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Anthology series

Form of broadcast entertainment


Form of broadcast entertainment

An anthology series is a written series, radio, television, film, or video game series that presents a different story and a different set of characters in each different episode, season, segment, or short. These usually have a different cast in each episode, but several series in the past, such as Four Star Playhouse, employed a permanent troupe of character actors who would appear in a different drama each week. Some anthology series, such as Studio One, began on radio and then expanded to television.

Etymology

The word comes from Ancient Greek ἀνθολογία (grc, "flower-gathering"), from ἀνθολογέω (grc, "I gather flowers"), from ἄνθος (grc, "flower") + λέγω (grc, "I gather, pick up, collect"), coined by Meleager of Gadara circa 60BCE, originally as Στέφανος (στέφανος (grc, "garland")) to describe a collection of poetry, later retitled anthology – see Greek Anthology. grc were collections of small Greek poems and epigrams, because in Greek culture the flower symbolized the finer sentiments that only poetry can express.

Radio

Many popular old-time radio programs were anthology series. On some series, such as Inner Sanctum Mysteries, the only constant was the host, who introduced and concluded each dramatic presentation. One of the earliest such programs was The Collier Hour, broadcast on the NBC Blue Network from 1927 to 1932. As radio's first major dramatic anthology, it adapted stories and serials from Collier's Weekly in a calculated move to increase subscriptions and compete with The Saturday Evening Post. Airing on the Wednesday prior to each week's distribution of the magazine, the program soon moved to Sundays in order to avoid spoilers with dramatizations of stories simultaneously appearing in the magazine.

Drama

  • Academy Award Theater
  • Arch Oboler's Plays
  • The Campbell Playhouse
  • Cavalcade of America
  • CBS Radio Workshop
  • Earplay
  • Family Hour of Stars
  • Ford Theater (radio series)
  • Four Star Playhouse
  • Lux Radio Theater
  • Hollywood Star Time
  • The Mercury Theatre on the Air
  • Radio City Playhouse
  • The Screen Guild Theater
  • Stars over Hollywood

Genre series

Radio anthology series provided for science fiction, horror, suspense, and mystery genres (all produced in the US, unless noted):

:

  • Mystery House (1929–c. 1944)
  • The Witch's Tale (1931–38) (written by Alonzo Deen Cole)
  • Lights Out (1934–47) (written by Wyllis Cooper/Arch Oboler)
  • The Hermit's Cave (1935–c. 1945)
  • Famous Jury Trials (1936–49)
  • Dark Fantasy (1941–42) (written by Scott Bishop)
  • Inner Sanctum Mysteries (1941–52) (created by Himan Brown)
  • The Whistler (1942–55)
  • Suspense (1942–62)
  • The Weird Circle (1943–45)
  • The Mysterious Traveler (1943–52) (written by Robert Arthur, Jr. and narrated by Maurice Tarplin)
  • Creeps by Night (1944)
  • Mystery Playhouse (1944) (hosted by Peter Lorre)
  • The Strange Dr. Weird (1944–45) (15-minute shorts, written by Robert Arthur, Jr. and narrated by Maurice Tarplin)
  • The Haunting Hour (1944–46)
  • The Sealed Book (1945) (written by Robert Arthur, Jr.)
  • Mystery in the Air (1945–47) (starring Peter Lorre)
  • Murder at Midnight (1946–50)
  • Quiet, Please (1947–49) (written by Wyllis Cooper, starring Ernest Chappell)
  • Escape (1947–54)
  • The Unexpected (1948) (15-minute shorts)
  • Destination Freedom (1948–50), written by Richard Durham
  • Murder by Experts (1949–51)
  • The Hall of Fantasy (1949–53)
  • 2000 Plus (1950–52) (the first adult science fiction series on radio)
  • Dimension X (1950–51) (featured adapted stories by authors including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury and Kurt Vonnegut)
  • ABC Mystery Theater (1951–54), anthology, crime and mystery series
  • Sleep No More (1952–56) (featured Nelson Olmsted narrating his own adaptations of stories)
  • Theater 10:30 (1955) (Canadian)
  • X Minus One (1955–58) (revival and continuation of Dimension X)

The final episode of Suspense was broadcast on September 30, 1962, a date that has traditionally been seen as marking the end of the old-time radio era. However, genre series produced since 1962 include:

  • The Black Mass (1963–67)
  • The Creaking Door (1964–65) (South African)
  • Beyond Midnight (1968–69) (South African)
  • The Zero Hour (1973–74) (hosted by Rod Serling)
  • Mystery Theater (1974–82) (created by Himan Brown of Inner Sanctum Mysteries)
  • Nightfall (1980–83) (Canadian)
  • The Cabinet of Dr. Fritz (1984–85) (broadcast in "3D-Sound" stereo)
  • 2000X (2000) (literary adaptations)
  • The Twilight Zone (2002–03)

Television

In the history of television, live anthology dramas were especially popular during the Golden Age of Television of the 1950s with series such as The United States Steel Hour and The Philco Television Playhouse.

