Thunderbirds (1965-66). "When We Was F.A.B." Apart from Alan.

[@richardmattocks]

“Pushing the envelope” gag. Pure genius 🤪

[@rimjobledouche5201]

This show looks really bloody good, even now.

[@SommersetStriker]

As an American who grew up on this show, it never ceases to amaze me how no one from my generation knows this show exists. Thanks mom.

[@barrygreen7098]

Fortunately someone in canada broadcast this show and left us with fond memories from our childhood!!

[@richardathome65]

In America, sadly true. Practically every other country in the world still remembers this show; even people who did not actually watch it are very aware of it and know Thunderbirds by sight.

[@fragout9575]

I remember the reruns on obscure UHF channels on mid afternoons on Saturdays for a short time in Cleveland. But always wondered what happened.

[@cbhlde]

Agreed; Stam is a great mum! :)

[@cpnscarlet]

I watched it during the first American syndication in 1966(?). A Gerry Anderson fan for a long time. Too bad to see what isn't remembered anymore and what Britain has become.

[@rayvenkman2087]

It’s a rare show where there’s really no bad episode. Even the outlandish alligator episode is a memorable one and having one of the rare good clip-show episodes.

[@kaitlyn__L]

I found the murder mystery on the train to be more underwhelming than most, but that’s speaking relatively of course

[@brigadier-tc8565]

I love the alligator episode!

[@tomsenior7405]

This is going to be a hoot. The iconic "Thunderbirds" was huge, first time around in the 1960s and again for a new generation in the early 1990s. I can't help but wonder, will there be another boom-time for this delightfully quirky show? I always felt that John drew the short straw, being stuck up in space, endlessly eavesdropping

[@listerofsmeg884]

I had an annual that my parents picked up for me at a car boot sale, probably dated around 1970. I was fascinated by the stories, but obviously in that format, the puppetry wasn't apparent. When they started re-showing it in the early 90s I initially thought it was a bit goofy. But the stories were so well written, after a while you didn't really notice you were watching puppets.

[@harold5337]

One thing some often forget is Thunderbirds was huge again around the turn of the millennium, when Carlton got the VHS/DVD rights and released a whole wave of new exciting toys and collectibles to coincide with it. That’s when I became a fan

[@tomsenior7405]

@@harold5337 Thank you for this. Lovely stuff. Forgotten? I hadn't even heard about it before I read your comment. I appreciate you letting me know about this piece of Thunderbirds history. Much appreciated.

[@harold5337]

@@tomsenior7405 I also recall a boom, though not to the extent of 1992 and 1999 around 2015, when the franchise turned 50. Usually in years ending in 5, as 2005 also marked a big anniversary for the series.

[@adelaideautowashes]

I don't think there will be another "boom." The show is almost _60 years old,_ the only person who is still alive from the show's production is David Graham, who is 98. It's just too old.

[@liamboyle9199]

I remember getting really pissed off as a kid in the early 2000s if I woke up late on a Saturday morning and missed the weekly episode of Thunderbirds. I can't help myself but watch an episode here and there for the pure nostalgia.

[@davidthomas4489]

Yep I remember this show as a kid. In fact, I made my own Thunderbird craft out of cardboard and had a long narrow walk-in closet in my bedroom which I would use as International Rescue Headquarters. Now at age 64, I have the full DVD collection and watch the shows every now an then. I was inspired to buy them after seeing the crappy remake of the show at the movies using real people.

[@bonyannie]

I used to get up early and find my dad watching this on tv. I'd watch with him until he had to go to work. Its one of the best memories i have with him from before he walked out. Its the single most meaningful show in my life

[@robinmathews2446]

Derek Meddings once said to me in a letter, back in 1966. "I'm sure that you will think, this is our best series yet"? Truer words have never been spoken.. What more needs to be said?

[@jakenewland-griffin9460]

I remember watching this show at 5 am on the weekend in Australia during the early 2000s to think it was from the 60s but it was still aired on TV along side children's program blocks is incredible

[@jacklawrence2212]

Cracking stuff. Brought back lots of cool memories. Thanks for creating and posting this fantastic video.

