Tales of the Unexpected 1979
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Overview
Tales of the Unexpected is a British television anthology series that originally aired between 1979 and 1988. During its first two series, the program was known as Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected. Produced by Anglia Television, the show features a collection of short dramas that explore sinister and wryly comedic themes. A defining characteristic of the series is that each episode concludes with an unexpected twist ending. For the first four seasons, the majority of the stories were adapted from the short fiction of Roald Dahl. In addition to his role as a writer for the first series, Roald Dahl also served as the presenter for the program. Throughout its run, the anthology featured a variety of guest stars, including performers such as Andrew Ray, Forbes Collins, and Richard Johnson. The series remains documented as a complete collection of works that emphasize dark, comedic storytelling within a television format.
Should you watch it?
“This British anthology series delivers sinister, wryly comedic short dramas featuring a signature twist ending.”
- features big-name guest stars
- includes stories by Roald Dahl
- contains varied narrative tones
Watch it if you enjoy short, standalone dramas that conclude with an unexpected turn of events.
The series features sinister themes and dark humor suitable for viewers of classic anthology dramas.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 9 episodes
- E1 The Man From the South Mar 24, 1979
- E2 Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat Mar 31, 1979
- E3 William and Mary Apr 7, 1979
- E4 Lamb to the Slaughter Apr 14, 1979
- E5 The Landlady Apr 21, 1979
- E6 Neck Apr 28, 1979
- E7 Edward the Conqueror May 5, 1979
- E8 A Dip in the Pool May 12, 1979
- E9 The Way Up to Heaven May 19, 1979
Season 2 · 16 episodes
- E1 Royal Jelly Mar 1, 1980
- E2 Skin Mar 8, 1980
- E3 Galloping Foxley Mar 15, 1980
- E4 The Hitch-Hiker Mar 22, 1980
- E5 Poison Mar 29, 1980
- E6 Fat Chance Apr 5, 1980
- E7 Taste Apr 12, 1980
- E8 My Lady Love, My Dove Apr 19, 1980
- E9 Georgy Porgy Apr 26, 1980
- E10 Depart in Peace May 3, 1980
- E11 The Umbrella Man May 10, 1980
- E12 Genesis & Catastrophe May 17, 1980
- E13 Mr Botibol's First Love May 24, 1980
- E14 Back for Christmas May 31, 1980
- E15 The Orderly World of Mr Appleby Jun 7, 1980
- E16 The Man at the Top Jun 14, 1980
Season 3 · 9 episodes
- E1 The Flypaper Aug 9, 1980
- E2 A Picture of a Place Aug 16, 1980
- E3 Proof of Guilt Aug 23, 1980
- E4 Vengeance is Mine Inc. Aug 30, 1980
- E5 A Girl Can't Always Have Everything Nov 9, 1980
- E6 Parson's Pleasure Nov 30, 1980
- E7 The Stinker Dec 7, 1980
- E8 I'll Be Seeing You Dec 14, 1980
- E9 The Party Dec 19, 1980
Season 4 · 17 episodes
- E1 Would You Believe It? Apr 5, 1981
- E2 Vicious Circle Apr 12, 1981
- E3 The Boy Who Talked with Animals Apr 19, 1981
- E4 The Best of Everything Apr 26, 1981
- E5 A Woman's Help May 3, 1981
- E6 Shatterproof May 10, 1981
- E7 The Sound Machine May 17, 1981
- E8 Never Speak Ill of the Dead May 24, 1981
- E9 The Best Policy May 31, 1981
- E10 The Last Bottle in the World Jun 7, 1981
- E11 Kindly Dig Your Grave Jun 14, 1981
- E12 Completely Foolproof Jun 21, 1981
- E13 There's One Born Every Minute Jun 5, 1981
- E14 Bosom Friends Jun 12, 1981
- E15 A Glowing Future Jul 19, 1981
- E16 The Way to Do it Jul 26, 1981
- E17 Hijack Dec 26, 1981
Season 5 · 18 episodes
- E1 Blue Marigold Apr 25, 1982
- E2 The Eavesdropper May 2, 1982
- E3 Operation Safecrack May 9, 1982
- E4 Run, Rabbit, Run May 16, 1982
- E5 Stranger in Town May 23, 1982
- E6 The Moles May 30, 1982
- E7 Decoy Jun 6, 1982
- E8 Pattern of Guilt Jun 13, 1982
- E9 A Harmless Vanity Jun 20, 1982
- E10 Death Can Add Jun 27, 1982
- E11 Light Fingers Jul 4, 1982
- E12 Death in the Morning Jul 11, 1982
- E13 What Have You Been Up to Lately? Jul 18, 1982
- E14 The Absence of Emily Jul 25, 1982
- E15 In the Bag Aug 1, 1982
- E16 A Man with a Fortune Aug 8, 1982
- E17 Who's Got the Lady? Aug 15, 1982
- E18 The Skeleton Key Aug 22, 1982
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of the show?
The show is a British television anthology series where each episode presents a self-contained story.
Who is associated with the series?
Roald Dahl wrote and presented early episodes of the series, which also features many guest stars.
When did the series air?
The series originally aired between 1979 and 1988.
What kind of stories are told?
The stories often contain sinister and wryly comedic undertones with a twist at the end.
How many seasons does the show have?
The series spans nine seasons.