Aug. 4, 1959: I almost didn’t post this Cecil Smith column because it’s not terribly well done and is mostly Smith rambling to great length about ghost stories.  But I reminded myself that at this point, very few people had seen anything but the first few episodes and nobody knew what to expect.

Until “The Twilight Zone” debuted in 1959, there had been very little
in this vein besides “Science Fiction Theatre,” a show that
began in 1955, and perhaps “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” (1955-1962),
which was more of a mystery/suspense show.  “The Outer Limits” didn’t
begin until 1963 and was considered a “Twilight Zone” knockoff.

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The American Cinematheque is paying tribute to "The Twilight Zone" with a program on Friday. Read more here.>>>  (Notice that despite what this article says, the lines quoted above are the original opening. The introduction that most of us remember didn't emerge until later).

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“Science Fiction Theatre,” 1955-1957, was one of my favorite shows as a kid. It’s  out on DVD but I’m afraid to watch the programs because like so many TV shows of my childhood, they might be absolutely awful. It was a dark and sobering day when I sat down as an adult with “Sky King,” “Whirlybirds” and “Highway Patrol.”

Aug. 20, 1959: Some thoughts on Rod Serling … And notice "Destruction Derby" with women drivers!