On this day May 16, 1986, NBC aired the final episode of The Misfits of Science, a quirky sci fi adventure series that ran for one season with a total of 16 episodes. The show followed a group of young superheroes with unusual abilities who worked for a scientific think tank while battling criminals, corrupt agencies and bizarre phenomena.
The cast included a young Courteney Cox in one of her earliest television roles. She played Gloria, a teenager with telekinetic powers. Other members of the misfit team included a rock and roll scientist who could shoot electricity from his hands and a man who could shrink in size. The series combined comedy, action and 80s style charm with a tone similar to Ghostbusters and Buckaroo Banzai.
Despite a unique concept and a loyal cult following, the show was canceled due to low ratings. Over time, The Misfits of Science gained recognition for its ahead of its time superhero themes and for launching Courteney Cox’s career years before Friends.
Fun fact: The Misfits of Science aired its pilot a full year before Marvel’s X Men hit television screens in animated form, making it one of the earliest superhero team shows on network TV.
The cast included a young Courteney Cox in one of her earliest television roles. She played Gloria, a teenager with telekinetic powers. Other members of the misfit team included a rock and roll scientist who could shoot electricity from his hands and a man who could shrink in size. The series combined comedy, action and 80s style charm with a tone similar to Ghostbusters and Buckaroo Banzai.
Despite a unique concept and a loyal cult following, the show was canceled due to low ratings. Over time, The Misfits of Science gained recognition for its ahead of its time superhero themes and for launching Courteney Cox’s career years before Friends.
Fun fact: The Misfits of Science aired its pilot a full year before Marvel’s X Men hit television screens in animated form, making it one of the earliest superhero team shows on network TV.
