"The Avengers" (1961) TV series 1961-1969

Creator:

Sydney Newman

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

28 March 1966 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

A quirky spy show of the adventures of an eccentricly suave British agent and his predominately female partners.

Plot Keywords:

Partner | Agent | British | John Steed | Secret Agent

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win

Cast

Patrick Macnee

...

John Steed / ... (159 episodes, 1961-1969)

Runtime:

60 min (161 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Singapore:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Associated British Elstree Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company:

ABC Weekend Television

Trivia:

Footage of Emma Peel from one of the color episodes was reused in an episode of "The New Avengers" (1976).

Quotes:

Emma Peel: Always keep your bowler on in time of stress, and watch out for diabolical masterminds.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space: Episode 1 (#7.1)" (1970)

Truly superb!

An absolute masterpiece in British television, The Avengers is a timeless, witty, fantastical series which is as, if not more, popular today than it was more than 40 years ago.

This series has something for everybody - gangsters, diabolical masterminds, glamorous girls, car chases, fights and endless glasses of champagne.

It is interesting to see how the series developed from its humble beginnings in 1961. Playing it straight in the early days it gradually became more and more way-out with wackier and wackier plots and characters. The Cathy Gale and Emma Peel eras are regarded by many to be the high point of the series although there are high spots in virtually every point in the show's history.

Only one episode exists from Series 1 with the mysterious, shadowy Steed being a much more sinister character to Ian Hendry's open Doctor Keel. Then we have much verbal sparring and innuendo between Steed and the delicious Cathy Gale and her kinky boots. Film and eventually colour were introduced with the feline Emma Peel and her high kicks and the show closed the 60s in gaudy, cartoonish style with the naive Tara King and her snazzy Lotus Europa.

This is British television at its best and a true legend in broadcasting. The 1970s version, The New Avengers, has it's own charm in a way but is best regarded as a totally separate entity as this original series was...well...original!