TV series
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 1, 2026
Tales of the Unexpected is available to stream on Shout! Factory TV (Via Amazon Prime), Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Robert Smythe is a ruthless executive with a dangerous twenty year old secret. An echo from the past prompts him into a new cover up of the truth, but his wife becomes suspicious.
Directed by Paul AnnettWritten by Tony WilmotGuest stars Zoë Wanamaker, Charles Dance, Francesca Brill, Philip Dunbar
Episode 2
A colonel's comfortable life is disturbed when his wife writes a bestselling book of poetry. Is this evidence that she's having an affair?
Directed by Barry DavisWritten by Denis CannanGuest stars Joss Ackland, Gareth Thomas, Rupert Frazer, Pauline Collins, Allan Corduner, Carol Leader, Paul Williamson, John Horsley
Episode 3
When wealthy Prince Zawi gives surgeon Robert Sandy a diamond for saving his life, the doctor finds that his new jewel is really more of a liability than an asset.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Robin Chapman, Roald DahlGuest stars Devon Scott, John Alderton, Thorley Walters, Alison Fiske, Jonathan Coy, Shirley Cain, David Belcher, John Skitt
Episode 4
When devoted verger Albert is forced to resign, he sets out to build a new life. But can he succeed in a modern world that has little time for his old-fashioned ways?
Directed by Rodney BennettWritten by Denis Cannan, W. Somerset MaughamGuest stars Richard Briers, Bradley Lavelle, Andrew Burt, Geoffrey Chater, Patricia Routledge, Bruce Boa, Geoffrey Beevers, Rowland Davies
Episode 5
When sheltered young son Nicholas travels to London to complete in a fencing competition, he gets caught up in a very strange adventure.
Directed by John GorrieWritten by W. Somerset Maugham, Noella SmithGuest stars Jim Broadbent, Benedict Taylor, Ronnie Stevens, Stephen Hancock, Rosalind Bennett, Gerald Logan, Daphne Neville, James Easton
Episode 6
A timid provincial solicitor visits a smart London hotel on a business trip, and becomes embroiled in a curious case of mistaken identity.
Directed by Paul AnnettWritten by John ChartersGuest stars Caroline Goodall, Jeremy Gittins, Peter Davison, Liza Goddard, Andrew Bicknell, Robin McCallum, Terry Wallis, Les Henry
Episode 7
Ken Johnson runs a charter plane service with his lover and air stewardess Lilian, who indulges in a little smuggling on his behalf. Then disaster strikes for him when his wife discovers his affair.
Directed by John GlenisterWritten by Robin Chapman, Ella GriffithsGuest stars Glynis Barber, Nicholas Ball, Lois Baxter, Albert Welling, Michael Wisher, Norman Tyrrell, Derek Carpenter, Brian Goodfellow
Episode 8
Happily married and living in the Middle East, American safe-cracker Steve is suddenly threatened with extradition for a crime he says he didn't commit.
Directed by Rodney BennettWritten by Robin Chapman, Tony WilmotGuest stars Michael Brandon, Rob Spendlove, Lucy Gutteridge, Nadim Sawalha, Stefan Kalipha, Michael O'Hagan, Christopher Simon, Tony Alleff
Episode 9
Yves's marriage has gone stale and his young mistress has announced that she is pregnant. But he then makes a decision which changes everyone's lives.
Directed by Paul AnnettWritten by Robin Chapman, Aileen WheelerGuest stars Paul Herzberg, Ivor Roberts, Nina van Pallandt, David Suchet, Jemma Redgrave, Pauline Letts, Sarah-Jane Varley, Adam Crouch
Episode 10
When pretty hotel worker Elly is charmed by a guest, archaeologist Max Kelada, it seems that he might not be the man he claims to be.
Directed by Gareth DaviesWritten by Paul Ableman, W. Somerset MaughamGuest stars Chaim Topol, Eamonn Walker, Kim Thomson, Edward Wiley, Leslie Lyon, Steve Plytas, Steffanie Pitt, Erika Hoffman
Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026
Watch trailerTales Of The Unexpected (1979 ITV TV Series) Trailer #talesoftheunexpected #horror #itv
Roald DahlSelf - Introduced By
Jack WestonWilliam Botibol
Gloria GrahameOlivia
Roy MarsdenGerald Overton
Suzanne DanielleMilly
Paul HerzbergHenri
Simon CadellCo-Pilot
John DuttineDr Roger Ashburn
ITV1United Kingdom
ITVUnited Kingdom
Anglia TelevisionUnited KingdomMore shows like Tales of the Unexpected.