Dick Powell came up with an idea for an anthology series, Four Star Playhouse, with a rotation of established stars every week, four stars in all. The stars would own the studio and the program, as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had done successfully with Desilu studio. Powell had intended for the program to feature himself, Charles Boyer, Joel McCrea, and Rosalind Russell. When Russell and McCrea backed out, David Niven came on board as the third star. The fourth star was initially a guest star. CBS liked the idea, and Four Star Playhouse made its debut in fall of 1952. It ran on alternate weeks only during the first season, alternating with Amos 'n' Andy. It was successful enough to be renewed and became a weekly program from the second season until the end of its run in 1956. Ida Lupino was brought on board as the de facto fourth star, though unlike Powell, Boyer, and Niven, she owned no stock in the company.

American television networks would sometimes run summer anthology series which consisted of unsold television pilots. Beginning in 1971, the long-run Masterpiece Theatre drama anthology series brought British productions to American television.

In 2011, American Horror Story debuted a new type of anthology format in the United States. Each season, rather than each episode, is a standalone story. Several actors have appeared in the various seasons but playing different roles—in an echo of the Four Star Playhouse format.

The success of American Horror Story has spawned other season-long anthologies such as American Crime Story and True Detective.

American drama

  • The 20th Century Fox Hour (1955–57)
  • ABC Movie of the Week (1969–75)
  • ABC Stage 67 (1966–67)
  • Academy Theatre (1949)
  • Actors Studio (1948–50)
  • Alcoa-Goodyear Theatre (1957–58)
  • The Alcoa Hour (1955–57)
  • Alcoa Premiere (1961–63)
  • American Crime (2015–17)
  • American Crime Story (2016–2021)
  • American Horror Story (2011–present)
  • American Film Theatre (1973–75)
  • American Playhouse (1981–94)
  • The American Playwrights Theater: The One Acts (1989–90)
  • The American Short Story (1974–80)
  • Appointment with Adventure (1955–56)
  • Armstrong Circle Theatre (1950–57)
  • The Barbara Stanwyck Show (1960–61)
  • Behind Closed Doors (1958–59)
  • The Best of Broadway (1954–55)
  • The Best of the Post (1960–61)
  • Betty Crocker Star Matinee (1951–52)
  • The Bigelow Theatre (1950–51)
  • The Billy Rose Show, also known as Billy Rose's Playbill (1950–51)
  • Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963–67)
  • The Bold Ones (1969–73)
  • Broadway Television Theatre (1952–54)
  • Buick-Electra Playhouse (1959–60)
  • Cameo Theatre (1950–55)
  • Camera Three (1955–79)
  • The Campbell Playhouse, also known as Campbell Soundstage and Campbell Summer Soundstage (1952–54)
  • Cavalcade of America (1952–57)
  • CBS Playhouse (1967–70)
  • CBS Summer Playhouse (1987–89)
  • CBS Television Workshop (1952)
  • CBS Workshop, also known as CBS Repertoire Workshop (1960)
  • Celanese Theatre (1951–52)
  • Celebrity Playhouse (1955–56)
  • Center Stage (1954)
  • Cheer Television Theatre (1954)
  • The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre also known as Chevrolet on Broadway (1948–50)
  • Chevron Hall of Stars (1956)
  • Chevron Theatre (1952–53)
  • Climax! (1954–58)
  • Colgate Theatre (1949–50)
  • Colgate Theatre (1958)
  • Conflict (1956–57)
  • Conrad Nagel Theater (1955)
  • Cosmopolitan Theatre (1951)
  • Crown Theatre with Gloria Swanson (1952–55)
  • Curtain Call (1952)
  • Damon Runyon Theater (1955–56)
  • Danger (1950–1955)
  • The Danny Thomas Hour (1967–68)
  • The David Niven Show (1959)
  • Deadline (1959–61)
  • Death Valley Days (1952–70)
  • Decision (1958)
  • Demi-Tasse Tales (1953)
  • The Dick Powell Show (1961–63)
  • Dispatches from Elsewhere (2020)
  • Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Presents, also known as Rheingold Theatre (1953–57)
  • Drama at Eight (1953)
  • DuMont Royal Theater (1951–52)
  • The DuPont Show of the Month (1957–61)
  • The DuPont Show of the Week (1961–64)
  • The DuPont Show with June Allyson (1959–61)
  • The Elgin Hour (1954–55)
  • The Errol Flynn Theatre (1956–57)
  • Ethel Barrymore Theatre (1956)
  • Faith Baldwin Romance Theatre (1951)
  • Fargo (2014–present)
  • Feud (2017–present)
  • Fireside Theater (1949–58)
  • The First Lady (2022)
  • Footlights Theater (1952–53)
  • Ford Star Jubilee (1955–56)
  • Ford Television Theatre (1952–57)
  • Ford Theatre (1948–51)
  • Four Star Playhouse (1952–56)
  • GE True (1962–63)
  • G.E. Summer Originals (1956)
  • General Electric Theater (1953–62)
