Although originally syndicated on CBS network from 1959 – 1964, The Twilight Zone will see it’s fourth series run and reimagining, next year for the network’s 2019 season.
The beloved series ran for five seasons and was hosted by Rod Serling each episode, where standalone short fictional stories followed characters as they found themselves in often disturbing or unusual situations. Sterling also served as executive producer and head writer, respectively.
Each story was usually inspired by everyday events or bizarre circumstances rooted in the science fiction, paranormal, futuristic, fantasy, horror, and supernatural genres. Most episodes had a surprise twist ending or a moral to it’s story and gave both established stars and younger actors a chance to move beyond their usual roles. The 1983 version recreated iconic episodes, but in a less serialized format contributing to the series’ overall mythos.
CBS All Access’ new iteration will pass the torch down to Jordan Peele of Get Out fame which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Other audience member’s might remember Peele from Comedy Central’s series Key & Peele, starring Peele himself and Keegan-Michael Key. Adam Scott of Parks and Rec fame will also be part of the cast in the series’ most infamous episodes, Nightmare at 30,000 Feet.
The original 1963 episode starred a young William Shatner (pre Star Trek fame) as a man who has been recently treated for a nervous breakdown and becomes convinced that a weird gremlin like monster is frighteningly hanging out on the airplane’s wing which is directly outside his window. Actress Sanaa Lathan was also recently cast in an epsiode titled, “Rewind.”
Production is currently underway this Fall and coincides with a new teaser trailer that was also just released.
Tvline was the first to report this story.