[@SSRN_SEAVIEW]

EXCELLENT!! All of the earlier shows too. Been a fan since Supercar! RIP to the Andersons!

[@fredWaxBeans11111]

An absolutely excellent point at 33:38 ....."Science Fiction.........often has to invent futuristic looking technology by repurposing current day off the shelf items". When I watch Star Trek the original series, I notice all the 1960s bulky toggle switches, and lights on the consoles. The fact that The Thunderbirds show had to do in in miniature, is such an added challenge, and they pulled it off.

[@BTScriviner]

I loved Lady Penelope's car with the double axle front wheels. 😄

[@TheyCallMeNewb]

I remember these far better than I would ever have thought!

[@skinheadjon901]

The moment the Skype ringtone sounded with the eyes flashing on John's picture cracked me up - singularly the funniest thing I've seen on the internet for ages. Well done for editing that in, it was hilarious. Love your uploads. 🌞😂😂😂🤩🙌👍

[@richardstone7969]

Brilliantly funny and lovingly observed. Thanks for this, sharing with everyone who feels the same way about this great chunk of our childhood.

[@Blast-offf]

i was always in awe with there eye brows now you all are looking closer :)

[@probablynotmyname8521]

Its never an accident with aunty beryl… On the topic of using odds and ends for the sets, i visited the weta workshop a few years ago and on the thunderbirds part of the tour the designer was pointing out all the weird bits and bobs they had used on the sets.

[@kijekuyo9494]

My favorite line from one of the Tracys is when Scott asks, "Where in hell is Major Kong!"

[@BrianRPaterson]

Brilliant! I saw it when it first aired in the UK. Gerry send Silvia were geniuses. Cheets

[@aninnocentmannerism2314]

God I loved the Thunderbirds when it aired in the 2000s in Australia. If you ever want to see what an IRL version might look like, one of my favourite homages to the Thunderbirds is the first season of 'Danger 5.' Classic Australian television.

[@monotonehell]

Yay! Adelaide gets a mention.. hey wait...

[@KarlSmith1]

As an occasional Adelaideanitonian, I endorse this... hey, wait...

[@piiec7642]

I've always wanted to go to Adelaide... hey, wait....

[@toucan221]

Just beautiful thanks 😃😃💙💙❤❤

[@thelorax9622]

I'm honestly surprised that you did not mention that the Tracy brothers were named for five of the Mercury astronauts. I would watch Thunderbirds on Saturdays at 6 in the morning during the 70's when I was still in primary school and it was amazing. Looking at it now, I'd be John - how's the serenity of a space station all to yourself.

[@dcsignal5241]

I'd be Wally or Deke, the backup brothers, who always seemed to be on holiday.

[@rogercrawford772]

Been a part of my life for 59 years. Still watch episodes now, my favourite being The Attack of the Alligators. FAB entertainment whatever your age.

[@lbricks7631]

As a "resident" of Adelaide, I can indeed confirm it will be irradiated in 2065.

[@joanne26]

I remember watching Thunderbirds on ITV who showed re runs at various times in the early 70’s. I was born in 1965. It was such a part of my childhood that had so many iconic ‘entertainment’ shows on TV. I had a happy time with my ‘chums’ when life was much ‘simpler’ 😀😀😀😀😁👍 👍 👍 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@simonrooney7942]

Yes an amazing show and the sunrise Saturday morning re runs were loved as much as the evening DRwho and goodies pairing😀

[@DoctorVell]

I grew up watching them on tv. They still make me happy watching them.

[@BradGryphonn]

I was glued to the TV as a kid in the afternoons when Thunderbirds were on in Australia.

[@TheDukeofMadness]

A staple of my youth, I always got up at 6:30am to watch it on channel 9.

[@byronspears9395]

Before the Bozo Circus show👍🏾

[@NguyenHoa-wz4kp]

I'm 57 and I love to still watch it

[@awol1703]

I'm a huge fan of the show. This is fantastic video!! Well done Stam Fine!

[@niamhryan2973]

Brilliant Stam. This video was so enjoyable. 🔥

[@folginator]

Loved that, great review!!👍🏻

[@Ravaloxianthunderbird]

Thunderbirds has one of the best pilot episodes on television. I honestly can't think of another show whose pilot is one of the best episodes of the show.

