Lost in Space

Space Race family adventure that became camp-classic sci-fi for kids.

Why it matters

Episode guide

83 episodes across 3 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.

At a glance

The Robinson family, a stowaway villain, and a clanking robot tumble through Irwin Allen's space-opera danger on CBS's Lost in Space (1965–1968; 83 episodes). Guy Williams and June Lockhart headed the colony mission while Jonathan Harris's Dr. Smith stole scenes with glorious cowardice and 'the pain' monologues. Early episodes leaned straighter adventure; later seasons embraced camp color. Danger, Will Robinson became the warning label of a generation. Sci-fi family TV never had a more fabulous liability.

Network & studio

• CBS — broadcast network

Why watch now

Allen spectacle with Harris's Dr. Smith as a master class in scene-stealing. Start serious, stay for the camp — or vice versa.

Cultural impact

Lost in Space made family space adventure a network staple and turned its robot and catchphrases into merchandising icons. Dr. Smith became one of TV's great comic villains. Later reboots kept proving the premise is immortal.

Creators

Irwin Allen

Key cast

• Guy Williams as Prof. John Robinson
• June Lockhart as Maureen Robinson
• Mark Goddard as Maj. Don West
• Marta Kristen as Judy Robinson
• Billy Mumy as Will Robinson
• Jonathan Harris as Dr. Zachary Smith

Flash facts

• CBS sci-fi series created/produced by Irwin Allen; aired 1965–1968 (3 seasons, 83 episodes).
• Starred Guy Williams, June Lockhart, and a young Billy Mumy as Will Robinson.
• Jonathan Harris's Dr. Zachary Smith became the breakout comic antagonist.
• The Robot and 'Danger, Will Robinson' became major pop-culture signatures.
• Tone shifted from relatively serious adventure toward campier color in later seasons.

FAQ

Back to the decade

More from the 1960s — Color, Spies & Space. All shows.