Supertrain

Supertrain (1979)

EndedScripted showDrama, Comedy, Adventure

The Supertrain was a nuclear powered bullet train that was equipped with amenities more appropriate to a cruise ship. It had luxuries such as swimming pools and shopping centers. It was so big it had to run on very broad gauge single track (not a pair of tracks as depicted in some advertising). Though it had a rated top speed of 190 miles per hour (306 km/h), the train took 36 hours to go from New York City to Los Angeles, which would put the train's average speed at around 78 miles per hour (126 km/h), slower than the moderately paced Amtrak Acela Express and well below the speeds of bullet trains in Europe and Asia. (Some episodes state, however, that the train also stops in Chicago,Denver, a fictitious town in Texas and presumably other cities, which would extend the length of the run and thus would require faster speeds.) Much like its contemporary The Love Boat (1977), the plots concerned the passengers' social lives, usually with multiple intertwining story lines. Most of the cast of a given episode were guest stars. The production was elaborate, with huge sets and a high-tech model train for outside shots.

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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Supertrain premiere?

Supertrain premiered on February 7, 1979.

Who created Supertrain?

Supertrain was created by Fred Silverman, who was also responsible for the creation of hit shows such as "Charlie's Angels" and "Hill Street Blues."

How many episodes of Supertrain were produced?

Only nine episodes of Supertrain were produced and aired before the show was canceled due to poor ratings.

Who starred in Supertrain?

Supertrain featured a large ensemble cast, but some of the most prominent actors included Edward Andrews, Nita Talbot, and Harrison Page.

What was the premise of Supertrain?

Supertrain was a drama series about a futuristic, luxurious train that traveled across the United States and carried a diverse group of passengers.

What was unique about Supertrain's production?

Supertrain was one of the most expensive TV shows of its time, with each episode reportedly costing around $1 million to produce. The show's elaborate sets and special effects contributed to its high budget.

How did critics and audiences respond to Supertrain?

Supertrain was widely panned by critics for its cheesy dialogue and thin plotlines. Audiences also didn't seem to be interested in the show, as it was canceled after only a few episodes.

Did Supertrain have any notable guest stars?

Yes, Supertrain featured appearances by a number of well-known actors, including Dick Van Dyke, Abe Vigoda, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

What was the time slot for Supertrain?

Supertrain aired on Thursday nights at 8pm Eastern time.

What was the competition for Supertrain in its time slot?

Supertrain faced tough competition in its time slot, going up against popular shows like "Mork & Mindy" and "The Waltons."

How did Supertrain compare to other train-themed TV shows?

Supertrain was not as successful as other train-themed TV shows from the same era, such as "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island."

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