Tales of the Unexpected

Tales of the Unexpected (1979-1988)

EndedScripted showDrama, Horror, Thriller

Tales of the Unexpected is a British television series originally aired between 1979 and 1988, made by Anglia Television for ITV. The series was an anthology of different tales. Initially episodes were based on the short stories collected in the books Tales of the Unexpected, Kiss Kiss and Someone Like You by Roald Dahl. The stories were sometimes sinister, sometimes wryly comedic, and usually had a twist ending. The upbeat theme music for the series was written by the prolific film and television composer Ron Grainer.

Network
Scheduleevery Friday (25 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S09E10Mr. Know-AllMay 13, 1988
S09E09A Time to DieMay 6, 1988
S09E08The Finger of SuspicionApr 29, 1988
S09E07The Dead Don't StealApr 22, 1988
S09E06Wink Three TimesApr 15, 1988
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Tales of the Unexpected' premiere?

'Tales of the Unexpected' premiered on March 24, 1979.

Who is the creator of 'Tales of the Unexpected'?

'Tales of the Unexpected' was created by Roald Dahl.

What is the premise of 'Tales of the Unexpected'?

'Tales of the Unexpected' is a show that takes ordinary situations and turns them into unexpected and sometimes macabre endings.

Were the episodes of 'Tales of the Unexpected' standalone or connected?

The episodes of 'Tales of the Unexpected' were standalone, with each episode having its own unique story.

How many seasons did 'Tales of the Unexpected' have?

'Tales of the Unexpected' had nine seasons.

Who hosted 'Tales of the Unexpected'?

'Tales of the Unexpected' did not have a traditional host, but each episode began with an animated sequence featuring the silhouette of a man smoking a cigarette.

Who were some of the notable guest stars on 'Tales of the Unexpected'?

Notable guest stars on 'Tales of the Unexpected' include Derek Jacobi, Joan Collins, John Gielgud, and Josephine Tewson.

What countries was 'Tales of the Unexpected' broadcast in?

'Tales of the Unexpected' was broadcast in the UK, the US, and several other countries.

Did 'Tales of the Unexpected' win any awards?

'Tales of the Unexpected' was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards in 1980 and 1982.

How did critics receive 'Tales of the Unexpected'?

Critics generally gave 'Tales of the Unexpected' positive reviews, with many praising its unique storytelling and surprise endings.

What is the most famous episode of 'Tales of the Unexpected'?

The most famous episode of 'Tales of the Unexpected' is arguably "Lamb to the Slaughter," which was adapted from a short story by Roald Dahl and features a woman using a frozen leg of lamb as a murder weapon.

Also known as

  • Στο Παρά Πέντε (Greece)
  • Ιστορίες Μυστηρίου (Greece)
  • Meghökkentő mesék (Hungary)

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Project Runway
Running

Project Runway

Project Runway designers are given an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion.

The Family Next Door
Upcoming

The Family Next Door

Propelled by a mystery that disrupts a seemingly harmonious beachside community, the series explores the universal challenges of motherhood, marriage, friendship, and the complexities of identity. 

It's peak holiday season in the popular seaside town of Osprey Point when an enigmatic stranger, Isabelle rents a family home in a quiet cul-de-sac. As Isabelle charms her way into her neighbours' homes and lives, she quickly discovers that everyone at Pleasant Court has something to hide. How far will her obsessive drive to solve a mystery push her to expose the truth?

GenreDrama
Elsbeth
Running

Elsbeth

Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner, a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke, a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth's insightful and offbeat ways.

GenreDrama, Crime
Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service
Running

Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service

Restaurateurs who are looking for a quick fix or social media glow-up are in for the surprise of their lives when famed culinary titan Gordon Ramsay trades his signature chef knives for a state-of-the-art surveillance vehicle and cutting-edge spyware in FOX's all-new unscripted series, Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service. In a Gordon Ramsay series first, Chef Ramsay will venture into struggling restaurants under the cover of night. With the help of a secret source on the inside, he'll gather raw, unfiltered evidence and get a 360-degree view of the major issues facing each restaurant. This insider will not only remain a secret to the staff, but will also help Ramsay infiltrate the restaurant after-hours for a dramatic nighttime black light kitchen investigation that reveals more filth and grossness than ever before. By the time Ramsay reveals his identity, it will be too late for staff to cover up their culinary crimes. Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service will be his toughest assignment yet as he takes drastic measures to transform not only the restaurant but also the staff, because Gordon knows he can upgrade the menu and renovate the restaurant, but the most important change has to come from the people. Are the restaurant and staff willing to accept Gordon's mission, or are they too far gone to be saved?

GenreFood
Outlander: Blood of My Blood
Running

Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Outlander: Blood of My Blood explores the lives and relationship of Claire's parents, Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp, and Jamie's parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser. The series centers on these two parallel love stories set in two different time periods, with Jamie's parents in the early 18th-century Scottish Highlands and Claire's parents in WWI England.