[@stephenbarrette610]

I was 13 years old when I saw the pilot and unfortunately I had to go to a family party so I only ever saw the first half of the show. I never saw the brilliant ending. It was only many years later that I finally saw a repeat in the mid 90s when the BBC had it, I now have a Blu-ray box set, (and quite a few books, some from the 1960’s.) It was just brilliant. Very much of it’s time and I don’t know what it is that makes it so special which maybe is part of the reason it is so special. And that music, wow …

[@afrancis1582]

I can’t believe you included the String song from The Goodies. I havn’t heard that since it was broadcast in the ‘70s. That’s for that. And another great video.

[@cbhlde]

I yell Thunderbird go! when checking my emails! :)

[@Orangefan77]

The Steve1989MRE cameo was an unexpectedly funny bit that got a genuine laugh out of me. *Nice!* *nkay*

[@deanrussell2224]

Yes me too - can’t beat a Steve review… nice 👍

[@permiek]

This is the one I have been hanging out for !

[@OzDeaDMeaT]

God damn it your videos are awesome!

[@christinamichellerobidoux]

I love the thunderbirds even to this day In my mid 40’s Also LOVE captain Scarlett

[@COBO2]

The commentary is awesome 😎

[@jozefserf2024]

Thunderbirds is still good viewing as an adult but it was fantastic viewing as a child.

[@lbricks7631]

They used to put it on at 6am every saturday morning on Nine GO and before that Nine Guide. Good memories.

[@pixelwash9707]

When I was studying at Melb uni, I worked for a year as a part time night orderly/switchboard operator at the defunct Queen Victoria hospital, and one of my jobs was to collect the laundry from the wards just around dawn, and all the wards were quiet then, except the kids ward, where everybody was awake watching Thunderbirds, and everyone was happy. It was a wonderful sight.

[@beatrixwickson8477]

Another classic envelope gag 25:05. Well played.

[@earlblackjackmartinjr5750]

YES AND I LOVE THE THUNDERBIRDS.

[@juniordawkins4193]

I was born 4 months before the first ever pilot episode was shown. Thunderbirds has been my life & it's quite simply "BRILLIANT" Junior from London 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@PaulGreeve]

That knockoff Skype ringtone was pure brilliance and now I want it for my phone!

[@DeadlyDan]

I loved this during the 90s as a kid. Funny that back then consuming media from 30 years ago wasn't seen as cringe and you didn't get that ignorant "eww it's old" attitude. I grew up on so many shows from the 60s-70s that I had no idea at the time were so old.

[@grimplays3781]

the 90s was a massive boom for thunderbirds. i watched it then as a kid and had the matchbox thunderbirds toys (still have 2,3 and 4) not to mention the famous blue peter tracy island segment. good times (and i didnt realise it was old either until my parents told me they used to watch it as kids)

[@contessa.adella]

My mother (God rest her soul) had an electric raising and lowering hospital type bed. Every time I operated it I whistled or hummed the Thunderbird 2 theme where the palm trees move back and the ramp raises…true! 😂

[@citizenhal]

This is the best channel ever.

[@StuartRaweakaStuOz]

The opening episode - "Trapped in the Sky" aka Airport 65 - is my hands down favourite episode of the series. In fact, I like it so much that all remaining episodes seem a bit so, so in comparison. Good review, as always.

[@KarlSmith1]

A.k.a. Speed.

[@richardhart9204]

... same here. It's a masterpiece, and the one episode that even people who aren't fans of the show usually remember.

[@StuartRaweakaStuOz]

@@richardhart9204 later Anderson shows UFO and Space 1999 also began with great openers. But despite directing it himself, Anderson himself hated the UFO opener (as explained in the UFO DVD commentary).

[@richardhart9204]

@@StuartRaweakaStuOz Why? It's one of the greatest intros of all time. Check this out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKWzkIeXaZahhpI

[@StuartRaweakaStuOz]

@@richardhart9204 Anderson complained that the pacing was WAY too slow. He thought that the early scene where Straker (Ed Bishop) barks at the submarine guy was over done. But I would not pay too much attention, directors often hate looking at work they did 35 years later. Even Orson Welles hated watching his old movies - in fact he refused to!

