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Dark Skies

  • TV Series
  • 1996–1997
  • TV-14
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
2.5K
YOUR RATING
Dark Skies (1996)
Alien InvasionAdventureDramaMysterySci-Fi

In 1960s America, a young couple struggle to expose the truth about a hidden alien invasion, while a secret government organization follows its own agenda in dealing with the threat.In 1960s America, a young couple struggle to expose the truth about a hidden alien invasion, while a secret government organization follows its own agenda in dealing with the threat.In 1960s America, a young couple struggle to expose the truth about a hidden alien invasion, while a secret government organization follows its own agenda in dealing with the threat.

  • Creators
    • Brent Friedman
    • Bryce Zabel
  • Stars
    • Eric Close
    • J.T. Walsh
    • Lackos
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.5/10
    2.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Creators
      • Brent Friedman
      • Bryce Zabel
    • Stars
      • Eric Close
      • J.T. Walsh
      • Lackos
    • 28User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 1 win & 6 nominations total

    Episodes19

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season

    Photos26

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Eric Close
    Eric Close
    • John Loengard
    • 1996–1997
    J.T. Walsh
    J.T. Walsh
    • Capt. Frank Bach
    • 1996–1997
    Lackos
    • MIB #6
    • 1996–1997
    Megan Ward
    Megan Ward
    • Kimberly Sayers
    • 1996–1997
    Conor O'Farrell
    Conor O'Farrell
    • Lt. Commander Phil Albano
    • 1996–1997
    Tim Kelleher
    Tim Kelleher
    • Jim Steele
    • 1996–1997
    Charley Lang
    Charley Lang
    • Dr. Halligan
    • 1996–1997
    Jeri Ryan
    Jeri Ryan
    • Juliet Stewart
    • 1997
    T.J. Kennedy
    • Allen Dulles
    • 1996–1997
    James F. Kelly
    • Robert Kennedy
    • 1996–1997
    Grant Mathis
    • Pyne…
    • 1996–1997
    Jack Lindine
    Jack Lindine
    • Jack Ruby
    • 1996–1997
    Arell Blanton
    • General Nathan F. Twining
    • 1996–1997
    Don Moss
    • Hubert Humphrey
    • 1996–1997
    Robin Gammell
    Robin Gammell
    • Dr. Hertzog…
    • 1996–1997
    Richard Gilliland
    Richard Gilliland
    • Jesse Marcel
    • 1996
    Jeff Juday
    • Activist…
    • 1996–1997
    Wayne Tippit
    Wayne Tippit
    • J. Edgar Hoover
    • 1996–1997
    • Creators
      • Brent Friedman
      • Bryce Zabel
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews28

    7.52.5K
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    Featured reviews

    pfelon

    Before its time

    This show would be a smash hit today, with the state of science fiction being as mainstream as it is. I hated how NBC bounced it around so much; it never had a chance to establish itself (NBC has a habit of this, i.e. the John Larroquette Show).

    It was very bold for a television show to link major historical events into a government conspiracy, but I think this show handled it very well and didn't make it seem hokey or dumb. At the core, this show was just thoroughly entertaining, whether you're really into science fiction or not. If you haven't seen it, I think the Sci Fi channel still shows them occasionally.
    c.g.brannigan

    Greatest TV Show EVER!

    Dark Skies is a great show, brilliantly made and highly entertaining. Every aspect of production looks top notch and big budget. The actors are outstanding, from relative newcomers Eric Close and Megan Ward all the way to long time vetran of many oscar winning movies, the late, JT Walsh.

    Dark Skies is a great show and why it never got it's second season boggles the mind. If IMDB had a top 250 for TV Shows this would deserve a place in the top 5...certainly the best show in the sci-fi genre.
    rux-2

    SOMETHING BETTER THAN "THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE"....

    Finally, we had something going...something that looked like it will stand a chance in front of the X-Files. I did like this TV serial. It really sucked you in to it...in to the story. And those who like this kind a UFO and conspiracy movies, this was a great TV series. The story takes place in the `50s and `60s and the way the alien and guverment conspiracies are put together,in this TV series, it is really great. Too bad that this series ended all of a sudden...and of course, when it actually started to became more and more interesting. I guess, it all comes down to money. Too bad, cause i think there are lots of people out there who would like to see more of this movie, or at least, finished up properly. If you just get a chance, don`t miss it and also you can compare it the already boring x-Files.
    8Cinemaniac1984

    Very likable show that was very underrated

    Although this was a very likable show, it was very underrated as many people dismissed this show as another imitation of The X Files therefore it was going to be very hard to compete against a superior show with a larger fan base. Although Dark Skies didn't attract a bigger audience at the time on TV, it's good to see it does have its fans out there over 18 years later.

    Set in the 1960's, John Loengard (Eric Close) and Kimberly Sayers (Megan Ward) are a young couple on the run from the U.S. Government who work to uncover the truth about an alien invasion that planned to invade Earth through a manipulation of historical events and famous figures. As well as the alien invasion, a secret government organisation named Majestic 12 led by Captain Frank Bach (the late J.T. Walsh) has its own agenda in dealing with the threat. I enjoyed the fact the show featured famous people such as Jim Morrison, The Beatles, Ed Sullivan, Robert Kennedy, J. Edgar Hoover, Marilyn Monroe and President Harry S. Truman.

    I first saw this as a 13 year old when it first aired on Australian TV in 1997 and it has me hooked and very intrigued. I was disappointed when the TV show was later cancelled after one season due to low ratings as I would have liked to have seen the show continue on as it did have a lot going for it.

    8/10
    jotix100

    E,T, Phone home!

    Bryce Zabel and his team deserve a lot of credit for the creation of the series. This was shown on cable as a feature film, and not knowing anything about it, we decided to take a chance. Well, what a surprise it turned out to be! The time flew by and we were hoping it wouldn't have ended!

    The first thing that attracted us to this unknown film was J.T. Walsh, the late character actor. Mr. Walsh was an excellent actor who played second fiddle in a lot of movies. His presence was always a sight for sore eyes. His characters tended to be on the "heavy" side, but Mr. Walsh always made it fun to watch because with his acting had an economy of gestures that revealed the gist of this person to the viewer immediately. Mr. Walsh's passing at such a young age was horrible. He is sadly missed.

    The other reason for watching "Dark Skies" is the performance of Eric Close. He is always credible and he shows a knack for acting and taking us along for a magic ride.

    The special effects in the film are not far fetched, the way they are presented. It's a shame this series didn't survive. Not having seen any of the episodes is regrettable. Good luck to Mr. Zabel with any future projects.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The series was pitched in a single day to ABC, CBS and NBC. Fox was avoided due to the concept's overt similarities to their hit series The X-Files (1993). Each network received a classified "briefing book" written by Zabel and Friedman, wrapped in plain brown paper, which warned that by opening the package they accepted the high level clearance it implied and the full penalties set by the US government for unauthorized disclosure. By the end of the day, two offers had been made and the series went to NBC.
    • Alternate versions
      The 2-part pilot episode, "The Awakening" (first shown on network TV, NBC - 21 September, 1996), has been made into a single, feature length movie and is now being shown on cable TV under the title "Dark Skies" (1996).
    • Connections
      Referenced in For the Love of...: Lunar Conspiracy (1997)

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    FAQ20

    • How many seasons does Dark Skies have?Powered by Alexa
    • How can they include all these real life historical figures without being sued? Wouldn't they need their permission?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 21, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Cielo negro
    • Production companies
      • Bryce Zabel Productions
      • Columbia Pictures Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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