Cult TV: The Essential Critical Guide

by Jon E. Lewis, Penny Stempel

From "Emergency Ward 10" to "ER" and "Quatermass" to the "X Files", cult television programmes have held viewers in their thrall for 40 years. In the '90s, satellite broadcasters have fuelled viewers' hunger for cult shows, while the terrestrial stations have muscled in with timewarp re-runs and new classics. Shows that a few years ago could only be played in the memory are back to entertain new audiences as well as those who remember their first time on air. This guide provides comprehensive information on favourite cult shows, covering 325 TV programmes. The authors outline each show from conception to execution, with cast lists plus little-known facts and anecdotes. Video availabilty is noted, the book is comprehensively indexed and cross-referenced, and over 75 stills help bring memories to life.

Genres: Tv, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Jon E. Lewis is a historian and writer, whose books on history and military history are sold worldwide. He is also editor of many The Mammoth Book of anthologies, including the bestselling On the Edge and Endurance and Adventure.

He holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in history. His work has appeared in New Statesman, the Independent, Time Out and the Guardian. He lives in Herefordshire with his partner and children.

From: Constable & Robinson

Reviews

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is right up there with my favourites, as it features so many shows I have loved over the years. The Tomorrow People, The Man from Atlantis, Knight Rider, Doctor Who and so many, many more. I loved all the details we were given and I refer to it regularly when I want to remind myself of all those shows I enjoyed and haven't yet managed to find (or afford) on DVD.
I really wish they'd do a follow-up. The Goodies should be in there. The '80s TV show Beauty and the Beast should be in there, and my two other favourite shows: Due South and Roswell. Please, do a follow-up version. I'll be first in the queue to buy it ... really!

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also posted on my blog at http://inputs.wordpress.com/2012/01/0...

Jon E. Lewis’ book on Cult TV is a really useful and nicely put together reference book for TV fans. It is composed of encyclopedia style entries accompanied by black and white photos on a whole host of cult TV series from the birth of television in the 1950s to the time of publication in 1994. It covers a range of genres: science fiction, crime, westerns, children’s programmes, melodrama, adventure and comedy.

I have spent many a happy evening browsing the entries, discovering new series and gathering information on ones already seen. This book was written in the days when fandom really was a specialised subculture before it was quasi mainstreamed by the internet and as such displays the friendly approach that goes along with addressing a relatively small group.

[André]

Review in Sequentia, European Audiovisual Observatory, 1994 (in French) : https://www.academia.edu/40946330/Rec...

[Michael P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An occasionally fascinating book for the series I have not seen. Two flaws. The first is that many of these shows can only be called "cult" but the most generous definition. I mean, LASSIE, THE SAINT, and MARCUS WELBY M. D.? These are freakin' mainstream. Learn the difference. The second, when the authors write about a show I have seen, they seldom say anything noteworthy about it.

The value of this book is informing about programs I have not seen, even if the show is not really cult. I am intrigued by SPECIAL BRANCH, RISING DAMP, and Z CARS, and will look for these series should episodes ever float my way.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

At a time when I have more channels available than I know what to do with and am forever surfing looking for something to watch and finding nothing of interest....reading this was a trip back into my life of fabulous television...nostalgia at its best.