  • Genius (2017–present)
  • Goodyear Television Playhouse (1951–57)
  • Goodyear Theatre (1957–60)
  • Goosebumps (1995-98)
  • Great Performances (1971–present)
  • Gruen Playhouse, also known as Gruen Guild Theatre (1951–53)
  • The Gulf Playhouse (1952–53)
  • Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951–present)
  • The Haunting (2018–2020)
  • Hollywood Premiere Theatre, also known as Hollywood Theatre Time (1950–51)
  • International Playhouse (1951)
  • John Waters Presents Movies That Will Corrupt You (2006)
  • The Joseph Cotten Show, also known as On Trial (1956–59)
  • Joseph Schildkraut Presents (1953–54)
  • The Kaiser Aluminum Hour (1956–57)
  • Kraft Television Theatre (1947–58)
  • Law & Order True Crime (2017)
  • The Lloyd Bridges Show (1962–63)
  • The Loretta Young Show (1953–61)
  • Lottery! (1983–84)
  • Love Story (1954)
  • Love Story (1973–74)
  • Lux Playhouse (1958–59)
  • Lux Video Theater (1950–59)
  • The Magnavox Theatre (1950)
  • The Mail Story (1954)
  • Masterpiece Contemporary (2008–11)
  • Masterpiece Playhouse (1950)
  • Masterpiece Theatre (1971–present)
  • Matinee Theatre (1955–58)
  • Max Liebman Spectaculars, also known as Max Liebman Presents (1954–56)
  • Medallion Theatre, also known as Chrysler Medallion Theatre (1953–54)
  • MGM Parade (1955–56)
  • The Millionaire (1955–60)
  • Monodrama Theater (1953)
  • Monster (American TV series) (2022-present)
  • The Motorola Television Hour (1953–54)
  • Mr. Citizen (1955)
  • The Nash Airflyte Theater (1950–51)
  • NBC Presents (1949–50)
  • NBC Television Opera Theatre (1950–64)
  • NET Playhouse (1964–72)
  • New York Television Theatre (1965–70)
  • Night Editor (1954)
  • Nine Thirty Curtain (1953–54)
  • The O. Henry Playhouse (1957)
  • Ominbus (1952–1961)
  • One Man's Experience (1952–53)
  • One Woman's Experience (1952–53)
  • Orient Express (1953)
  • The Passerby (1951–56)
  • The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse (1953–55)
  • Personal Appearance Theater (1951–52)
  • The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse (1948–56)
  • The Philco Television Playhouse (1948–55)
  • The Philip Morris Playhouse (1953–54)
  • The Play of the Week (1959–61)
  • Playhouse 90 (1956–60)
  • Playwrights '56 (1956)
  • Plymouth Playhouse also known as ABC Album (1953–54)
  • Ponds Theater, also known as Kraft Television Theater (1953–57)
  • Premiere (1968)
  • Preview Tonight (1966)
  • Producers' Showcase (1954–57)
  • Program Playhouse (1949)
  • Prudential Family Playhouse (1950–51)
  • Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (1950–52)
  • Pulse of the City (1953–54)
  • Pursuit (1958–59)
  • The Revlon Mirror Theater (1953)
  • The Richard Boone Show (1963–64)
  • The Robert Herridge Theatre (1960–61)
  • Robert Montgomery Presents (1950–57)
  • Romance, also known as Theatre of Romance (1949–50)
  • Romance Theatre (1982–83)
  • Room 104 (2017–20)
  • The Schaefer Century Theatre (1952)
  • Schilling Playhouse (1959–60)
  • Schlitz Playhouse of Stars (1951–59)
  • Scream (2015–19)
  • Screen Associates Films (1952–53)
  • Screen Director's Playhouse (1955–56)
  • The Seven Lively Arts (1957–58)
  • Short Short Dramas (1952–53)
  • The Silver Theatre (1949–50)
  • Sneak Preview (1956)
  • Somerset Maugham TV Theatre (1950–51)
  • Stage 7 (1955–56)
  • The Star and the Story (1955–56)
  • Star Stage (1955–56)
  • Star Tonight (1955–56)
  • Starlight Theatre (1950–51)
  • Stars Over Hollywood (1950–51)
  • Startime (1959–60)
  • Studio One (1948–58)
  • Studio 57 (1954–58)
  • Summer Playhouse (1964–67)
  • Sunday Showcase (1959–60)
  • Suspicion (1957–1958)
  • Sweepstakes (1979)
  • Telephone Time (1956–58)
  • Television Playhouse (1947–48)
  • Television Theatre (1950)
  • Theatre Hour (1949–50)
  • Theatre of the Mind (1949)
  • Theatre '62 (1961–62)
  • Tonight on Broadway (1948–49)
  • The Trap (1950)
  • TriBeCa (1993)
  • True Detective (2014–present)
  • TV Reader's Digest (1955–56)
  • The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
  • The United States Steel Hour (1953–63)
  • The White Lotus (2021–present)
  • Unsolved (2018–present)
  • Vacation Playhouse (1963–67)
  • Visions (1976–80)
  • Warner Bros. Presents (1955–56)
  • The Watcher (1995)
  • Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (1958–60)
  • Why Women Kill (2019-2021)
  • Willys Theatre Presenting Ben Hecht's Tales of the City (1953)
  • Windows (1955)
  • Your Favorite Story (1953–55)
  • Your Jeweler's Showcase (1952–53)
  • Your Show Time (1949)
  • Your Story Theatre (also known as Story Theatre and Durkee Story Theatre) (1950–51)

