as it went on, likely in the second season, when it seemed to shift to Sci-Fantasy from Sci-Fi. That is likely why I have never been keen to re-watch it.

[@michaelkeller5008]

i know what you mean. there even was an attempt that kinda stalled in oblivion in the early 2010 i believe (maybe 2008)... even with the "harder to keep"-secret, i'd love seeing a revisited UFO-series; maybe even as a continuation from the old one. new tech, due to developments all on the moon now, self-sustaining moonbase with just the occasional shuttle from earth due to formentioned "hard to keep-secret"... many options are possible. if just the networks would stop the copy&paste-series and for once try to make something new - which a revisited UFO-series would have to be...

[@ickleshouse]

before it aired on our regional tv, a school friend of mine turned up one day with this amazing spaceship....and eagle transporter,, metallic green and white...will never forget that day> Shortly after which i got an Eagle Freighter in white with radioactive drums and a winch....and yeah ! still have it..EDIT, we were lucky enough to see one of the actual filming Eagles in Portsmouth Uk some years ago in a museum display. It was big, 4 foot or so long. WOW.

[@karlkammer3050]

This is the first I ever heard about CBS involved in buying the series. Another great video!

[@eagletransporter1999]

Fantastic documentary !!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I would like to see a rebirth of both UFO and Space:1999. I think with the current VFX technology - and strong scripts - both shows could come back strong.

[@mikes5637]

Case in point: Lost in Space on Netflix.

[@johnbuyers8046]

Nice thought and I agree as a fan but ITV (as rights holder) has absolutely no interest in resurrecting those properties.

[@smokinggunsaloon208]

The powers that be don't believe there would be sufficient enough audience interest for a reboot of the series. Look at 'The Tomorrow People' - another 70's sci-fi show that was resurrected, only to be cancelled following one season.

[@ArmyArtist]

As an American kid in the 1970's, I was enamored with SPACE 1999. I had the weird green Dinky Toy Eagle which I eventually spray painted white, and I was quick to buy the MPC Eagle Transporter model when it came out, by the dozens. I remember the huge hype over season two and when I watched the first episode intro, I was immediately let down. They had dumped the coolest theme song I had ever heard for something that sounded like a Sid and Marty Kroft production. I liked the addition of more colorful scenes, Maya the Transforming Psychon, and there was lots more Eagle effects, but it was bitter sweet without Professor Bergman. Today I am still very bitter about the drastic changes and the cancelation. As a kid, I connected the changes to the show's demise. The world ended for me when Moonbase Alpha went dark. Thank the Maker for STAR WARS, it saved me from PCTSD (Post Cancelation Traumatic Stress Disorder).

[@ThreadBomb]

Did you ever seen the movie Outland?

[@ArmyArtist]

@@ThreadBomb yes! I saw it the summer it came out in theaters. It was pretty dark and it seemed like, at the time, it was just a cop movie in space. It was definitely overshadowed by Raiders of the Lost Ark in the Summer of ‘81. The problems I had with it were the ridiculous space suits with the Christmas lights inside the helmet visor and, of course, the pump shotgun 007 carried. In that kind of advanced future, you would think they would have developed a cooler weapon. The coolest low budget sci fi weapon I have ever seen was the Sandman’s issue sidearm in Logan’s Run. It was a total physical effect that worked. But, I recently watched Outland again and I really enjoyed it. And all that stuff didn’t bother me like it did when I was an 80’s snot nosed fanboy.

[@blasterman789]

I also had both Dinky Eagles but lost them. They are worth a fair penny today.

[@thecorbies]

Brilliantly edited video. Must have taken 3,976yrs at least to find suitable/appropriate dialogue clips from soooo many other shows. Kudos. Regards Mark in the UK

[@mindsharping]

Space 1999 was shown in Afrikaans when TV was still experimental phase in South Africa. I was surprised to learn that it was not translated from a German series at the time, and even today I feel that there is something distinctly "german" about it.

[@steverogers500]

Awesome work Chris!

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Both seasons of Space 1999 was just GREAT.

[@NibiruPrime2012]

Chris Dale: You have to be a true fan, so familiar with the content, to have cherry-picked all those significant scenes and sound-bites to flow with, and support, your narration and commentary! I can only imagine how many weeks you may have spent scouring through so many episodes in order to stitch and edit this well-thought out and written 27 minute documentary! I am awed that you single-handedly did this!

