The Outer Limits

Watch The Outer Limits

  • TV-PG
  • 1963
  • 7 Seasons
  • 8.2  (8,790)

The Outer Limits was a science fiction anthology television series that aired on ABC from 1963-1965. Each episode featured a different storyline, characters, and setting, often exploring themes such as the nature of humanity, the consequences of technological advances, and the existence of extraterrestrial life. One of the most distinctive aspects of The Outer Limits was its opening sequence, which featured a now-iconic voiceover that warned viewers that they were entering a "dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind." This phrase, along with the series' haunting theme music and striking visuals, set the tone for the show's eerie, otherworldly feel. The series was notable for its use of both established and up-and-coming science fiction writers, who contributed original stories as well as adaptations of classic works. Some of the notable authors who wrote for the series include Harlan Ellison, Ray Bradbury, and Robert Silverberg. The Outer Limits also featured a rotating cast of actors, with each episode featuring a different ensemble. However, two of the most recognizable faces on the show were Kevin Conway and Joe Pascual, who appeared in several episodes over the course of the series. Conway, who went on to enjoy a long career in film and television, appeared in four episodes of The Outer Limits between 1964 and 1965. Some of his most memorable roles on the show include a scientist who becomes trapped in his own time machine ("The Man Who Was Never Born"), a space explorer who discovers a deadly alien lifeform ("The Bellero Shield"), and a man who develops the ability to hear other people's thoughts ("The Sixth Finger"). Pascual, who had a shorter career as an actor, appeared in two episodes of The Outer Limits in 1963. His most prominent role on the show was in the episode "The Zanti Misfits," in which he played an astronaut who crash-lands on a planet inhabited by a race of tiny, insectoid creatures. The episode is considered one of the most memorable in the series, in part because of its grotesque and unsettling visuals. Despite its short run, The Outer Limits has remained a beloved classic of the science fiction genre. Its influence can be seen in subsequent TV series such as The X-Files and Black Mirror, and its impact on popular culture is still felt today. The show's memorable opening sequence, thought-provoking themes, and compelling performances continue to captivate audiences over 50 years after it first aired.

The Outer Limits
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Seasons
Human Trials, The
22. Human Trials, The
January 18, 2002
A man creates a childlike robot to replace his deceased son. In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series
Human Factor, The
21. Human Factor, The
January 11, 2002
Tent revivalist finds faith as he battles an evil alient masquerading In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series as divine power.
Dark Child, The
20. Dark Child, The
January 4, 2002
An invisible alien race that inhabits the energy systems of a deserted In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series spaceship causes a salvage team to go mad.
Tipping Point, The
19. Tipping Point, The
September 15, 2001
A young boy suspects a houseguest of being an alien. In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series
Lion's Den, The
18. Lion's Den, The
September 8, 2001
A UFO enthusiast who believes that she has found a piece of actual In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series alien technology gets caught up in a cycle of murder and intrigue at UFO convention.
Rule of Law, The
17. Rule of Law, The
August 25, 2001
A man investigating his brother's murder learns a computer controls In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series the town.
Abduction, The
16. Abduction, The
August 18, 2001
An alien supplies a strange gun that morphs onto the body of the user In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series to recruit soldiers for an alien war.
Time to Time, The
15. Time to Time, The
August 11, 2001
Part one of a two part episode. Amanda Plummer reprises her role as In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series Dr. Theresa Givens from 'STITCH IN TIME.' Dr. Givens is put on trial for using technology (her time machine) in the f
Mindreacher, The
14. Mindreacher, The
August 4, 2001
A woman discovers that she has a conjoined twin living inside her. In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series
Free Spirit, The
13. Free Spirit, The
July 28, 2001
Bioengineering of corn seed leads to deadly consequences in a small In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series Mid-Western town.
Flower Child, The
12. Flower Child, The
July 21, 2001
A blind man regains his sight only to be used by the government for In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series his unique ability to see a beautiful alien woman from another dimension.
In the Blood, The
11. In the Blood, The
July 6, 2001
Due to dwindling resources in the future, the world consists of In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series 'Alphas' and 'Betas' that are alternately put in stasis for 72 hour periods.
Worlds Within, The
10. Worlds Within, The
June 29, 2001
Part two of a two part episode. Amanda Plummer reprises her role as In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series Dr. Theresa Givens from 'STITCH IN TIME.' Dr. Givens is put on trial for using technology (her time machine) in the f
Alien Shop, The
9. Alien Shop, The
June 22, 2001
A device that allows people to change their appearance helps a nerdy In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series guy become a hunk.
Think Like a Dinosaur, The
8. Think Like a Dinosaur, The
June 15, 2001
Scientists in the Arctic discover an undiscovered species of Polar In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series Mites that infest humans and cause them to become psychotic.
Replica, The
7. Replica, The
April 27, 2001
The crew of a space salvage ship finds a tyrant in stasis who was In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series banished from Earth for crimes against humanity.
Mona Lisa, The
6. Mona Lisa, The
April 20, 2001
A man discovers that he is actually a robot. In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series
Vessel, The
5. Vessel, The
April 13, 2001
Set in the future, an anarchist threatens to blow up the central In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series computers that control the world.
Surrogate, The
4. Surrogate, The
April 6, 2001
Two Civil War reenactors travel back in time to actual Civil War In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series battle at Gettysburg.
A New Life, A
3. A New Life, A
March 30, 2001
A convicted murderer is turned loose to be hunted by the sister of his In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series victim as part of a futuristic TV show that features the live chase and execution.
Patient Zero, The
2. Patient Zero, The
March 23, 2001
Presidential candidate is visited by time traveler to tell him that In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series he needs to escape impending death that will change the course of history.
Family Values, The
1. Family Values, The
March 16, 2001
A man travels forward in time by three days and sees that his wife has In the tradition of the classic anthology series, the new series been murdered -- possibly by his own hand. He then goes back to the present time to try and change the future.
Description