Anime

  • Gokujō!! Mecha Mote Iinchō (2009–2011)
  • The Grimm Variations (2024)
  • Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajirō (2008–2010)
  • Mewkledreamy Mix! (2020–2021)
  • Miracle! Mimika (2006–2009)
  • Shimajirō Hesoka (2010–2012)
  • Shimajirō no Wow! (2012-present)
  • Shūkan Storyland (1999–2001)

British drama

  • Armchair 30 (1973)
  • Armchair Theatre (1956–74)
  • Armchair Mystery Theatre (1960, 1964, 1965)
  • Armchair Thriller (1978–81)
  • BBC Play of the Month (1965–83)
  • BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950–59)
  • BBC2 Playhouse (1973–83)
  • Beasts (1976)
  • Black Mirror (2011–)
  • A Choice of Coward (1964)
  • City '68 (1967–68)
  • The Canterbury Tales (2003)
  • Creeped Out (2017–2019)
  • Drama (1977)
  • Escape (1957)
  • Gaslight Theatre (1965)
  • Hammer House of Horror (1980)
  • Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense (1984)
  • H.M. Tennent Globe Theatre (1956)
  • Hour of Mystery (1957)
  • Inside No 9 (2014–2024)
  • ITV Play of the Week (1955–74)
  • ITV Playhouse (1967–82)
  • ITV Sunday Night Theatre (1969–74)
  • ITV Sunday Night Drama (1959–80)
  • Festival (1963–64)
  • Late Night Theatre (1972–74)
  • Love Story (1963–74)
  • London Playhouse (1955–56)
  • Moving On (2009–2021)
  • Mystery and Imagination (1966)
  • National Theatre Live (2009–)
  • Orson Welles' Great Mysteries ( 1973–74)
  • Performance (1991–98)
  • Play for Today (1970–84)
  • Play for Tomorrow (1982)
  • Playhouse Presents (2012–14)
  • Saturday Playhouse (1958–60)
  • Second City Firsts (1973–78)
  • Screen One (1989–93)
  • Screen Two (1985–94)
  • Skins (2007–13)
  • Stage 2 (1971–72)
  • Tales of the Unexpected (1979–88)
  • Theatre Night (1985–90)
  • Theatre Parade (1936–37)
  • Theatre 70 (1960–61)
  • Theatre 625 (1964–68)
  • Theatre Royal (1955–56)
  • Thirty-Minute Theatre (1965–73)
  • Thursday Theatre (1964–65)
  • The Afternoon Play (2003–07)
  • The Wednesday Play (1964–70)
  • Wales Playhouse (1990–96)
  • Weekend Playhouse (1984)

Canadian drama

  • First Performance (1955–58)
  • General Motors Theatre (1953–61)
  • Encounter (1958)
  • Norman Corwin Presents (1972)
  • On Camera (1954–58)
  • Plan B (2023-present)
  • Playdate (1961–64)
  • Virage (2021-present)

[[Korean drama]]

  • Reply (2012–16)

Indian drama

  • Aahat (1995–15)
  • Bible Ki Kahaniya (1993–95)
  • Gumrah: End of Innocence (2012–16)
  • Hoshiyar… Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam (2016–17)
  • Ishq Kills (2014)
  • Kabhie Kabhie (2003 TV series) (2003)
  • Katha Sagar (1986)
  • Kaun Hai? (2018–)
  • Kirdaar (1993–94)
  • Koi Aane Ko Hai (2009)
  • Khidki (2016)
  • Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat (2002–04)
  • Laal Ishq (2018 TV series) (2018–)
  • MTV Big F (2015–17)
  • Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (TV series) (2014–)
  • Rishtey (TV series) (1997–2001)
  • Robi Thakurer Golpo (2015–16)
  • Saturday Suspense (2018–20)
  • Star Bestsellers (1999–2000)
  • Stories by Rabindranath Tagore (2015–)
  • Teri Meri Love Stories (2012)
  • Twist wala love
  • Yeh Hai Aashiqui (2013–16)
  • Yule Love Story (1993–95)

Mexican drama

  • Mujer, Casos de la Vida Real (1986–2007)
  • Lo que callamos las mujeres (2000–present)
  • La rosa de Guadalupe (2008–present)
  • Como dice el dicho (2011–25)

Pakistani drama

  • Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain (2011–14)
  • Sasural Ke Rang Anokhay (2012–13)
  • Shareek-e-Hayat (2014–15)
  • Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain! Phir Se (2016–17)
  • Ustani Jee (2018)
  • Kabhi Band Kabhi Baja (2018)
  • Choti Choti Batain (2019)

Philippine drama

  • Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991–2022, 2025)
  • Magpakailanman (2002–07, 2012–present)
  • Wansapanataym (1997–2005, 2010–19)

Thai drama

  • Girl from Nowhere (2018–present)

