Skip to content

FORTEAN TV

Written By:

Robert Martin
fortean tv

This 3-series Channel 4 show (UK TV) from the late ’90s was made by the Rapido company, the same people responsible for Eurotrash, and it’s with that same tongue planted firmly in cheek that Fortean TV took to our screens. The subject matter, however, was quite different.

Charles Fort was an American writer who became a world authority on matters which pushed the boundaries of known science, unnatural phenomena and the supernatural. He published several books, some of which influenced the science fiction of the time and when he died in 1932, the term Fortean became accepted parlance for anything a bit spooky. His cult following led to the creation of the publication The Fortean Times, upon which this series is based.

Each week, unusual phenomena from all over the world are investigated, ranging from ghostly sightings in rural England, monsters in Norwegian lakes, holy cows in America or the face of Mother Theresa miraculously turning up in a cinnamon roll…

So much for the content, a sometimes fascinating and sometimes gleeful look at the unusual.

But what makes Fortean TV well worth your time is the producer’s genius selection of host, Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe. A bonafide man of the cloth, Fanthorpe was, and remains, a writer fascinated with the very same things that had excited Charles Fort. With his shaved head, white beard and leather biker jacket, Fanthorpe wouldn’t look out of place propping up the bar at a fetish event in Berlin, only his dog collar betraying his heavenly calling.

His playful presentation, warm wit, and soothing tones elevate the programme beyond its modest production values. Fanthorpe even throws in a song to finish each episode. He’s just lovely.

This collection has every episode, including the final series, Fortean TV Uncut, and the Christmas special, Xmas Files. Great fun.

Fortean TV is available on DVD from November 21st.

You May Also Like...

russell crowe stars in the exorcism trailer

THE EXORCISM Trailer Stars Russell Crowe As A Haunted Actor

The first trailer for demon possession horror The Exorcism, starring Oscar winner Russell Crowe, has been released… not to be confused with the demon possession horror The Pope’s Exorcist, starring
Read More
jodie comer in the end we start from, to star in 28 years later

Jodie Comer & Aaron Taylor-Johnson Join 28 YEARS LATER

Some of Britain’s finest actors are entering the zombie apocalypse, as Deadline reports that Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes are boarding 28 Years Later. Danny Boyle is directing
Read More
jennifer lopez in atlas trailer

Full Trailer Drops For JLo-Starring Sci-Fi ATLAS

Jennifer Lopez is forced to confront her ambiguous feelings about artificial intelligence in the first official, full-length trailer for Netflix’s science-fiction feature, Atlas.  Per the official synopsis, Atlas follows Atlas Shepherd
Read More
lakeith stanfield to star in and produce film adaptation of neo noir vampire video game el paso, elsewhere

LaKeith Stanfield To Star In Film Adaptation of Vampire Video Game EL PASO, ELSEWHERE

LaKeith Stanfield, who most recently starred in Jeymes Samuel’s sophomore feature, The Book of Clarence, is teaming up with veteran producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura for El Paso, Elsewhere, an adaptation of the
Read More
the darkness outside us book illustration

Elliot Page To Adapt Sci-Fi Novel THE DARKNESS OUTSIDE US

The Darkness Outside Us is looking to move from ink and paper to the big screen, with The Hollywood Reporter announcing that Pageboy Productions, the banner run by Oscar nominee Elliot Page, Matt
Read More
till of deadpool kissing dog from full trailer for deadpool & wolverine

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Are Back In Full Trailer

Ryan Reynolds has taken over from Marvel Studios to post the very first, full-length trailer for Deadpool’s highly-anticipated third outing in Deadpool & Wolverine, marking the Merc with a Mouth’s entry into
Read More