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What is the best classic anthology TV series of the Twilight Zone era?

By YPB Team

Before streaming, a single half hour could hold a complete twist-ending story. These series built that craft, a few spooky, a few stagey, all of them influential.

  1. Alfred Hitchcock Presents — ranked #11
    Alfred Hitchcock Presents
    Suspense and crime anthology (1955–1962) introduced by Alfred Hitchcock's droll on-screen monologues.
    1000pts
  2. The Wednesday Play — ranked #22
    The Wednesday Play
    BBC drama anthology (1964–1970) that aired landmark plays such as Cathy Come Home.
    757pts
  3. Zane Grey Theatre — ranked #33
    Zane Grey Theatre
    CBS western anthology (1956–1961) hosted by Dick Powell.
    524pts
  4. The Twilight Zone — ranked #44
    The Twilight Zone
    Rod Serling's CBS science-fiction and fantasy anthology (1959–1964), famous for its twist endings and social allegory.
    524pts
  5. Play for Today — ranked #55
    Play for Today
    BBC drama anthology (1970–1984) that succeeded The Wednesday Play with plays by writers such as Dennis Potter and Mike Leigh.
    524pts
  6. Studio One — ranked #66
    Studio One
    Long-running CBS live drama anthology (1948–1958) that premiered Reginald Rose's Twelve Angry Men.
    454pts
  7. The Outer Limits — ranked #77
    The Outer Limits
    ABC science-fiction anthology (1963–1965) known for its moody visuals and memorable monsters.
    454pts
  8. Climax! — ranked #88
    Climax!
    CBS live anthology (1954–1958) that aired the first screen adaptation of Casino Royale.
    454pts
  9. Science Fiction Theatre — ranked #99
    Science Fiction Theatre
    Syndicated anthology (1955–1957) hosted by Truman Bradley, presenting stories grounded in real science.
    454pts
  10. Thriller — ranked #1010
    Thriller
    NBC suspense and horror anthology (1960–1962) hosted by Boris Karloff.
    454pts
  11. General Electric Theater — ranked #1111
    General Electric Theater
    CBS drama anthology (1953–1962) hosted by Ronald Reagan from 1954.
    454pts
  12. Playhouse 90 — ranked #1212
    Playhouse 90
    CBS live drama anthology (1956–1960) whose 90-minute plays included Requiem for a Heavyweight and Judgment at Nuremberg.
    372pts
  13. Kraft Suspense Theatre — ranked #1313
    Kraft Suspense Theatre
    NBC crime and suspense anthology (1963–1965) sponsored by Kraft.
    372pts
  14. Love, American Style — ranked #1414
    Love, American Style
    ABC romantic comedy anthology (1969–1974) of short vignettes about love.
    273pts
  15. Tales of Tomorrow — ranked #1515
    Tales of Tomorrow
    Early live ABC science-fiction anthology (1951–1953) adapting stories by genre writers.
    272pts
  16. Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre — ranked #1616
    Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
    NBC drama and comedy anthology (1963–1967) hosted by Bob Hope.
    272pts
  17. Goodyear Television Playhouse — ranked #1717
    Goodyear Television Playhouse
    NBC live drama anthology (1951–1957) that alternated weeks with The Philco Television Playhouse.
    272pts
  18. Night Gallery — ranked #1818
    Night Gallery
    Rod Serling's NBC horror anthology (1970–1973), with each tale introduced by a painting in an eerie gallery.
    272pts
  19. Suspense — ranked #1919
    Suspense
    CBS thriller anthology (1949–1954) adapted from the long-running radio program.
    272pts
  20. Way Out — ranked #2020
    Way Out
    Short-lived 1961 CBS horror anthology hosted by Roald Dahl.
    0pts
  21. Armchair Theatre — ranked #2121
    Armchair Theatre
    British ITV drama anthology (1956–1974) known for contemporary plays produced by Sydney Newman.
    0pts

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