Animated

  • Adventures from the Book of Virtues (1996–2000)
  • Andersen Monogatari (1971)
  • Animal Stories (1998–2001)
  • Animated Tales of the World (2001–03)
  • Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales (2006)
  • The Bob Clampett Show (2000–2001)
  • Bugs 'n' Daffy (1995–98)
  • The Bugs Bunny Show (1960–2000)
  • The Busy World of Richard Scarry (1993–97)
  • A Bunch of Munsch (1991–92)
  • Cartoon Alley (2004–07)
  • The Cartoonstitute (2010)
  • The Cat&Birdy Warneroonie PinkyBrainy Big Cartoonie Show (1999–2000)
  • CB Bears (1977–78)
  • The Chuck Jones Show (2001–02)
  • Ciné si (1989)
  • The Comic Strip (1987)
  • Cream Lemon (1984–87)
  • DC Nation Shorts (2011–14)
  • Donald Duck Presents (1983–92)
  • Donald's Quack Attack (1992–2000)
  • Dragons et princesses (2010)
  • Fabulous Funnies (1978–79)
  • The Fairytaler (2002–03)
  • Famous Classic Tales (1970–84)
  • Festival of Family Classics (1972–73)
  • Fix & Foxi and Friends (2000–02)
  • Force Five (1980–89)
  • Freaky Stories (1997–2000)
  • Fred Flintstone and Friends (1978–79)
  • Funpak (2005)
  • General Electric Fantasy Hour (c. 1960s)
  • Good Morning, Mickey! (1983–92)
  • The Great Book of Nature (1999–2000)
  • Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics (1987–88)
  • Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (2000–12)
  • The Hanna-Barbera New Cartoon Series (1962–63)
  • Hanna–Barbera's World of Super Adventure (1979–84)
  • ''Hans Fischerkoesen'''s commercial films (1949–69)
  • Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995–2000)
  • The Harveytoons Show (1950–62)
  • HBO Storybook Musicals (1987–93)
  • House of Mouse (2001–03)
  • Infinity Train (2019–21)
  • The Ink and Paint Club (1997–98)
  • KaBlam! (1996–2000)
  • Kideo TV (1986–87)
  • The Kwicky Koala Show (1981–82)
  • Late Night, Black and White (1996–2003)
  • Legends of Bikini Bottom (2011)
  • A Little Curious (1999–2000)
  • MAD (2010–13)
  • Manga Sekai Mukashi Banashi (1976–79)
  • The Marvel Super Heroes (1966)
  • The Merrie Melodies Show (1972)
  • Merrie Melodies Starring Bugs Bunny & Friends (1990–92)
  • Mickey Mouse and Friends (1994–95)
  • Mickey Mouse Works (1999–2000)
  • Mickey's Mouse Tracks (1992–95)
  • Mighty Mouse Playhouse (1955–67)
  • Mononoke (2007)
  • The Mouse Factory (1972–73)
  • The Moxy Show (1993–95)
  • My Little Pony (1986–87)
  • The New Woody Woodpecker Show (1999–2002)
  • O Canada (1997–2002)
  • Oh Yeah! Cartoons (1998–2001)
  • Peanuts (2016)
  • The Pink Panther Show (1969–80)
  • The Popeye Show (2001–03)
  • The Porky Pig Show (1964–67)
  • Princes et princesses (1989)
  • Random! Cartoons (2008–09)
  • Raw Toonage (1992–93)
  • Right Now Kapow (2016–17)
  • The Road Runner Show (1966–72)
  • Rumic Theater (2003–04)
  • Saturday Supercade (1983–84)
  • Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories (1992–93)
  • Short Circutz (1994–96)
  • Shorts in a Bunch (2007–08)
  • Shorty McShorts' Shorts (2006–07)
  • Super Sunday (1985–86)
  • Super Why! (2007–16)
  • Tales From the Cryptkeeper (1993–2000)
  • The Tex Avery Show (1996–2002)
  • Timeless Tales from Hallmark (1990–91)
  • ToonHeads (1992–2003)
  • Toon In with Me (2021–present)
  • Totally Tooned In (1999–2000)
  • Two More Eggs (2015–17)
  • The Wacky World of Tex Avery (1997)
  • What a Cartoon! (1995–97)
  • The Woody Woodpecker Show (1958–59)
  • The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends (1992–95)
  • Zootopia+ (2022)

Adult animation

  • The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022)
  • Cake (2019–2021)
  • Cartoon Sushi (1997–98)
  • Greatest Party Story Ever (2016)
  • Jokebook (1982)
  • Like, Share, Die (2015)
  • Liquid Television (1991–94)
  • Love, Death & Robots (2019–present)
  • Off the Air (2011–present)
  • Party Legends (2016–17)
  • Robot Chicken (2005–present)
  • The Shivering Truth (2018-2020)
  • Spicy City (1997)
  • Sunday Pants (2005–06)
  • Treehouse of Horror (1990–present)

