I watched this on television as a kid and it scared the hell out of me. Now that i've seen the whole series i know why. If you have a sense for the macabre and eerie you'll find 90 % gold here. The stories are brilliantly plotted, the acting, though sometimes a little bit stagey is superb and most of all: brian clemens, the creator of this mini-series knew how to trigger an unsettling and creepy atmosphere most big-budgeted movies of the genre never approached.The topics range from assassins raging havoc in an institution for the blind to satanic rites, witchcraft, serial killers and haunted houses. A real gemstone with maybe the best soundtrack since "The fearless vampire killers". Don't you dare to miss it.

I am writing this at the time when a DVD has been released, and I've worked through about 3/4 of the long series. I was young when the series first aired, and only vaguely remember any of the stories. Strangely the DVD's are labelled "18", and yet it's hard to see why, because certainly the stories contain no swearing or sex, and the violence is restrained, with barely a spot of blood in sight.Although there are many mystery and suspense TV programmes, especially made in the 60's and 70's, Thriller has many unique points which mark it out as something special, and to be treasured.Firstly, each show contains completely new characters so it can go in any direction it likes - it can kill off the main character - the bad guys can win or lose. One thing is sure, things are not what they always seem.Secondly, the programme has its foot planted firmly in reality. Only once in a while does Thriller put a supernatural hat on.Thirdly, there's long enough in the 65 minutes to develop a full engaging storyline.Fourthly it's a chance to see some of the great British actors who were working in the 1970's. The one with Helen Mirren is worth looking out for, because she looks so stunning.It's possible to compare against Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense, but the latter tends to display predictable plots, and once you see where the story is going it goes there - Thriller on the other hand is likely to turn events around, so just when you think you understand what's happening, a new direction is reached, or the final denouement is done in a way you didn't expect.There are very few lemons in the series, perhaps the occasional sub-part story in the first series.The only annoying thing is the token American which seems to be in every single story - presumably to make the series attractive to the USA market.

As a teenager back in the 70's, I was a great fan of the 'Thriller' series. I'd so look forward to Tuesday nights, when from 10.30 until midnight, I'd sit up alone, sprawled in my beanbag with a coffee and a chocolate bar, and proceed to devour every episode. They were always so beautifully crafted and superbly acted - and genuinely frightening without the 'blood and guts.' Years later, many of the episodes continue to haunt me...indeed, now as a writer of psychological thrillers myself, I know that 'Thriller' continues to exert its influence on my own work. And so, for twenty-five years, I've been waiting for repeats of 'Thriller' on TV - eagerly scouring TV guides - but all in vain. One day, in desperation, I telephoned Channel 7 here in Adelaide, practically begging for them to replay the series - but I was devastated to learn that the screening rights had long expired. So imagine my excitement when I recently discovered that all 'Thriller' episodes are available on VHS from an equally avid fan in England! I sent my payment off two weeks ago, now I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of all 43 episodes. It's a dream come true! I'd better buy myself a new beanbag and a boxful of Violet Crumbles - methinks I won't be sleeping much for a while!

I remember watching this series in syndication in the 1980s with the episodes formatted as TV movies and I always had a lot of fun watching it. The episodes were always very entertaining with plenty of good mystery and suspense and led up to an exciting climax. Brian Clemens displayed a great deal of creative talent with how well written the episodes always were. How sad it is that this series isn't better remembered!