Thunderbirds - Why does it remain so popular?

[Technomage]

Thunderbirds has been around for over 30 years now, but what is it that keeps it so popular with both young and old alike and with people from so many different countries? I mean, in this high tech, digital world, it seems remarkable that a programme like this can still attract new viewers and yet it does - but why?

I think the reason for it's continued success lies in the fact that it is a completely unique concept, one that doesn't look like every other computer generated show on TV and one that has stories that are both imaginative and thought provoking - not just 'in your face' action with nothing to say. And as long as today's shows continue to look and feel the same as each other there will always be a place for Thunderbirds to keep on trucking, for at least another 30 years!

 

[ray gower]

The stories are 'Boys Own' excitement.

The wizardry never over plays the story.

And parents like it because there is no violence and are remarkably sophisticated.

Computer generated effects- There aren't any

 

[Bayleaf48]

It's something thta hasn't been done before & for what they had available at the time the special effects were even marveled at by film companies who wanted Gerry Anderson to work on some films by doing the special effects but he refused as the special effects that he used were for his shows only

Also, as a new generation comes along it is shown & so another generation of 'Thunderfans' are created as there's NOTHING like that for children now a days

 

[Technomage]

I guess the unique style of Thunderbirds will ensure that it is never consigned to TV's 'lost' programs vault!

It will definitely be interesting to watch how it is treated over the next 20 years.

 

[Bayleaf48]

Hopefully the same as it's been treated right now as it's a classic that SHOULD remain around for ever!

 

[Charlie]

I agree with you both, Bayleaf and Technomage.
I am a Children's Librarian and Thunderbirds (especially)
re -emmerges about every ten years. The publishers bring out the stories/episodes in various easy reading formats-- the videos appear and off we go again. Young children 3yrs-- 10yrs get the "bug" drive their parents crazy.
The craze still remains after the supply dries up. Thunderbird material- to buy or borrow, becomes gold dust.
Why is it so popular? It is very accessible to young children because the puppets represent dolls/action men. The whole idea is easy for children to grasp and the stories travel at a pace they can keep up with. The problems are always resolved and the baddies get what they deserve.
Why do big people like them??? We like them because--we just do! That's a good enough reason.

 

[Technomage]

I envy the fact that you are able to observe the coming and going of the Thunderbirds craze first hand, it must really be fascinating to watch. I would like to see the look on the youngsters faces when you tell them just how long it has been around, I bet most of them don't believe you!

Just what sort of reactions do you get when you tell them that?

 

[Bayleaf48]

You are lucky Charlie & with each new generation that comes along it's re-run & so another generation of young people get to see it & so the fans of it grow

As for asdults liking it so much, it's a show of our childhood

 

[Dave]

No one has mentioned the Hardware!!!

The THUNDERBIRDS are characters themselves. Little boys (and older ones too) love machines -- trucks, diggers, tractors, steam trains, steam engines.

And these aircraft/ rocket ships still have very cool designs, even today. Plus there are the Batman-like ways to get into them from the house, their hidden launchpads, and TB2's assortment of Pods.

 

[Charlie]

Captain Scarlet made a recent "comeback". I think we were ready for this one. Plenty of videos and simple paperback/picture books. This time parents automatically bought stuff ---because the demand on libraries supplying hasn't been that frantic.

We still have kids of all ages trying to "root out " Thunderbird material. They do have a lasting appeal.

Question?--will we ever see actors/Films of Thunderbird stories-- or maybe computer/graphics film.

Is the interest in TB's based only in the UK ?

 

[Technomage]

Originally posted by Charlie

Question?--will we ever see actors/Films of Thunderbird stories-- or maybe computer/graphics film.

Is the interest in TB's based only in the UK ?

I don't think we'll see any big budget, live action movies go into production, as Thunderbirds, etc, aren't as well known as Batman or Spiderman and so wouldn't attract the backing needed to fund such a project. But there is plenty of scope for making CGI type movies, in fact they are already working on a new Captain Scarlet one.

New Captain Scarlet Movie

As for the popularity of Thunderbirds in New Zealand, it hasn't had the same level of interest as in Britain, but it is still shown here every Saturday and has a loyal following.

 

[Charlie]

Many thanks for the "link" Technomage.. A very interesting article.

So.... Anderson was never really satisfied with his work, always felt constrained with the limitations of the technology.

Why did they choose Captain Scarlet to "revamp"--does he fit more with the comic book hero image/thing ?
TB fans are going to ask "why not Thunderbirds first". Is the cast of Thunderbirds a little dated ?

I hope you all check out the link Technomage has set up on his last reply. It will be intersesting to hear what you think.

 

[Bayleaf48]

Thanks also for the link Techno

Couls be very interesting & it is confusing as to why he didn't choose to do 'Thunderbirds' as it's ALWAYS remained popular with people of ALL ages