Children and family

  • ABC Afterschool Special (1972–97)
  • ABC Weekend Special (1977–97)
  • CBS Afternoon Playhouse (1978–83)
  • CBS Children's Film Festival (1967–78)
  • CBS Children's Mystery Theatre (1980–82)
  • CBS Schoolbreak Special (1984–96)
  • CBS Storybreak (1985–87)
  • Disneyland (1954–58)
  • Dramarama (1983–89)
  • Faerie Tale Theatre (1982–87)
  • The Fox Cubhouse (1994–96) (contains Johnson and Friends, Jim Henson's Animal Show, Rimba's Island, Magic Adventures of Mumfie and Budgie the Little Helicopter)
  • It's Itsy Bitsy Time (1999) (contains Budgie the Little Helicopter, 64 Zoo Lane, The Animal Shelf, Tom and Vicky, Charley and Mimmo, ZZZap! and Philipp)
  • Jackanory (UK, 1972–85)
  • Kaboodle (1987–90)
  • Lift Off (1992–95)
  • NBC Children's Theatre (1963–73)
  • Noddy (1998–2000)
  • Off to See the Wizard (1967–68)
  • Once Upon a Classic (1976–80)
  • Power Rangers (1993–2023) (after consistent retools/renames starting season 4 the show finally embraced a "seasonal" anthology format of rotating the story and cast completely starting season 7, this would then become "biannual" starting season 18 until season 28 with the final three seasons being a "triennial")
  • Shining Time Station (1989–93)
  • Shirley Temple's Storybook (1958–61)
  • Special Treat, also known as NBC Special Treat (1975–86)
  • Tall Tales and Legends (1985–87)
  • Walt Disney Presents (1958–61)
  • Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (1961–69)
  • The Wonderful World of Disney (1969–2009)
  • WonderWorks (1984)
  • The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss (1996–98)

Comedies

  • The Comic Strip Presents... (1982–2015)
  • Carol and Company (1990–91)
  • Cilla's Comedy Six (UK, 1975)
  • Cilla's World of Comedy (UK, 1976)
  • Comedy Lab (1998–)
  • Comedy Playhouse (UK, 1961–2014)
  • Comedy Playhouse (US, 1971)
  • The Comedy Spot (1960–62; titled Comedy Spotlight during 1961)
  • Comedy Theater (1981)
  • Comedy Theatre (1976 & 1979)
  • Comedy Time (1977)
  • Dear Uge (2016–)
  • Dr. Terrible's House of Horrible (2001)
  • The Eddie Cantor Comedy Theatre (1955)
  • El Chapulín Colorado (1973–79)
  • Ripping Yarns (UK, 1978–79)
  • George Burns Comedy Week (1985)
  • Good Heavens (1976)
  • The Guest Book (2017–18)
  • High Maintenance (2012–15, 2016–present)
  • Human Remains (2000)
  • Inside No. 9 (2014–)
  • Just for Laughs (1974)
  • Love, American Style (1969–74)
  • Miracle Workers (2019–23)
  • Murder Most Horrid (UK, 1991–99)
  • New Comedy Showcase (1960)
  • Oboler Comedy Theater (1949)
  • Premiere (1968)
  • The Ronnie Barker Playhouse (UK, 1968)
  • Seven of One (UK, 1973)
  • Six Dates with Barker (UK, 1971)
  • Summer Fun (1966)
  • Undressed (1999–2002)
  • Vacation Playhouse (1963–67)
  • Westinghouse Preview Theatre (1961)

Crime dramas

  • Adventure Theater (1956)
  • American Crime (2015–17)
  • American Crime Story (2016–)
  • Agatha Christie's Marple (UK, 2005–14)
  • Agatha Christie's Poirot (UK, 1989–2014)
  • The Big Story (1949–58)
  • The Black Robe, also known as Police Night Court (1949–50)
  • Crime Patrol (2003–)
  • Fargo (2014–)
  • FBI: The Untold Stories (1991–93)
  • Gang Busters (1952, 1954–55)
  • Lawbreakers (1963–64)
  • The Man Behind the Badge (1953–55)
  • Official Detective (1957–58)
  • Police Call (1955)
  • Police Story (1952)
  • Police Story (1973–78)
  • Tatort (1970–)
  • The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (UK, 1971–73)
  • They Stand Accused (1949–52, 1954)
  • True Detective (2014–)
  • Underbelly (2008–)
  • The Walter Winchell File (1957–58)
  • The Whistler (1954–55)
  • The Sinner (2017–21)

Educational

  • Inside/Out (1972–73)
  • Omnibus (US, 1952–61)

Historical

  • Captain Newfoundland from the Tip of Atlantis/Captain Atlantis Late Night (Canada, 1972–present)
  • The Great Adventure (1963–64)
  • Our American Heritage (1959–61)
  • Profiles in Courage (1964–65)
  • Saga of Western Man (1963–69)
  • You are There (1953–57)

Medical

  • The Doctor, also known as The Visitor (1952–53)
  • Medic (1954–56)
  • Medical Story (1975–76)

Military

  • Flight (1958–59)
  • Men of Annapolis (1957–58)
  • Navy Log (1955–58)
  • The Silent Service (1957–59)
  • *The West Point Story *aka West Point (1956–57)

