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
Dropped by her agency for her diva-like behaviour, supermodel Marigold's mental health deteriorates. Years later, she plots a comeback.
Directed by Giles FosterWritten by Robin Chapman, Aileen WheelerGuest stars Helen Fraser, Toyah Willcox, Paul Seed, Ralph Bates, Sharon Duce, Billy Hamon, Edward Jewesbury, Stephen Bent
Episode 2
Moira hears a woman discussing a trip to Paris with her lover Donald. Is her husband, also called Donald, having an affair?
Directed by John GorrieWritten by Robin Chapman, Ruth WissmanGuest stars Michael Craig, Dorothy Tutin, Sheila Ruskin, Bernice Stegers, Ronnie Stevens, Neil Daglish, Rosalyn Elvin, Lill Roughley
Episode 3
In an attempt to prove their safes are impregnable, a company challenges ex-safebreaker Sam to crack one for a cash prize. But are his skills sharp enough?
Directed by Alan GibsonWritten by Henry Slesar, Robin ChapmanGuest stars June Ritchie, John Mills, David Healy, Edward Burnham, Jason Norman, Rachel Laurence, Eliza Buckingham, Nick Diprose
Episode 4
Robert visits a couple who housed him during the war. But in Paris, he discovers that the husband has died, and the hero’s wife has a big secret to tell.
Directed by John JacobsWritten by Robin Chapman, John BakkenhovenGuest stars Leslie Caron, James Aubrey, Constantine Gregory, Bernadette Windsor
Episode 5
A stranger arrives in town and soon endears himself to the local community – although his motives prove sinister.
Directed by Wendy ToyeWritten by Sidney CarrollGuest stars Clive Swift, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Connelly
Episode 6
Two cash-strapped business owners tunnel their way into a bank – only to find they missed a crucial notice on the door.
Directed by Peter HammondWritten by Chaim Bermant, J.J. MalingGuest stars Harry H. Corbett, Bill Owen, Joe Gladwin, Fulton Mackay, Avril Elgar
Episode 7
When a woman is murdered in a park, Constable Mary Bryan is used as bait to catch the suspected killer. But what if she is tracking the wrong man?
Directed by John JacobsWritten by Robin ChapmanGuest stars Tim Woodward, Susan Penhaligon, Frank Wylie, Ian Redford, Tom Cotcher, Paul Antrim, Ian MacKenzie, Harold Reese
Episode 8
Police doctor Keith Briscoe is desperate to leave his wife for an ex but loses hope when she refuses to divorce him.
Directed by Herbert WiseGuest stars Bernard Kay, Peter Egan, Jennie Linden, Suzanne Danielle
Episode 9
When Mary learns her husband is having an affair, she invites her rival to a beach party.
Written by Jeremy PaulGuest stars Keith Barron, Sheila Gish, Carol MacReady, Colin Farrell, Phoebe Nicholls, Chas Bryer
Episode 10
An auditor finds out that Oliver is defrauding his firm. But when he demands some hush money, he discovers a nasty surprise.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Johnny ByrneGuest stars Jan Francis, Ian Holm, Roland Culver, Geoffrey Chater, Frank Gatliff, Michael N. Harbour
Episode 11
Tired of gloves vanishing from his factory, Ralph hires a detective. Then, gloves begin appearing in unexpected places.
Directed by John PeyserWritten by Ross Thomas, Henry SlesarGuest stars Janet Leigh, Frank Sinatra Jr., Tom Bosley, Kenneth Tigar, Howard Dayton, Penelope Gillette
Episode 12
Karen marries a rich landowner with a huge house in the country. But after moving in, she senses an evil spirit.
Directed by John GorrieWritten by Zia KrugerGuest stars Moray Watson, Cherie Lunghi, Carol Drinkwater, Hilary Mason, Alan Rowe, Richard Austin, John Stamp, Orla Pederson
Episode 13
As Richard and Fergus ponder a girl they both loved, they realise their failures in life.
Directed by Herbert WiseWritten by Denis CannanGuest stars Peter Barkworth, Benjamin Whitrow, Maggie Fitzgibbon, June Watson, Angela Harding, Fanny Rowe
Episode 14
Norma owns a big house and lets her sister Emily and her husband live there. But then Emily disappears.
Directed by Alan GibsonWritten by Denis Cannan, Jack RitchieGuest stars Patsy Byrne, Anthony Valentine, Frances Tomelty, Susan Tracy, Diana King, Derek Anders, William Moore, Patrick McAlinney
Episode 15
Cara is determined to get back her family jewels, which have been hidden away in a safe. Hiring a safe cracker, she goes along with him, undercover.
Directed by Bert SalzmanWritten by Robert L. Fish, Bert SalzmanGuest stars Roxanne Hart, Lou Jacobi, Terry O'Quinn, Edward Albert, Michael A. Candela
Episode 16
A rich and lonely American ventures to England in search of his long-lost family.
Directed by Herbert WiseWritten by Peter Lovesey, Alan SeymourGuest stars Cyd Hayman, Shane Rimmer, Peter Tuddenham, Elizabeth Richardson, Donald Eccles, Nigel Greaves, Jean Kitson
Episode 17
When a piece of art is stolen, the gallery owner gets his girlfriend to make copies of it to sell.
Directed by Peter HammondWritten by Jeremy Paul, Jeremy PaulGuest stars Robert Beatty, Richard Johnson, Laurence Payne, Victoria Tennant, Olivier Pierre, Michael Forrest, Neil Daglish, Timothy Carlton
Episode 18
A woman discovers a nasty side to her boyfriend's personality when he goes into hospital before a holiday.
Directed by Alan GibsonWritten by Graham Sutton, Roy RussellGuest stars Jonathan Duttine, Julie Dawn Cole, Peter Jeffrey, Peter Machin, Tony Osoba
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
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