[@robvegas9354]

That is a great show. I figured out how to program the video timer recording the episodes that were on channel 9 at 6 in morning LOLs good time. Awesome YT video as always!

[@itsphilfromtubesday8677]

Amazing show and review there. I grew up in a weird point where this wasn't shown at all and we got Captain Scarlett, Joe 90 and even Fireball XL5 for some reason but not TB, i didn't see it until i was a teen.

[@hagerty1952]

Brilliant and funny! You could have mentioned that the Tracy brothers were named for the Mercury astronauts: Alan Shepard, Virgil (Gus) Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter and Gordon Cooper. Not sure why Wally Schirra and Donald (Deke) Slayton were left out. Making Deke the dad would have been perfect since he (Slayton) was head of the Astronaut office after being taken off the mission list with a heart murmur.

[@deanrussell2224]

Epic review as always still Looking forward to Blake’s 7 ….. 😊

[@richardhart9204]

I live about 5 minutes drive from where they used to shoot those Supermarionation shows.

[@raybearoz]

Awesome work as always.. I still remember tripping when at a short film festival, someone showed the short "Parkers Day Off" (not the adds that show on here, but an independent thing)

[@KwehTheBird]

I was a 90s Thunderbird kid (though CS and Stingray will always hold a place in my heart) and in fact my first word was bird (which I used to screech during the opening titles, apparently). So happy you got round to this review Stam, and I look forward to your thoughts on Stingray

[@Ravaloxianthunderbird]

Also Fun fact. Every non water adventure that Gordon is involved with involves him fatally shooting people

[@StamFine]

Gordon Tracy, AKA The Angel of Death.

[@Spudtron98]

“I should be in the pool, you terrorist motherfuckers!”

[@hgwells1899]

As I'm watching this, notifications drop for Big Finish's latest Thunderbirds audio, then the Anderapp drops it's Captain Black Friday deals, and suddenly I'm getting the message I need to get out more

[@Spudtron98]

It really is astounding that this never took off in America, considering all the explosions.

[@indevelopment3453]

pretty sure this was on at 6am on channel 9 every saturday morning of my childhood and for a few of my very early years, was the first thing they played on TV that morning at all after switching from the overnight test pattern.

[@jasonulane7360]

Right after the farm report. It was also only a half hour. It wasnt until much later i found out the eps were an hour long. Sometimes with the pacing the half hour seemed like a better bet. One time i showed Thunderbirds Are Go to some friends and said dont worry, something explodes every 10-15 minutes.

[@Spudtron98]

31:58 Charles Tingwell? I had no idea he was in this! While I’m aware of his acting career, his biggest work to me was his run as a photo-recon pilot in WW2.

[@AB-wd1zp]

I've noticed that the five sons were named after American Gemini and Apollo astronauts Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Gordon Cooper, Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Scott Carpenter.

[@hagerty1952]

Mercury astronauts

[@johns950]

A lot of disbelief getting suspended here.

[@ScottWozniak]

12:45 That's definitely Burt Reynolds. 😂

[@davidmicalizio824]

Childhood memories!!

[@carlrood4457]

I just recognized that Scott's voice was the actor who played the American Sub captain in the Spy Who Loved Me.

[@billsinkins361]

Shane Rimmer - never achieved major star status but had nearly 200 acting credits

[@cbhlde]

Walking looked so awkward, our Heros usually sit around while rescuing the world. ;)

[@markhayward7400]

I always thought the least FAB member of the Tracy family was John Tracy. Not only was he given the horrid title of 'Space Monitor' but his work was a combination of voyeur and disaster tourist. Creepy!

[@susanscott8653]

I watched an episode of this tonight and watched this series and Stingray in my childhood in the 70s. I didn't care for Joe 90 and only discovered Captain Scarlet in the late 80s, though I did also enjoy Terrahawks (which was weird). Great review .

[@shazbot7192]

Now i know how (allegedly) the Thunderbirds was funded, it's obvious why they needed a secret island ;)

[@AllanGildea]

F.A.B. Thanks, Stam.