Mystery and Suspense

TitleStartedEndedSeasonsEpisodesNotes
Alfred Hitchcock Presents195519627268Original series
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour19621965393Hour-long continuation of Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alfred Hitchcock Presents19851989476Revival series
Behind Closed Doors19581959139
The Best in Mystery19541954113
The Boris Karloff Mystery Playhouse19491949113
Byline19511951139Also known as Adventures in Mystery and News Gal
The Chevy Mystery Show19601960126
The Clock19491952378
Danger195019555178
Dark of Night195219542104
Darkroom1981198217
Dow Hour of Great Mysteries19601960126
The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre19601965547American TV version of British theatrical second features
Escape19501950126
Escape1973197316
Espionage19631964124
Eye Witness19531953113
Fallen Angels19931995215
George Sanders Mystery Theater19571957139
Gun1997199716
Hands of Mystery194919523156Also known as Hands of Destiny, Hands of Murder
The Hitchhiker19831987458
I Spy195519572117
Inner Sanctum19541954139
Invitation Playhouse: Mind Over Murder19521952113
Kraft Mystery Theatre19611963339Summer series 1961, 1962, 1963
Kraft Suspense Theatre19631965262
Mr. Arsenic19521952126
Murder in Mind20012003318
Murder Most Horrid19911999424UK series
Mystery!1980ongoing44+600+Long-running PBS anthology series
Panic!19571958139
Philip Morris Playhouse19531954152
Rebound19521953178Also known as Counterpoint
Scene of the Crime19911992113
Stage 1319501950126
Sure as Fate19501951152
Suspense194919545260
Suspicion19571958142
Target19581958139
Twisted Tales19961997113
Two Twisted20062006113Sequel to Twisted Tales
The Vise19551957278
Volume One19491949126
The Web195019544208
The Web19571957139Syndication title Undercurrent
Your Play Time195319552104

Religious

TitleStartedEndedSeasonsEpisodesNotes
Patriarchs and ProphetsVolume 1Volume 2Volume 3
Crossroads also known as Way of Life19551957278
Family Theater19491958540
Insight1960198423250
Lamp Unto My Feet19481969
Look Up and Live19671971
This Is the Life also known as The Fisher Family19521988

Science fiction and horror

TitleStartedEndedSeasonsEpisodesNotes
Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond19591961396
Amazing Stories (original series)19851987245
Amazing Stories (reboot)2020202015
American Horror Story2011Present11114
American Horror Stories2021Present324
Are You Afraid of the Dark?19902000791
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction19972002445
Black Mirror2011Present627British series
Castle Rock20182019220
Channel Zero20162018424
Chiller1995199515
Darknet2013201416
Dark Realm20012001113
Deadtime Stories20122013111
Dimension 4042017201716
Electric Dreams20172018110
Exposure20002002242
Fantasy Island197719847152Includes 2 Movies
Fear and Fancy19531953115
Fear Itself20082008113
The Fearing Mind20002000112
Freddy's Nightmares – A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Series19881990244
Ghost Stories19971998144
Ghost Story1972197312223 total includes 1 Pilot
Goosebumps19951998474
Great Ghost Tales19611961112
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities2022202218
A Haunting2005202210105Stopped in 2007 and returned in 2012
The Haunting20182020219
Historias para no dormir19661982329
The Hunger19972000244British/Canadian Series
Infinity Train2019Present440
Inside No 920142024955
Into the Dark20182021224
Journey to the Unknown19681969117
Lee Martin's The Midnight Hour20082015
Lights Out19461952
Lore20172018212
Love, Death & Robots2019Present335
Masters of Horror20052007226
Masters of Science Fiction2007200716
Métal Hurlant Chronicles20122014212
Monsterland2020202018
Monsters19881991372
Mystery and Imagination19661970524British series
Night Gallery19701973343
Night Visions20012001113
The Nightmare Room20012002113
Nightmare Cafe1992199216
Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King2006200618
Out of the Unknown19651971449British series
Out of This World19621962113British series
Out There19511952112
The Outer Limits19631965249
The Outer Limits199520027154
Perversions of Science19971997110
Play for Tomorrow1981198116British series
Quinn Martin's Tales of the Unexpected1977197718Not to be confused with the British series (below)
The Ray Bradbury Theater19851992665
R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour20102014476
Room 10420172020448
Science Fiction Theatre19551957278
Scream20152019330
Slasher2016Present324
Strange Stories19561956
Tales from the Darkside19841988489Plus 1 Pilot
Tales from the Crypt19891996793
Tales of Mystery19611963329
Tales of Mystery and Imagination19951995113
Tales of the Unexpected197919889112British series unconnected with the Quinn Martin series (above)
Tales of Tomorrow19511953285
The Terror20182019220
Thriller19601962267
Trapped19501951
The Twilight Zone (original series)195919645156
The Twilight Zone (revival series)19851989365
The Twilight Zone (revival series)20022003143
The Twilight Zone (revival series)20192020220
The Unexpected19521952
Urban Gothic20002001222
The Veil19581958111
Way Out19611961114
Welcome to Paradox19981998113
What If...?20212024326
Star Wars: Visions2021Present218

Westerns

TitleStartedEndedSeasonsEpisodesNotes
Frontier Theatre19501950No episodes are known to have survived.
Death Valley Days1952197018452
Frontier19551956131
Zane Grey Theater195619615149
Cheyenne195719627107
Dead Man's Gun19971999244

Film

Anthology film series are rare compared to their TV and radio counterparts. There have been several attempts within the horror genre to have a franchise with an anthology format, such as with the Halloween franchise where the third film, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, was meant to be the beginning of a series of anthology horror films, but due to negative reception that plan was shelved.

