The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 1981
What is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a 1981 television series that follows the adventures of an average Englishman named Arthur Dent. The narrative begins when Arthur is saved by a friend who reveals himself to be an alien just as the planet Earth is destroyed.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1981
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 6
- Runtime
- 33 minutes
- First aired
- Jan 5, 1981
- Last aired
- Feb 9, 1981
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC Two
- Genres
- Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 6 episodes and an average 33-minute runtime.
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Overview
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a 1981 television series that follows the adventures of an average Englishman named Arthur Dent. The narrative begins when Arthur is saved by a friend who reveals himself to be an alien just as the planet Earth is destroyed. Following this event, Arthur is introduced to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which is described as a comprehensive resource containing information on anything one might need or want to know. Together, the pair travels across the galaxy, encountering a variety of characters who are sometimes friendly and sometimes not. Their journey is driven by a quest to discover the great question that corresponds to the answer of 42. The series explores their travels through space as they navigate the complexities of the universe and the information provided by the titular guide. By focusing on these extraterrestrial encounters and the search for fundamental truths, the program depicts the strange and expansive experiences of the protagonists following the loss of their home planet.
Should you watch it?
“An ordinary Brit hitchhikes through space after Earth’s demolition, guided by a quirky alien friend.”
- Sharp British comedy
- Imaginative interstellar travel
- Features iconic character Arthur Dent
- Early‑80s production values may feel dated
- Special effects are modest by today’s standards
Watch it if you enjoy quirky British humor and imaginative interstellar adventures.
The series offers light‑hearted, comedic sci‑fi suitable for a general audience with a TV‑PG rating.
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Cast
Episode guide
Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress
Season 1 · 6 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 Mytharc Jan 5, 1981
- E2 Episode 2 Core Jan 12, 1981
- E3 Episode 3 Core Jan 19, 1981
- E4 Episode 4 Core Jan 26, 1981
- E5 Episode 5 Mytharc Feb 2, 1981
- E6 Episode 6 Mytharc Feb 9, 1981
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic premise of the show?
Arthur Dent, an average Englishman, is rescued by an alien friend and journeys across the galaxy after Earth is destroyed.
Who is the main character?
The story follows Arthur Dent, a typical Brit thrust into interstellar escapades.
What genre does the series belong to?
It is a comedy science‑fiction series.
When was this television adaptation released?
The series aired in 1981.
Is the series appropriate for younger viewers?
It carries a TV‑PG rating and is generally suitable for a broad audience.
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