‘Space:1999’ charts the universe-spanning adventures of the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha, after a series of massive nuclear explosions blasts the Moon out of Earth’s orbit and sends it hurtling off into unknown space. Along the way the Alphans encounter weird and wonderful alien races, hideous monsters, time warps, alternate dimensions and strange space phenomenon.

They are lead by Commander John Koenig, a brave and dedicated man who sees it as his responsibility to get his crew safely back to Earth. Assisting him in this difficult task are Professor Victor Bergman, whose scientific prowess provides Alpha with enough technical expertise to survive its hazardous journey; the attractive Doctor Helena Russell, in charge of Alpha’s Medical Centre; Alan Carter, pilot of the base’s Eagle spaceships; and Paul Morrow, in charge of Alpha’s Command Centre.

‘Space:1999’ developed out of Gerry Anderson’s previous live action show ‘UFO’; it was originally planned that stories in the second season of this series would focus more on the S.H.A.D.O. moonbase, but the revised format soon developed into a completely new show, and so ‘Space:1999’ was born. The first season was quite serious in its mood, but was crammed with action and adventure, with some particularly innovative and exciting stories, and featuring good, well-rounded characterisation. The show proved very popular with audiences, and a second series was commissioned.

However, American Fred Frieberger then took over the role of producer, and the show suffered; Frieberger had produced ‘Star Trek’, and wanted to make the series more Americanised; the stories became less cerebral and more action-packed, usually featuring a ‘monster-of-the-week’, while the look of the show turned into one of garish costumes and gaudy colours, accompanied by more contemporary disco music. Several characters were dropped, including the wonderful Professor Bergman, and in their place were introduced brand new characters such as Maya, a beautiful alien shape-changer from the planet Psychon, and Tony Verdeschi, a tough Italian who was Koenig’s right-hand man. The stories were still enjoyable, but one couldn’t help but wish they had followed the style of the previous season.

Despite looking a little dated, the show still holds up today, and remains an excellent example of classic 1970s science fiction television.


Space: 1999 - Season 1
Space: 1999 - Season 2
Space: 1999 - Novels

Back to the Databanks Main Page -
where you'll find guides to some of the best cult and classic science fiction and telefantasy programmes ever transmitted!

Legal Bit: 'Space:1999' is a registered trademark of Carlton International Media Ltd. The 'Space:1999' logos and all images from the television series are copyright Carlton International Media Ltd. unless otherwise stated; music is copyright the original composers and producers; no copyright infringement is intended. All specially created images and text are copyright © Clive Banks; please do not use these without my permission. All rights reserved. No profit is made from this website, and any revenue made from using the banner-links featured goes straight back into the costs of maintaining it, which comes out of my own pocket in the first place. No profit advertising is accepted. This website was created purely to entertain and amuse, and any references to persons living, dead, comatose, in suspended animation, regenerated, not born yet, hurtling away from Earth, or a figment of someone's imagination is purely coincidental. All opinions expressed are my own, so there...

You can buy Blu-Rays, DVDs, books, toys and much more on 'Space:1999' and other classic shows at:

[Homepage] [About Me] [C.V.] [Gallery] [What's New] [Nothing] [FAQ] [Contact Me]