Thunderbirds at 60: The grief, genius and enduring magic behind Gerry Anderson’s sci-fi classic

Originally broadcast in 1965 but imagined in the year 2060, Thunderbirds was created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. It centers around International Rescue – a top-secret group started by former astronaut Jeff Tracy and operated by his five sons from their secluded island headquarters. The team undertakes dangerous rescue operations worldwide, utilizing a collection of sophisticated vehicles called Thunderbirds, each flown by one of the brothers. Combining excitement, tension, and positive values, the show offered a hopeful portrayal of heroism built on teamwork and empathy, not fighting.








