1970s Paranormal TV Shows

In the 1970s, audiences were captivated by the eerie unknown as television creators branched out beyond the physical world. Icons of the supernatural, scenarios of alien invasions, and inspiring tales of ghost encounters found fertile ground in the viewing public’s imagination. This was the era that served as a crucible for fantastic narratives, pairing societal anxieties with scientific curiosities to create a body of work that remains unique, profoundly resonant, and deeply influential. Let’s dust off the old TV set and embark on a teleportation journey through time to rediscover the top 20 paranormal TV shows of the 1970s, brought to life in an age of bell bottoms, vinyl records, and genuine intrigue for the uncanny.

A Spirited Journey Back in Time: Exploring 20 Paranormal TV Shows from the 70’s about Aliens, Ghosts, and Otherworldly Enigmas

1. “The Time Machine” (1978): A short-lived series based on the H.G. Wells novel of a man’s adventures using a time travel device.

2. “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” (1974-1975) – A series about a reporter investigating supernatural crimes.

3. “Space: 1999” (1975-1977) – Set on a lunar base, the series revolves around the adventures of the base’s inhabitants after the Moon is blasted out of Earth’s orbit.

4. “The Tomorrow People” (1973-1979) – This series follows young people who represent the next stage in human evolution – possessing powers like teleportation and telepathy.

5. “Doctor Who” (1963-1989) – While not starting in the 1970s, pivotal episodes aired during that decade centering around time-travel and alien encounters.

6. “UFO” (1970-1973) – A drama centered on a secret organization combating an alien invasion.

7. “Project U.F.O” (1978-1979): This series was supposedly based on the real-life Project Blue Book. It follows two U.S. Air Force investigators charged with researching sightings of UFOs.

8. “The Six Million Dollar Man” (1973-1978) – Sci-Fi series about a former astronaut, Colonel Steve Austin, who is rebuilt with superhuman strength due to bionic implants and works for the OSI. Who can forget the Big Foot episode?

9. “The Invisible Man” (1975) – A scientist who has become invisible must deal with his new condition while avoiding government agents who wish to use him for espionage.

10. “The Gemini Man” (1976) – Focuses on a secret agent who can become invisible, thanks to a watch he wears.

11. “Ark II” (1976): A post-apocalyptic series that follows a team of scientists travelling in a high-tech truck, restoring knowledge and the hope of a better future.

12. “Quatermass” (1979) – British series involving a scientist tackling alien invasions and ancient astronauts.

13. “Sapphire & Steel” (1979-1982) – British series about two interdimensional operatives who protect the universe from time-related anomalies.

14. “Night Gallery” (1970-1973) – Anthology series created by Rod Serling filled with horror and supernatural stories.

15. “The Martian Chronicles” (1979): An adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s novel, focusing on the human colonization of Mars and the consequent conflict with the Martians.

16. “Ghost Story” (later renamed “Circle Of Fear”) (1972-1973): A supernatural anthology series where a bunch of different storylines involve hauntings and ghostly appearances.

17. “Land of the Lost” (1974-1976) – A family finds themselves in an alternate universe populated with dinosaurs and alien species.

18. “Logan’s Run” (1977-1978) – Based on the movie, the series follows Logan, a Sandman, as he attempts to escape his dystopian world where life ends when citizens reach the age of 30.

19. “In Search of…” (1977-1982): A documentary series hosted by Leonard Nimoy, it investigated strange and paranormal phenomena from all over the world.

20. “Spectre” (1977): Centers around two criminologists battling the forces of supernatural evil.

As we conclude our retrospective journey, we hope this list of 20 exceptional paranormal TV shows from the 1970’s not only gratifies your nostalgia but also reignites your curiosity about the unknown. Stepping beyond the tangible world, these series opened doors to aliens, ghosts, and a plethora of paranormal phenomena, forever shaping our cultural perceptions of the unexplained. From spine-chilling ghostly encounters to riveting alien contact narratives, these series fragmented the barrier between our reality and the supernatural. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the paranormal genre or a newcomer soothing your curiosity, these iconic 70’s television shows offer a thrilling exploration into the enigmas of the supernatural. So, draw the curtains, dim the lights, and embark upon a spectral journey through time; who knows what cosmic truths you might unravel along the way!

Leave a comment

About the author

Walt Frasier is an actor, comic, singer, producer and now an author. While most of his books are educational tools for actors and comics, Paranormal POV is a new passion project for sharing both historical fantasy and legends as well as original stories.

Interactive musical improv comedy live from Times Square NYC and touring nationwide since 2002