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
Frank is struggling financially and will do anything for money. Even murder.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Donald Honig, Alan SeymourGuest stars Charles Keating, Bryan Marshall, George Sewell, Janette Legge, Paul Davies Prowles, Guy Bertrand, Mark Lewis
Episode 2
Down on his luck, 'Memory Man' Colin agrees to help a shady character remember the number of a station locker. But then he becomes too curious for his own good.
Directed by Peter DuffellWritten by Denis CannanGuest stars Colin Blakely, Bernard Cribbins, Judy Geeson, John Judd, John Biggerstaff
Episode 3
Claire and her boyfriend have always counted on inheriting her wealthy aunt's fortune - but they are forced to act fast.
Directed by John GorrieWritten by Patricia Moyes, James Andrew HallGuest stars Elizabeth Bradley, Lally Bowers, Phyllida Law, Stuart Wilson, Heinz Bernard, Hayley Mills, Ronny Cush, Bazil Otoin
Episode 4
While winding up his late father's affairs, Paul finds a bill demanding over £1,000 for pornography.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Peter RansleyGuest stars Evelyn Laye, Richard Pearson, Hugh Fraser, David Webb
Episode 5
George Devon, a wealthy rancher, is found murdered. His identical twin nephews stand to inherit his fortune, but one of them was seen at the scene of the crime. Both have alibis and no one can tell them apart.
Directed by Philip LeacockWritten by Ross Thomas, C.B. GilfordGuest stars Tara Buckman, Darren McGavin, Royce D. Applegate, David Cassidy, Ann Doran, Robert Snively
Episode 6
George Forester is a compulsive prankster. His wife and friends have been victims for many years until one day he goes too far.
Directed by Leonard LewisWritten by Peter Ransley, Patricia McGerrGuest stars Tom Chadbon, Sheila Gish, Penelope Nice, Philip Jackson, Penelope Fischer
Episode 7
An ex-soldier meets a beautiful woman on a nostalgic trip back to his old base. But she isn't all she seems.
Directed by John GorrieWritten by John GorrieGuest stars Van Johnson, Geoffrey Bayldon, Margaret Courtenay, Anne Carroll, Christopher Fulford, Vanessa Paine, Barry McCarthy, Gabrielle Hamilton
Episode 8
Elderly Teuton Von Baden recalls two men's duel to the death during his student days in Germany.
Directed by John JacobsWritten by Robin Chapman, Edward D. HochGuest stars Anthony Higgins, John Bailey, Peter Cushing, Denys Graham, Andrew Bicknell, Matthew Francis, Kirstie Pooley, Barrie Jaimeson
Episode 9
After closing a deal, a German businessman meets an attractive but mysterious girl in a hotel bar.
Directed by Leonard LewisWritten by Paul Ableman, Michael BrettGuest stars Elspeth March, Lucy Gutteridge, Daragh O'Malley, Andrew Ray, Constantine Gregory, Graham Weston, Richard Foxton, Alpana Sengupta
Episode 10
Tony eats a pricey meal with Susan Mandeville, the extravagant wife of a filmmaker who wants the rights to his book.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Jeffrey Archer, Gerald SavoryGuest stars Jacqueline Hill, Hazel McBride, Stephen Greif, Gayle Hunnicutt, Bosco Hogan, Mark Lewis, Burnell Tucker, Nicholas Field
Episode 11
Three aristocratic women hear of the death of a woman who once served them as a nanny. They agree to go for lunch in her memory.
Directed by Graham EvansWritten by Alan Seymour, Jane GardamGuest stars Eleanor Bron, Phyllis Calvert, Anna Neagle, Sheila Burrell, Brian Tipping, Stuart Turton
Episode 12
Dr Roger Ashburn's beautiful wife tells him their marriage is over. Devastated, he begins a new life.
Directed by Peter HammondWritten by Patricia Moyes, Robin ChapmanGuest stars Brenda Blethyn, Ray Lonnen, Michael Melia, Antony Carrick, Robert McBain, Jonathan Duttine, Susan Penhaligon, Phyllida Nash
Episode 13
Being admired by the inventor of an anti-ageing formula is handy for Caroline, who is eager to keep her looks.
Directed by Norman LloydWritten by Ross Thomas, John CollierGuest stars Sharon Gless, Dick Smothers, James Carroll Jordan, Elliott Reid, Ellen Geer, Phillip Epstein, Heather Locklear, Eugène Lourié
Episode 14
Criminal lawyer Slade has his reasons for wanting his colleague dead. He meticulously plans the perfect murder.
Directed by Ray DantonWritten by Ross ThomasGuest stars Richard Basehart, Gretchen Corbett, Nicholas Hormann, Harry Northup, Maggie Peach, Angie McCright
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.
