Forgotten TV

From Radio & TV Horror History… to The Darkroom (1981)

Step into the shadows with Forgotten TV as we uncover the eerie history behind ABC’s short-lived 1981 anthology series Darkroom, hosted by James Coburn. In this feature-length episode, we trace the chilling lineage of radio and television horror—from the crackling terror of The Witch’s Tale and Lights Out to the haunting glow of TV anthologies like The Twilight Zone, Thriller, and Night Gallery. You’ll hear the story of how Darkroom was hastily developed in the wake of a Hollywood writers’ strike, explore its behind-the-scenes production struggles, and revisit its twisted tales—each one a macabre snapshot from television’s forgotten gallery of nightmares. Along the way, we’ll shine a light on creators Peter S. Fischer, Robert F. O’Neill, and Christopher Crowe, and examine how Darkroom bridged the gap between old-time radio horror and the TV anthologies that followed—culminating in the 1980s boom of syndicated horror offerings. 🎙️ Into The Darkroom: A Forgotten TV Podcast — turn out your lights… if you dare. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. These podcast notes may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you.  Researching and producing podcasts and articles is extremely time consuming. Please consider financially supporting Forgotten TV in any of the following ways: SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON [https://www.patreon.com/c/forgottentv]Support Forgotten TV with Paypal [http://paypal.me/forgottentv]Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/forgottentv] Shop the Forgotten TV Merch Store [https://forgottentv-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd] Original audio clips included are for the purposes of historical context, review, commentary, and criticism only and are not intended to infringe. Some music used under license from Epidemic Sound. If you need music for your podcast or YouTube channel, please visit Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7cvhtv/].  Be sure to check out new partner Q106.5, the home of 80s and 90s hits at Q1065.com [https://q1065.com/] Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any production company or TV network involved in the making of any TV show or film mentioned. All TV series, films, and characters are copyright and property of their respective rights holders. Copyright 2025 Forgotten TV Media

Earth II (1971)

In this episode, Forgotten TV explores the origins of humanity’s first space stations—both real and imagined. From the secret Soviet Almaz military program and America’s Skylab, we'll look back at how these milestones were foreshadowed by decades of speculative fiction as well as futurist visions such as Gerard O’Neill’s massive orbital colonies of the 1970s. But before we were able to gaze at these fantastical artistic depictions, a 1971 MGM-produced telefilm was broadcast on ABC which depicted life on board an international space station called...Earth II. Written by Allen Balter and William Read Woodfield.  We also look at the life and work of prolific Argentinian pianist, composer, and conductor Lalo Schifrin - who has contributed over 100 film/TV themes to our popular culture. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. These podcast notes may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you.  Earth II Official Trailer [https://youtu.be/1tkKSRF1UwY] Earth II now on Bluray [https://amzn.to/4fZGvDn] Researching and producing podcasts and articles is extremely time consuming. Please consider financially supporting Forgotten TV in any of the following ways: SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON [https://www.patreon.com/c/forgottentv]Support Forgotten TV with Paypal [http://paypal.me/forgottentv]Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/forgottentv] Shop the Forgotten TV Merch Store [https://forgottentv-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd] Original audio clips included are for the purposes of historical context, review, commentary, and criticism only and are not intended to infringe. Some music used under license from Epidemic Sound. If you need music for your podcast or YouTube channel, please visit Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7cvhtv/].  Be sure to check out new partner Q106.5, the home of 80s and 90s hits at Q1065.com [https://q1065.com/] Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any production company or TV network involved in the making of any TV show or film mentioned. All TV series, films, and characters are copyright and property of their respective rights holders. Copyright 2025 Forgotten TV Media