[@SheDMontford]

I loved Space 1999 - and as a girl I had such a crush on commander Stryker - and I never realise these two productions were linked - thank you so much for this information - and thank you very much to the creatives for the produced both of these shows I agree they were very influential on subsequent programs likes Star Trek and of course Star Wars would not be what it is today if it wasn’t for these Way Showers.

[@shannondeckard8587]

Zienia Merton was not born in Borneo but in Burma. Her mother was Burmese.

[@starshiptrooper2354]

Loved Fireball

[@leokimvideo]

All you need to know is never watch series 2 of Space 1999. Just revel in the joy and wonder of series 1.

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Yes. It was a path that should not have been taken. It must have seemed brilliant to somebody, but I can't imagine who that was.

[@Warriorking.1963]

You beat me to it. Series 2 was so bad, even the actors complained about it.

[@warre1]

Maya is the reason I remember loving the series as a kid. So I disagree.

[@Warriorking.1963]

@@warre1 Well yes... I have to give you that one, Maya was very easy to remember.

[@Beantownreview]

If you loved Season 1 as much as I do (I have the Blu-ray set, worth every penny) then I beg you to avoid Season 2. Warriorking1963 is correct. Martin Landau complained about the writing. I'd like to know why so many changes in sets, characters, uniforms, etc., took place between S1 & S2. If there's a video on this, please let me know.

[@426john]

Wow !! that was amazing !! i was born in 1971 and am familiar & love to bits all these incredible productions , thanks for this documentary .

[@wfp9378]

24:00 Burma born. A lovely lady gone too soon.

[@evildrganymede]

Fascinating stuff! I hope you're going to tell the story of Breakaway's troubled production at some point too (you can't just leave us hanging like that!) :)

[@manuel2106]

Ed Straker played for Ed Bishop... Hard to get over... UFO IS THE BEST

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Around the year 2013, J. Michael Straczinski [JMS] -- creator of *BABYLON 5* and *CRUSADE* -- posted some comments online about how television network executives do not _get_ science fiction. I think JMS was {and still is} absolutely correct.

[@simac8640]

Crumpet was not a patch on UFO

[@blakey6143]

Your not wrong😁👍

[@garyturner5739]

Good analysis of the show there.

[@edgeeffect]

2:17 I love that mix from the 1999 drum roll to the UFO "dum duh duh dum".....

[@frontprochproduction]

Season one of Space 1999 contains some of the best, early generation, sci-fi television ever produced. It's unfortunate that the formula was so drastically altered for season two, but that is what happens when corporate bean counters interfere with artistic endeavors. History is replete with examples of failure cause by such interference.

[@gagarinsspray982]

True! :-/

[@frontprochproduction]

@@Klaus293 so bad I can't even watch it.

[@franciscopinheiro3030]

The music of the series "Espaço 1999" is one of the most recognized.

[@andrewmclachlan4242]

Another Great Video Chris!😎👍

[@daveroche6522]

Excellent documentary - thank you. I still have my Tracy Island on the bookshelf here - GREAT! Plus a few Eagles hanging from a ceiling - S.I.G.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Love your intercut of the clip dialog with your narration -- awesome!

[@gejyspa]

I liked both series as a kid (as a tribute to UFO's popularity, one of my high school classmates wrote a BASIC computer program based on it (involving shooting down alien ships as they approached Earth)), and in the past ten years rewatched both series' runs. But until today, I had no idea that Space:1999 started life as a sequel to UFO!

[@richardmattocks]

Brilliant video 😎

[@KipIngram]

I really liked UFO and Space 1999. I was a kid at the time - perfect age to appreciate that sort of futuristic material. I still go back and watch old episodes occasionally today - maybe it brings out the kid in me.

[@jaymedina3142]

This was awesome. Love season 1 of Space: 1999. Season 2, hit or miss. Much prefer the music from season 1.

[@swifty1969]

season 2 intro music had its own charm. I don't hate season 2 as most do. Loved Dr. Russel's end strut. The inclusion of Maya was a brilliant decision.