The Outer Limits was a science fiction anthology television series that aired on ABC from 1963-1965. Each episode featured a different storyline, characters, and setting, often exploring themes such as the nature of humanity, the consequences of technological advances, and the existence of extraterrestrial life.

One of the most distinctive aspects of The Outer Limits was its opening sequence, which featured a now-iconic voiceover that warned viewers that they were entering a "dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind." This phrase, along with the series' haunting theme music and striking visuals, set the tone for the show's eerie, otherworldly feel.

The series was notable for its use of both established and up-and-coming science fiction writers, who contributed original stories as well as adaptations of classic works. Some of the notable authors who wrote for the series include Harlan Ellison, Ray Bradbury, and Robert Silverberg.

The Outer Limits also featured a rotating cast of actors, with each episode featuring a different ensemble. However, two of the most recognizable faces on the show were Kevin Conway and Joe Pascual, who appeared in several episodes over the course of the series.

Conway, who went on to enjoy a long career in film and television, appeared in four episodes of The Outer Limits between 1964 and 1965. Some of his most memorable roles on the show include a scientist who becomes trapped in his own time machine ("The Man Who Was Never Born"), a space explorer who discovers a deadly alien lifeform ("The Bellero Shield"), and a man who develops the ability to hear other people's thoughts ("The Sixth Finger").

Pascual, who had a shorter career as an actor, appeared in two episodes of The Outer Limits in 1963. His most prominent role on the show was in the episode "The Zanti Misfits," in which he played an astronaut who crash-lands on a planet inhabited by a race of tiny, insectoid creatures. The episode is considered one of the most memorable in the series, in part because of its grotesque and unsettling visuals.

Despite its short run, The Outer Limits has remained a beloved classic of the science fiction genre. Its influence can be seen in subsequent TV series such as The X-Files and Black Mirror, and its impact on popular culture is still felt today. The show's memorable opening sequence, thought-provoking themes, and compelling performances continue to captivate audiences over 50 years after it first aired.

The Outer Limits is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (163 episodes). The series first aired on September 16, 1963.

Where to Watch The Outer Limits

The Outer Limits is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Outer Limits on demand at Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    September 16, 1963
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (8,790)