Masters of Science Fiction

Masters of Science Fiction is an American television anthology series with each hour long episode taking the form of a separate short film adaptation of a story by a respected member of the science fiction community. The show is hosted by physicist Stephen Hawking.

Masters of Science Fiction is a 2007 American anthology series for ABC that adapts short stories by respected science fiction writers into self-contained hour-long films. Each episode stands alone, with its own cast, premise, and setting, so viewers can enter at any point without following a continuing plot. The emotional engine of every installment is a single speculative idea, dramatized through a small group of characters who must live with its consequences. The tone is cerebral and contemplative, leaning toward quiet unease and moral questions rather than action spectacle or large-scale effects. Stories drift between near-future worlds, alternate realities, and intimate human dilemmas, with restraint doing most of the work. Production values are polished but unshowy, letting dialogue and performance carry each premise from setup to its final, often ambiguous, reflection. The series was canceled after a single season, leaving a compact body of work that appeals to viewers who enjoy thoughtful genre storytelling and the lingering aftertaste of an unusual idea. Fans of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror will recognize the appetite for speculative premises explored with patience and a focus on what the ideas reveal about people.

Critics found the anthology's adaptations of respected science fiction stories thoughtful but uneven, with a mixed response overall.

• The Twilight Zone (1959)anthology format adapting short science fiction stories into standalone hour-long films
• Black Mirroranthology of self-contained speculative stories with a cerebral sci-fi tone
• Night Galleryscience fiction anthology built on adapted short stories by genre writers

Created by

Harold Becker, Jonathan Frakes, Darnell Martin, Michael Petroni, Mark Rydell, Michael Tolkin

Release Date

2007-08-04

Episode runtime

42 min

Rating

6.7 / 10 (56)

What is Masters of Science Fiction about?

A 2007 American science fiction anthology in which each hour-long episode adapts a short story by a respected genre writer into a self-contained speculative film.

What is Masters of Science Fiction like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Masters of Science Fiction as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is Masters of Science Fiction violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Masters of Science Fiction as mild.

What did critics think of Masters of Science Fiction?

Critics found the anthology's adaptations of respected science fiction stories thoughtful but uneven, with a mixed response overall.

Which shows are like Masters of Science Fiction?

Shows with a similar feel include The Twilight Zone (1959), Black Mirror, and Night Gallery.

How long is Masters of Science Fiction?

Masters of Science Fiction: 1 season, 4 episodes.

Is Masters of Science Fiction still running?

No, Masters of Science Fiction was canceled.

Where can I watch Masters of Science Fiction?

In United States, Masters of Science Fiction streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel.