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-Allmai 13, 1988
S09E09A Time to Diemai 6, 1988
S09E08The Finger of Suspicionavr. 29, 1988
S09E07The Dead Don't Stealavr. 22, 1988
S09E06Wink Three Timesavr. 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.
On Patrol: Live
Running

On Patrol: Live

Hosting and executive producing On Patrol: Live is Dan Abrams, CEO and Founder of Abrams Media, host of Dan Abrams Live on NewsNation, Chief Legal Analyst for ABC News, and former host of Live PD. Joining Abrams is Sgt. Sean "Sticks" Larkin, retired Tulsa Police Department lieutenant with nearly 25 years of service, and Deputy Sheriff Curtis Wilson, Division Commander with the Richland County Sheriff's Department in Columbia, SC.

GenreCrime
The Daily Show
Running

The Daily Show

Hosted by a rotating cast of comedy greats, The Daily Show remains the go-to source for provocative satire, insightful interviews and an award-winning team of correspondents and contributors.

GenreComedy
Game Changer
Running

Game Changer

In this game show, the game changes every show! Players begin each round without knowing the rules -- and must figure them out while competing to win.

GenreComedy
The Couple Next Door
Running

The Couple Next Door

A young couple move to the suburbs and instantly strike up a friendship with their new neighbours. But are they a bit too friendly?

Life After People
Running

Life After People

What would happen to planet earth if the human race were to suddenly disappear forever? Would ecosystems thrive? What remnants of our industrialized world would survive? What would crumble fastest? From the ruins of ancient civilizations to present day cities devastated by natural disasters, history gives us clues to these questions and many more in the visually stunning and thought-provoking special, Life After People.