7 Twilight Zone Fast Facts
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- May 11 is National "Twilight Zone" Day, where fans come together to celebrate the hit show from creator Rod Serling. Serling's tales touched on fantasy, horror and the paranormal -- creating powerful and memorable stories that have impacted viewers for decades.
More: 10 Greatest Twilight Zone Episodes
In celebration of Nation "Twilight Zone" Day, here are some fun facts you may not have known about the show:
New York Roots
"Twilight Zone" creator Rod Serling is a native New Yorker. The esteemed television writer was born in Syracuse on Christmas Day in 1924 and moved to Binghamton when he was just a boy.
"Everybody has to have a hometown, Binghamton's mine," Serling said.
Serling died in Rochester in 1975.
In Memory
The Bundy Museum of History and Art, located in Binghamton, is now home to the Rod Serling archive -- an extensive collection of Serling artifacts and memorabilia.
Several Revivals
The first "Twilight Zone" series aired on CBS for five seasons, from 1959 to 1964. CBS later revived the show in 1985 for two seasons, starring Charles Aidman as host. "Twilight Zone" was revived for a third time in 2002, with host Forrest Whitaker. The third revival lasted only one season.
Jam Band Influences
Jerry Garcia, lead guitarist and Grateful Dead front man, penned and performed the theme song for the "Twilight Zone" revival in 1985.
Star-Studded Cameos
Many celebrities made guest appearances on "Twilight Zone," including George Duvall, Carol Burnett, Robert Redford and even William Shatner and George Takei, who both starred in the original "Star Trek."
One Of The Greats
In 2013, TV Guide Magazine named "Twilight Zone" number five on their "60 Best Series of All Time," list. The show fell behind All In The Family, I Love Lucy, Seinfeld and The Sopranos.
Get Ready To Binge
The Syfy Channel airs a day-long marathon of "Twilight Zone" every year on New Year's Day -- a great way for fans to ring in the New Year after a long night of celebrations.