Drama series

TitleStartedEndedInstalmentsNotes
Cities of Love2006N/A5

Genre

TitleStartedEndedInstalmentsNotes
Carry On...1958199231Comedy series which used the same roster of comedic actors and comedians
Yagyu Chronicles196119649Composed of two versions of the "Yagyu Bugeicho" novel by Kosuke Gomi (films #1–2 and films #4–8) and two stand-alone stories (film #3 and film #9).
Shinobi no Mono196219709Composed of five unrelated stories/characters. Story 1 (films #1–3), story 2 (films #4–5, 7), story 3 (film #6), story 4 (film #8), story 5 (film #9).
Seventeen Ninja196319662Composed of Seventeen Ninja (十七人の忍者) and the in-name-only sequel Seventeen Ninja: The Great Battle (十七人の忍者 大血戦).
The Bloodthirsty Trilogy197019743
The Ninja Trilogy198119843url=https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/the-ninja-trilogy/title=The Ninja Trilogy Blu-ray from Eureka Videoaccess-date=2019-08-05archive-date=6 August 2019archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806133447/https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/the-ninja-trilogy/url-status=dead }}
Shake, Rattle & Roll1984202517
Hanna-Barbera Superstars 101987198810The series of syndicated animated television films produced by Hanna-Barbera, as part of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera programming block.
Gonin199519962Composed of Gonin and the in-name-only sequel Gonin 2.
Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy200420133
Cloverfield2008N/A3

Video games

Anthology video games have been rare since the 1980s. Compilation or package video games (e.g. Castlevania Anniversary Collection) are not included.

TitleStartedEndedInstallmentsNotes
Far Cry2004N/A6While taking place in the same fictional universe, each game features different protagonists, characters, locations, mechanics, etc. One game takes place in the Stone Age (Far Cry Primal) while another takes place in a retrofuturistic world (Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon).
Fatal Frame2001N/A6Each of the Fatal Frame games has a mostly standalone story in which the protagonists investigate a haunted location to learn about how it became cursed.
Fears to Fathom2021N/A5An episodic psychological horror game where each episode unveils a short story narrated by the ones who survived.
Final Fantasy1987N/A16Many games have different settings and playable characters. Each game incorporates a different fantasy genre (from high fantasy to science fantasy to dark fantasy) and a new setting, with some supporting or minor characters having recurring names (e.g. Biggs, Wedge, and Cid).
Resident Evil Outbreak (File #2)200320042A spin-off of PlayStation-era mainlines (1, 2 and 3: Nemesis); each chapter or "scenario" is set in a different location of Raccoon City, and features nonlinear gameplay.
Silent Hill1999N/A10Each game presents a different story and set of characters, but is usually set in the same titular town of Silent Hill; a major exception is Silent Hill f, which is instead set in a fictitious Japanese town.
The Dark Pictures Anthology2019N/A5It is planned to consist of eight games, with one entry per year.

References

References

  1. (23 October 2015). "Anthology series changing television". UWIRE Text.
  2. "Full Cast & Crew".
  3. Sterling, Rob. (2015). "Patterns". CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
  4. Dunning, John. (1998). "On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio". Oxford University Press.
  5. Widner, James F & Frierson III, Meade. ''Science Fiction on Radio: A Revised Look At 1950–1975''. Birmingham, Alabama: A.F.A.B. Publishing. p. 20 {{ISBN?
  6. Chimes, Art. "Last Radio Drama". National Public Radio.
  7. Kraszewski, Jon. (Fall 2006). "Adapting Scripts in the 1950s: The Economic and Political Incentives for Television Anthology Writers". Journal of Film and Video.
  8. Simon, Ron. (2013). "Philco Television Playhouse". St. James Press.
  9. [http://home.wlv.ac.uk/~in5379/film.htm#starlight Ray Bradbury on Film and TV: ''Starlight Summer Theater'' (1954)] {{webarchive. link. (October 6, 2008)
  10. "American Horror Story".
  11. Malone, Michael. (2 May 2016). "Anthology format gets a 'true' rebirth: AMC is the latest of many nets modeling shows after True Detective and Fargo.".
  12. Images Staff. (2017-02-20). "PEMRA issues notice to Hum TV drama 'Kitni Girhain Baki Hain' for homosexual content". Images.
  13. Haq, Irfan Ul. (2018-03-12). "In Angeline Malik's new TV series, a psych professor is the neighbourhood hero". Images.
  14. (2019-01-20). "'Berlin, I Love You' Trailer: Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren Star in Fourth 'Cities' Anthology Film".
  15. "The Ninja Trilogy Blu-ray from Eureka Video".
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