Focus: Composer Lalo Schifrin

A look at the life and work of prolific Argentinian pianist, composer, and conductor Lalo Schifrin - who has contributed over 100 film/TV themes to our popular culture. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. These podcast notes may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you.  Listening recommendations: Lalo Schifrin: The Early Years [https://amzn.to/4l5RYCc] Studio And 'live' Collaborations 1960-62 [https://amzn.to/4l55l5x] Mission: Impossible And Other Thrilling Themes [https://amzn.to/3H5vTG6] Sources of quotes and background information came from the following:  The Television Academy Foundation Interviews [https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/lalo-schifrin]  “Lalo Schifrin, from 'Mission Impossible' to Jazz” from NPR Music [https://www.npr.org/2007/09/16/14453556/lalo-schifrin-from-mission-impossible-to-jazz]  Remembering Lalo Schifrin – Telehell podcast [https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/telehell/id/37169465] with Justin Hart  Researching and producing podcasts and articles is extremely time consuming. Please consider financially supporting Forgotten TV in any of the following ways: SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON [https://www.patreon.com/c/forgottentv]Support Forgotten TV with Paypal [http://paypal.me/forgottentv]Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/forgottentv] Shop the Forgotten TV Merch Store [https://forgottentv-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd] Original audio clips included are for the purposes of historical context, review, commentary, and criticism only and are not intended to infringe. Some music used under license from Epidemic Sound. If you need music for your podcast or YouTube channel, please visit Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7cvhtv/].  Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any production company or TV network involved in the making of any TV show or film mentioned. All TV series, films, and characters are copyright and property of their respective rights holders. Copyright 2025 Forgotten TV Media

Focus: A Tribute to Alf Clausen

My tribute to legendary film/TV composer Alf Clausen, who provided 27 years of underscore music and original songs for The Simpsons, many of which will forever reside in my heart. Clausen died May 28, 2025. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. This article or podcast may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you.  Songs In The Key Of Springfield CD [https://amzn.to/3Tk3KgO] Go Simpsonic With The Simpsons CD [https://amzn.to/4kYNCgx] The Simpsons Testify CD [https://amzn.to/4dXiFqE] Researching and producing podcasts and writing articles is extremely time consuming. Please consider financially supporting Forgotten TV in any of the following ways: SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON [https://www.patreon.com/c/forgottentv]Support Forgotten TV with Paypal [http://paypal.me/forgottentv]Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/forgottentv] Shop the Forgotten TV Merch Store [https://forgottentv-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd] Original audio clips included are for the purposes of historical context, review, commentary, and criticism only and are not intended to infringe. Some music used under license from Epidemic Sound. If you need music for your podcast or YouTube channel, please visit Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7cvhtv/].  Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any production company or TV network involved in the making of any TV show or film mentioned. All TV series, films, and characters are copyright and property of their respective rights holders. Copyright 2025 Forgotten TV Media

Popi (1975-76)

Popi debuted May 2, 1975 on CBS at 8/7pm Central. This sitcom pilot was based on the 1969 film Popi with Alan Arkin and Rita Moreno.  "Popi had a dream...and the only way he could make it come true was to put his two boys in a rowboat and set them adrift in the ocean." This podcast contains a short review of the Popi film, as well as a bit of behind-the-scenes information on its production. Then, just about everything known about the now-obscure Popi series is covered, including a recording of the theme song not heard in nearly 50 years, courtesy TV historian Billy Ingram. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. The following may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers/services. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you.  Links: Popi original trailer [https://youtu.be/-ezxQIiOP1Q] One Summer of Stardom (1969) [https://youtu.be/7Wx6EDslCDo] Hector Elizondo speaks on Popi [https://youtu.be/iT_iJfTv1YE] Popi [Blu-ray] [https://www.amazon.com/Popi-Blu-Ray-Arthur-Hiller/dp/B0CPP6RYG8?&linkCode=sl1&tag=for0d76-20&linkId=d66eb4a60d29baaf8f249eb30fbb7ad7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] Researching and producing podcasts and other content is extremely time consuming. Please consider financially supporting Forgotten TV in any of the following ways: SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON [https://www.patreon.com/c/forgottentv]Support Forgotten TV with Paypal [http://paypal.me/forgottentv]Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/forgottentv] Original audio clips included are for the purposes of historical context, review, commentary, and criticism only and are not intended to infringe. Some music used under license from Epidemic Sound. If you need music for your podcast or YouTube channel, please visit Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7cvhtv/].  Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any production company or TV network involved in the making of any TV show or film mentioned. All TV series, films, and characters are copyright and property of their respective rights holders. Copyright 2025 Forgotten TV Media