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
Trouble looms when married woman Gwen falls for a successful romantic novelist.
Directed by Gordon HesslerWritten by Ross Thomas, Ruth RendellGuest stars Don Johnson, Arthur Hill, Samantha Eggar, Denise Galik, Jay Varela
Episode 2
Madame Myra is a third-rate fortune teller who foresees a dim future for herself. And then she meets a stranger in town who shows her a way to do a whole lot better. What, though, is in it for him?
Directed by John PeyserWritten by Ross Thomas, John Collier, A.A. RobertsGuest stars Elaine Giftos, Max Gail, Susan Strasberg, Kenneth Tigar, Roald Dahl
Episode 3
On a long drive through the desert, a couple get their car serviced and are handed an extortionate bill. But they plan on turning the tables.
Directed by John PeyserWritten by Lawrence Block, Luther MurdochGuest stars Bud Cort, Bettye Ackerman, Warren Oates, Jennifer Holmes, Roald Dahl
Episode 4
Brenda is a lonely drifter living in the island paradise of Key West. She has no friends and drinks a lot to forget her tragic past. Then she runs into Eric, a man she knew long ago in her college days, and suddenly life takes on new meaning.
Directed by Dezsö MagyarWritten by Bernard Eismann, Brian GarfieldGuest stars Charles Kimbrough, Joan Hackett, Buddy Owen, A.C. Daily, Harry Richard, Adair Jameson, Claude Anagram
Episode information updated Sep 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.