[@AndreaSzabo7171]

🐥💘🔥🔥💘🐥 Tomorrow will be effing Brilliant. I am doing Clean up + Organisation 👉🌀🍥 to the max loving the Thunderbirds. Thank You. 💕

[@davidpaternoster5419]

Loved it always well and am in my late sites now wow,

[@yensid4294]

I remember Thunderbirds & Fireball XL5 from my childhood in the 60s. The BBC detective series Endeavor featured an ep about a murder at a childrens marientte tv show which was an obvious nod to these classics.

[@trevorrandom]

FAB! 👍

[@jerry2357]

I watched Thunderbirds avidly when I was a small child in the 1960s. Brains probably inspired me to become an engineer. I’m disappointed that you didn’t mention that the Tracy brothers were named after five of the original seven American Project Mercury astronauts: Scott Carpenter, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Gordon Cooper, Alan Shepherd and John Glenn. I don’t know what Gerry Anderson had against Wally Schirra or Deke Slayton! By the way, although I didn’t really watch Captain Scarlet keenly, I loved Joe 90! Wearing glasses myself, I was Joe 90, at least in my dreams.

[@SamLowryDZ-015]

The hood is still alive and now runs FIFA

[@KarlSmith1]

Or possibly the WEF.

[@aaronatherton7431]

King Kong...glad you feel zany. Keep Zany my friend.

[@SpideyVids]

There are versions of the episodes where the strings were digitally removed - I noticed that you had some clips with the strings missing.

[@NitpickingNerd]

i have a toy rocket and only now realized it's number 3 spaceship from this show 0:29

[@1978rharris]

“Number 3 spaceship” 🤦‍♂️

[@NitpickingNerd]

@@1978rharris i never watched it so i dunno

[@hgwells1899]

I like number 2 big carry bus

[@1978rharris]

@@hgwells1899 my favourite is the one that comes off number 2 big carry bus; it’s yellow spinny nose diggy thing

[@scottl.1568]

Sweet

[@RighteousBrother]

You're kidding, right Alan was one of the best! After Scott that is, I can do without Virgil or Gordon!!

[@juliee.7072]

According to canon Scott was in the US Air Force, Virgil was an engineering graduate, Gordon was an Olympic swimmer and John was NASA trained and wrote astronomy books. It was their philanthropically deranged father who trapped them on his island and made them unemployed. 😜 (Alan doesn't count in any shape or form)

[@jamesholmes6506]

Why does Alan, auto-racing hero, not count?

[@juliee.7072]

@@jamesholmes6506 because original Alan is an abomination

[@jamievaughn1485]

I've always been curious to the scale of what they were shooting? It's so good, but I've not been able to find behind the scenes etc. to see how large the puppets are sets were.

[@StamFine]

the puppets were about 22 inches/56 cm tall, roughly 1/3 human scale.

[@mikehatton7908]

Where can I find the scenes used here? Looking for the ones that explain Tracey Island, the vehicles and IR operations

[@johns950]

Usually I invest emotionally in TV shows no string attached ...

[@lizaelliott6862]

Oh my goodness I had no idea Ray Barrett voiced the duchess 😂

[@RBenjo21]

The two best ones were, in my view, Terror in New York City and The Perils of Penelope.

[@Whomobile]

Thunderbirds is a show I've definitely seen but I don't think I actually have

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Shane Rimmer, a Canuck that resided in England that spent his entire career playing Yanks!

[@DaveOfTheDaiquris]

What a guy.

[@Cucumbercastle1]

Still holding out for a Dangerman video.

[@carlrood4457]

I only have vague memories of the show. I know it existed and know I saw it here and there. That could have been due the vagaries of syndication or possibly it was compilation "movies" aired from time to time. The puppets were weird, but it was cool and different.

[@DamienPelletier]

At 5:12 which episode is that from?

[@wigglemd]

I Always remember The joke when i was a kid, Parker, take off my bra. Yes melady, Parker take off my knickers. Yes melady. And dont let me catch you wearing them again!!!!

[@Ubernerd3000]

Loved this show for decades, and am kind of miffed that PAW PATROL has stolen some of its luster...