The Outer Limits (TV Series) (1963) aired from 1963 to 1965 on ABC, consisting of 49 episodes. The series, created by Leslie Stevens, was inspired by shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Science Fiction Theatre," but it carved out its own unique identity. Initially titled "Please Stand By," the series was renamed to "The Outer Limits" after ABC rejected the original title. The pilot episode, "The Galaxy Being," set the tone for the series with its distinctive opening narration by Vic Perrin, known as the "Control Voice," and the haunting music composed by Dominic Frontiere.
The series featured a mix of straight action and deep philosophical explorations within science fiction settings. Unlike "The Twilight Zone," which often used irony, "The Outer Limits" frequently delved into the triumph of the human spirit against dark or existential forces. The show's cinematography, often influenced by film noir and German Expressionism, contributed to its eerie atmosphere. Notable episodes include "Soldier" and "Demon with a Glass Hand," written by Harlan Ellison, who later claimed these episodes inspired the "Terminator" film series, leading to a legal battle and eventual acknowledgment in the film's credits.
The series also had a significant impact on "Star Trek," with several monsters and techniques from "The Outer Limits" being reused in Gene Roddenberry's show. Roddenberry often visited the studios of "The Outer Limits" and later hired several of its alumni for "Star Trek." The legacy of "The Outer Limits" continues to influence science fiction and horror genres, making it a seminal work in television history.