Science fiction is consistently a popular genre in entertainment, including movies, TV, and other media. Its history stretches back over a century, and many classic early sci-fi stories are still well-known today. Directors like John Carpenter, who often blends science fiction with horror, and bestselling author Stephen King, whose work frequently includes sci-fi elements, are major figures in the genre. Interestingly, both of these influential creators drew inspiration from the same relatively obscure origin.
Quatermass and the Pit originally aired on BBC television between December 1958 and January 1959. As with other stories featuring Professor Bernard Quatermass, it centers around a remarkable discovery: a buried spaceship linked to an ancient, evil alien race with powerful mental abilities. While not as well-known today, this series is considered a major influence on Stephen King’s novel, The Tommyknockers, and has also been cited as a source of inspiration for John Carpenter’s 1982 film, The Thing.
How 1958’s Quatermass and the Pit Changed Sci-Fi
Though it’s largely forgotten today, Quatermass and the Pit is a remarkably influential science fiction series. Mark Gatiss, the writer behind hits like Sherlock and Doctor Who, highlighted it in a 2006 Guardian article as a key inspiration for contemporary sci-fi. The show’s story – about ancient aliens interfering with human development – has cemented its place in history as a groundbreaking series, despite its relative obscurity.
Beyond influencing horror masters like Stephen King and John Carpenter, Quatermass and the Pit played a key role in shaping the direction of Doctor Who, encouraging bolder storytelling. Doctor Who then went on to inspire countless science fiction works, meaning the entire genre owes a lot to Nigel Kneale’s 1958 series. Despite its huge impact on sci-fi writers and creators, it remains surprisingly unknown to many fans.
The impact of Quatermass and the Pit goes far beyond science fiction. The story of ancient aliens influencing human history has clearly inspired real-world theories about similar events. Though likely unintentional on the part of the creator, Nigel Kneale, the series has had a lasting effect on both the sci-fi genre and broader culture, a contribution that often goes unrecognized.
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2025-12-22 21:40