When it first aired in 1970, UFO looked like another flashy British science fiction show. But behind its futuristic Moonbases, purple wigs, and flying saucers lay a surprisingly bold and dark drama that pushed boundaries far ahead of its time. Produced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson—the creative minds behind Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet—this was their very first live-action series, and it didn’t just deliver campy entertainment. It left behind mysteries, behind-the-scenes struggles, and dramatic twists that still fascinate fans more than 50 years later. Let’s pull back the curtain on UFO and uncover the little-known truths that made it a cult classic.

Planned for a Long Run, Cut Short by Chaos
Originally, UFO was designed to span three to five seasons. The Andersons envisioned an ever-expanding storyline with deeper alien plots and a larger SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization) universe. But the reality was far from smooth. Budget issues, lukewarm ratings in certain markets, and shifting priorities from investors meant the show was abruptly halted after just 26 episodes. Many scripts remained unfinished, including episodes that would have explored the aliens’ true purpose in harvesting human organs. Those unrealized stories still haunt fans who wonder how epic UFO might have been if it had continued.

Video: UFO 1970 – 1971 Opening and Closing Theme

The Purple-Wigged Soldiers Who Became Icons
Ask anyone what they remember most about UFO and chances are they’ll mention the women of Moonbase with their shimmering purple wigs. Believe it or not, this wasn’t some bold feminist fashion statement—it was initially just a practical way to visually separate Earth from the Moon scenes. Yet the look became a cultural phenomenon. Decades later, those wigs are still referenced in cosplay, retro fashion, and sci-fi parodies, proving that sometimes the strangest design choice becomes the most legendary.

Colonel Virginia Lake: A Role Expanded by Fan Power

Wanda Ventham, who played Colonel Virginia Lake, wasn’t supposed to be a major player. Her role was written as a one-off character. But the audience reaction was so strong—applauding her icy composure, intelligence, and strength—that the writers expanded her storyline. At a time when most female roles in sci-fi were limited to damsels or background figures, Lake stood tall as a commanding officer. This fan-driven shift helped pave the way for more powerful female characters in later TV dramas.

When Fiction Reflected Reality: A Studio Within a Studio
One of UFO’s most clever ideas was making SHADO headquarters hidden beneath a movie studio. But here’s the kicker: the show was literally filmed at Borehamwood Studios—and the writers leaned into that fact by weaving it into the storyline. It was an early example of “meta” storytelling, decades before Hollywood made self-referential humor mainstream. Fans loved the irony that aliens were being fought off beneath the very soundstages where the series was shot.

Darker Than Anyone Expected

Audiences expecting another cheerful Thunderbirds-style romp were in for a shock. UFO tackled themes rarely seen on TV at the time: child abductions, organ harvesting, parental trauma, and psychological breakdowns. It was haunting, heavy, and sometimes uncomfortable. That unexpected darkness, though, is exactly why the series became a cult favorite. It wasn’t afraid to explore the cost of war, secrecy, and moral compromise in a sci-fi wrapper that seemed simple on the surface.

From UFO to Space: 1999
When UFO was canceled, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson didn’t let their creativity go to waste. They recycled several unused models, designs, and scripts into a brand-new show—Space: 1999. For this reason, fans often call Space: 1999 the “spiritual sequel” to UFO. While not directly connected, its DNA clearly shows traces of the earlier series. Without UFO’s cancellation, we might never have seen the eerie beauty of Moonbase Alpha.

The Leading Man Who Nearly Wasn’t

Video: UFO Cast Then and Now (1970 to 2023)

Ed Bishop, who played Commander Ed Straker, became the cold, calculating face of SHADO. But here’s the twist: he almost didn’t get the role. Producers originally auditioned several other actors. Bishop’s unique American accent and steel-like presence ultimately won them over—at the very last minute. If another actor had been chosen, Straker’s no-nonsense persona might have been very different, and the show’s tone could have shifted dramatically.

Why UFO Still Resonates Today
Half a century later, UFO hasn’t faded into obscurity. Its design aesthetic—chrome uniforms, futuristic cars, and those unforgettable wigs—remains a retro-futuristic dream. More importantly, its willingness to explore dark, mature themes long before mainstream sci-fi embraced them makes it timeless. It dared to ask: what would humanity sacrifice to survive an alien threat? And who gets to keep those secrets?

Conclusion: A Classic with Shadows Behind the Spotlight

UFO (1970–1971) wasn’t just another TV show—it was an experiment that blended futurism, psychological drama, and bold storytelling. From fan-fueled character expansions to eerie meta settings and abrupt cancellation, the behind-the-scenes reality was every bit as dramatic as the on-screen battles with aliens. Even though it lasted just 26 episodes, UFO carved its place in sci-fi history. It proved that science fiction could be stylish, unsettling, and thought-provoking all at once. And maybe that’s why, decades later, we’re still fascinated not only by its stories—but by the untold truths hiding behind them.