[@jaymedina3142]

@@swifty1969 yeah but if I had a dollar for every time she said the name "Tony"... I did like her character but never just some annoying elements.

[@timthehippy9478]

I had only just finished watching UFO and then this popped up, perfect timing.

[@mak202058]

The transition from UFO to Space 1999 was well placed. Space 1999 first season was marginally better than the second season but I felt a third season would have placed it as one of the best sci-fi programs of the century. If a prequel season where filmed it would be welcomed by the space 1999 fandom. Great show and found memories.

[@mickspastik4227]

Not sure why you feel a third season of Space 1999 would have made it one of the greats. The first series was pretty good definitely much better than the second, especially the first couple of episodes which are classics. Although apparently he hated the show, Barry Morse gave it a gravitas which disappeared in the second series and the Catherine Schell character just stretched imagination in pointless directions.

[@bettyleeist]

I saw Space 1999,a few year’s ago.I know now,it has it’s fan’s!I saw it over Thanksgiving last year with my family.My middle sister was very surprised to see Martin Landau as;Commander Koenig!(in the role of Commander Koenig,I mean!).But,I have a surprise for the Ufo 🛸 fan’s out there!Ufo is going to be a radio show produced by;Fanderson,and,it’s going to be in three part’s!So…..I think that’s pretty 😍 fantastic, don’t you?

[@orgonkothewildlyuntamed6301]

2nd season was virtually garbage(unless you had a crush on the Metamorph)

[@MrKellG]

When I was young that UFO THEME gave me more life than the Speed racer theme🥰

[@varanid9]

Yes, there were odd and quirky things about the show, at times it could be wooden, but, in the end, it became something all too rare in television: uniquely visionary. As a kid not yet mature enough to get over his own pomposity, the science of the show would make me cringe, but, seeing it now after decades of Star Trek spin-offs and the current trend of bloated soap operatic TV, my appreciation for Space: 1999 has blossomed.

[@vagamorneval8451]

Merci, je savais que c'etait une production des Andersons mais j'ignorai tout de sa genese troublé. Et malgres tous je suis content qu'ils aient reussi à la faire. Jusqu'à aujourd'hui j'ai l'impression que les series SF ambitieuse comme l'ont été Startrek , UFO, Space1999 et bien d'autre ont souvent eu un destin assez maudit, l'inconvenient c'est qu'elles ont peut etre disparu trop tot, l'avantage c'est qu'elles y ont gagnés un coté culte. Merci Mr&Mme Anderson pour toutes vos oeuvres , live ou "animé", vous avez bercé, enchanté et illuminé mon enfance. Qui sait peut etre qu'un jour on recréera une serie spatiale/sf sur la lune , et qui sait peut etre meme tourné en condition réelle, ça serait vraiment le pied ça :) .. un space 2099 par exemple :) .

[@brianedwards7142]

Imagine getting a credit for designing beige tracksuits.

[@fowyb]

This is brilliantly compiled. I was in stitches at the commentary use of clips. Excellent.

[@tomstamford6837]

Oh, what could have been... A second season of UFO... A second season of Space 1999 without the shadow of Fred Freiberger falling upon it...

[@cbuchner1]

I lol‘ed at Capain Kirk‘s statement

[@schuco2]

this show was my hands down favourite thing on tv as a child, most of the episodes still hold up very well upon rewatching. i would have really like a third season but it wasn't meant to be

[@hs-yl9dm]

Great sourcing of hi-res footage, superb and cheeky editing! i just loved this!

[@rtc9063]

If there wasn’t a second season of UFO, god only knows how we were subjected to a second season of Space 1999!

[@matthewblack7206]

Some of the episodes were fine; others, not so much.

[@rtc9063]

@@matthewblack7206 It was just that endless supply of Eagle Transporters they had that was unbelievable

[@tma2001]

and the obligatory monster costume.

[@johnellizz]

Both seasons are good. The 2nd season is the one that everybody watches but doesn't ADMIT to watching. It's good!

[@varanid9]

@@johnellizz Only because even bad Space: 1999 is preferable to no Space: 1999.

[@SevenDaysToNoon]

Utterly brilliant! Totally loving the short series clips that mock the fact just imparted by the narrator. 👏👏👏

[@GerryAndersonTV]

Chris is the master of the chatback edit!