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 Jul 22, 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
With a 12-year-old found dead and a killer perhaps on the loose, a young girl becomes paranoid.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Elizabeth Taylor, Robin ChapmanGuest stars Stephanie Cole, Alfred Burke, Pat Keen, Lorna Yabsley, Peggy Thorpe-Bates, Anthony Smee, Giles Phibbs, Bernadette Windsor
Episode 2
Hazel is a gullible, old widow whose farmhouse is full of antiques, and Merv is a charming conman who buys a valuable picture from her for a knockdown price. But all is not quite as it seems.
Written by Denis CannanGuest stars Jessie Matthews, Bill Maynard, Michael Troughton, Peter Sallis, Judy Riley
Episode 3
Hard-bitten police inspector Walters has a murder on his hands that he can't crack. The prime suspect is George Stamford, who was alone in a locked room with the dead man when he was shot - but he is admitting nothing, and there is no evidence against him.
Directed by Chris LovettWritten by Johnny Byrne, Bill PronziniGuest stars Jeremy Clyde, Roy Marsden, Dudley Sutton, Elizabeth Richardson, John Gill, Geoffrey Lumsden, Peter Macklin, Richard Barnes
Episode 4
Mrs Wilbur gets more than she bargained for when she calls upon the unusual services of Tom and George, starving writers turned entrepreneurs.
Directed by Alan GibsonWritten by Roald DahlGuest stars Julian Fellowes, Morris Barry, Betsy Blair, James Greene, Bosco Hogan, Stephen Boswell, Robert Mill, Fiesta Mei Ling
Episode 5
Struggling actresses Suzy and Pat meet Herbert, a wealthy widower. Seductive Suzy enjoys his money, but things soon don't look so rosy.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Julian Bond, Tonita S. GardnerGuest stars James Faulkner, Peter Tuddenham, Brewster Mason, Joan Collins, Pauline Collins, Nancy Nevinson, Marshall Ward, Michael Ryan
Episode 6
Cyril makes a profitable living as a rogue antiques dealer, but when he buys a farmer’s valuable furniture item, his luck may be about to run out.
Directed by John BruceWritten by Ronald Harwood, Roald DahlGuest stars Godfrey James, John Gielgud, Bernard Miles, Lee Montague, Harry Jones, Irlin Hall, Roger Milner, Virginia Clay
Episode 7
When millionaire Jack runs into Harold, a boy he bullied at school, he gives him a job. But Harold soon suspects his wife of having an affair with his new boss.
Directed by Alan GibsonWritten by Julian Bond, Julian SymonsGuest stars Denholm Elliott, Joss Ackland, Patricia Quinn, Diane Holland, Tim Bentinck, Paul Sherman, David Carlton-Young, Russel Gleed
Episode 8
When Roland leaves his cruel, millionairess wife Vivien for a fresh start with his mistress Anna, the snubbed spouse plans to make his life a living hell.
Directed by Philip DudleyWritten by Julian BondGuest stars Amanda Redman, Hilary Tindall, Anthony Valentine, Patricia Mort, Roger Brierley, Pauline Letts, Alan Foss, Murray Ewan
Episode 9
When disgruntled factory manager Harry is left feeling undervalued by his colleagues, he decides to take revenge.
Directed by Giles FosterWritten by Doug Morgan, Chaim BermantGuest stars Joyce Redman, Robert Morley, Amanda Redman, Leonard Preston, Raymond Francis, Janthea Williams, Olivier Pierre, Michael Nagel
Episode information updated Jul 24, 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
Simon CadellCo-Pilot
Jonathan DuttineMax
Paul HerzbergHenri
ITV1United Kingdom
ITVUnited Kingdom
Anglia TelevisionUnited KingdomMore shows like Tales of the Unexpected.
