Space: 1999

Coming at approximately the same time as James Bond, ITC's Danger Man (known as Secret Agent in the states) is the complete antithesis, with the calm, icy-cool demeanour of British M9 agent, John Drake (Patrick McGoohan). Whereas Bond's all flash, Drake (who never carries a gun, he felt them to be "noisy, and they can hurt someone") used his brain, instead, and is very adept at defending himself with his hands, as well. The show (which had initially been a half-hour series, also under the Danger Man (1960) title, and character name, but was brought back slightly "retconned" and became a series with hour-long episodes) became an world-wide hit, and helped propel series' lead, Patrick McGoohan to international fame (in fact, Mr. McGoohan was twice offered the role of James Bond, and twice refused. The first time, he declined, but recommended a friend of his; Sean Connery). Unlike many other spy series at this time, Danger Man was not a comedy, nor did it go off to the outlandishness of another well-known spy series of the time (The Avengers (1961)), but was able to build a long-lasting fan base by emphasising well-written scripts, terrific guest actors as well as impeccable direction, and quality production.

Astronaut John Crichton, on an experimental space mission, is accidentally hurled across the universe into the midst of an intergalactic conflict. Trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology and hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton is on an epic odyssey more spectacular than anything he has ever imagined.

The British Raj: though their position seems secure, thoughtful English men and women know that "their" time in India is coming to an end. The story begins with an unjust arrest for rape, and the consequences of this echo through the series. Questions of identity and personal responsibility are explored against a background of war and personal intrigue.

The adventures of Mickey Spillane's tough-talking, brawling, skirt-chasing private detective Mike Hammer, who's always ready to use his fists on a "mug" or his charm on a "skirt" to get the case solved.

Don Diego de la Vega opposes the corrupt tyrants of Spanish California as the masked swordsman, Zorro. Hiding behind the mannerisms of a bookish fop, Diego keeps his second identity hidden from everyone but his servant, Felipe. Zorro's greatest enemy is always the Alcalde, who personifies the distant Spanish government in Los Angeles. Cantina-owner (and independent woman far ahead of her time) Victoria Escalante provides the love interest.

Joe McClaine is a 9-year-old schoolboy whose adoptive father, Professor Ian "Mac" McClaine, has developed a method of transferring specialist "brain patterns", and hence skills, knowledge and experience into his son's mind using the "BIG RAT" (which stands for Brain Impulse Galvanoscope Record And Transfer). Joe takes on the brain patterns of experts older than him and is able to become an astronaut, aquanaut, test pilot, brain surgeon, etc when needed. Joe uses these skills for the World Intelligence Network (WIN) as their most Special Agent code-named "Joe 90", where he's young age, small size and innocent appearance, allow him to carry out dangerous assignments without arousing the enemy's suspicion as no one would suspect a nine-year-old of being a secret agent.