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
A young American couple on holiday meet a mysterious old gentleman who makes them a macabre wager.
Directed by Michael TuchnerWritten by Roald Dahl, Kevin Goldstein-JacksonGuest stars Pamela Stephenson, Katy Jurado, Michael Ontkean, Cyril Luckham, José Ferrer, Angela Malcolm
Episode 2
Unable to show her dentist husband, Cyril, the fur coat her lover has given her, Mrs Bixby pawns it and pretends that she found the ticket.
Directed by Simon LangtonWritten by Ronald Harwood, Roald DahlGuest stars Richard Greene, Sandra Payne, Michael Hordern, Julie Harris, Frederick Farley, Richard Hampton, Vass Anderson, Will Leighton
Episode 3
When her husband William dies, Mary Pearl is shocked that his will stipulates that his brain should be kept alive.
Directed by Donald McWhinnieWritten by Ronald Harwood, Roald DahlGuest stars Elaine Stritch, Marius Goring, Richard Hampton, Jane Paton, Jimmy Mac
Episode 4
An enraged detective's wife kills her husband by smashing in his skull with a heavy blunt instrument - but no murder weapon can be found, and the police are baffled.
Directed by John Howard DaviesWritten by Robin Chapman, Roald DahlGuest stars Michael Byrne, Mark Jones, Hugh Cross, Brian Blessed, Susan George, George Little, Andrew Fell, David English
Episode 5
When a young man arrives in Bath, he is shocked to find his seemingly charming landlady has a dark side.
Directed by Herbert WiseWritten by Robin Chapman, Roald DahlGuest stars Siobhán McKenna, John Bryant, Leonard Preston, Anthony Dawes, Jess Davies
Episode 6
A lady is cut down to size by her husband’s loyal butler when it is discovered she is having an affair.
Directed by Christopher MilesWritten by Robin Chapman, Roald DahlGuest stars John Gielgud, Paul Herzberg, Michael Aldridge, Joan Collins, Carmen Silvera, Peter Bowles, Paul Herzberg
Episode 7
When Edward grows tired of Louisa’s obsession with a stray cat and decides to get rid of it, she exacts her revenge.
Directed by Rodney BennettWritten by Ronald Harwood, Roald DahlGuest stars Wendy Hiller, Phil Brown, Joseph Cotten
Episode 8
An American gambler must come up with a cunning plan to slow down a ship at sea in order to win a bet.
Directed by Michael TuchnerWritten by Ronald HarwoodGuest stars Michael Troughton, Jack Weston, Elaine Ives-Cameron, Gladys Spencer, Don Fellows, Davyd Harries, Jana Shelden, David Healy
Episode 9
Mrs Foster exacts an intriguing revenge on her husband after his dawdling causes her to miss a flight.
Directed by Simon LangtonWritten by Ronald Harwood, Roald DahlGuest stars Julie Harris, Roland Culver, Angus MacKay, Jeremy Longhurst, Julia Watson, Brian Capron, Dulcie Huston, Anthony Bailey
Episode information updated Aug 1, 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.
