Thriller was created by screenwriter Brian Clemens, who had previously been involved in popular British television shows like The Avengers and The Professionals. Clemens served as the executive producer of the series and wrote several episodes himself, while also hiring other established writers like Robert Banks Stewart and John Kruse to contribute scripts.
The show was produced by ATV (Associated Television), which was a prominent commercial broadcaster in the UK at the time. It was filmed on location in various parts of England, including London, the Lake District, and Cornwall.
The series featured an impressive array of British acting talent, with many well-known actors appearing in guest roles. Some notable examples include Helen Mirren, Diana Dors, Peter Cushing, Ian Bannen, and David Warner.
The episodes of Thriller covered a wide range of genres and themes, including murder mysteries, psychological thrillers, supernatural horror, and science fiction. Many of the stories were based on Clemens' own original concepts, while others were adaptations of classic works like Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum."
One recurring character in the series was David Callan, played by actor Edward Woodward. Callan was a tough and ruthless intelligence agent who appeared in several episodes, including his own spin-off show, Callan.
Thriller was popular with audiences and critics alike, receiving high ratings and positive reviews during its run. It was also notable for its distinctive opening credits sequence, which featured a haunting musical theme and an abstract animation of a red handprint.
After the original run of the show ended in 1976, Thriller was syndicated to other countries and has since become a cult classic, with many fans still enjoying the series to this day.
