View source for Lost in Space

{{Short description|American television series (1965–1968)}}
{{about|the 1960s TV series|the 2018 reboot|Lost in Space (2018 TV series){{!}}Lost in Space (2018 TV series)|other uses}}
{{redirect|Jupiter 2|the moon of Jupiter known as "Jupiter II"|Europa (moon)}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Lost in Space (1965 TV series logo).svg
| caption              = 
| genre                = Science fiction
| creator              = [[Irwin Allen]]
| producer             = Irwin Allen
| director             =
| developer            = 
| presenter            = 
| starring             = {{Plainlist|
<!-- starring -->
* [[Guy Williams (actor)|Guy Williams]]
* [[June Lockhart]]
<!-- co-starring -->
* [[Mark Goddard]]
* [[Marta Kristen]]
* [[Bill Mumy]]
<!-- "and" credit -->
* [[Angela Cartwright]]
<!-- always credited as special guest star -->
* [[Jonathan Harris]]
* [[Bob May (actor)|Bob May]] <!-- season 4 star -->
* [[Dick Tufeld]] <!-- season 4 star -->
}}
| voices               = 
| narrated             = Dick Tufeld
| theme_music_composer = [[John Williams]]
| opentheme            = 
| endtheme             = 
| composer             = {{Plainlist}}
* [[John Williams]]
* [[Herman Stein]]
* [[Richard LaSalle]]
* [[Leith Stevens]]
* Joseph Mullendore
* Cyril Mockridge
* [[Alexander Courage]]
{{Endplainlist}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 3
| num_episodes         = 83 (29 in black-and-white, 54 in color)
| list_episodes        = List of Lost in Space episodes
| editor               = 
| location             = 
| cinematography       = {{Plainlist}}
* Frank G. Carson
* [[Gene Polito]]
* [[Winton C. Hoch]]
{{Endplainlist}}
| camera               = 
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* Irwin Allen Productions
* Jodi Productions Inc.
* [[Red Skelton|Van Bernard Productions Inc.]]
* [[20th Television|20th Century Fox Television]]
}}
| runtime              = 51 minutes
| network              = [[CBS]]
| first_aired          = {{start date|1965|9|15}}
| last_aired           = {{end date|1968|3|6}}
| related              = [[Lost in Space (film)|''Lost in Space'' (1998 film)]]<br>[[Lost in Space (2018 TV series)|''Lost in Space'' (2018 TV series)]] 
}}

'''''Lost in Space''''' is an American science fiction television series created and produced by [[Irwin Allen]], which originally aired between September 15, 1965, and March 6, 1968, on [[CBS]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Abbott |first1=Jon |title=Irwin Allen Television Productions, 1964–1970: A Critical History of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, The Time Tunnel and the Land of the Giants |year=2009 |publisher=Mcfarland |isbn=978-0786444915 |location=Jefferson |page=113 }}</ref> Lightly dramatic, sometimes comedic in tone, the series was inspired by the 1812 [[Johann David Wyss]] novel ''[[The Swiss Family Robinson]].'' The series follows the adventures of the Robinsons, a pioneering family of space colonists who struggle to survive in the depths of space. The show ran for 84 episodes over three seasons. The first season comprised 29 one-hour episodes, filmed in black and white. The 29th episode, however, had a few minutes of color at the end. Seasons 2 and 3 were shot entirely in color.

==Series synopsis==
===Overview===
On October 16, 1997, amidst overpopulation on Earth, the United States is gearing up to colonize space. The ''Jupiter 2'', a futuristic saucer-shaped spacecraft, stands on its launchpad undergoing final preparations. Its mission is to take a single family on a five-and-a-half-year journey to an Earth-like planet orbiting the star [[Alpha Centauri]].

The show's [[ensemble cast]] focused on the Robinson family, which also consists of a married couple, John ([[Guy Williams (actor)|Guy Williams]]) and Maureen ([[June Lockhart]]), and their three children: Judy ([[Marta Kristen]]); Penny ([[Angela Cartwright]]); and Will ([[Bill Mumy]]). John is a professor. The family is accompanied by U.S. Space Corps Major Donald West ([[Mark Goddard]]). The Robinsons and Major West are to be [[Cryogenics|cryogenically frozen]] for the voyage, and they are set to be unfrozen when the spacecraft approaches its destination.

Dr. Zachary Smith ([[Jonathan Harris]]), a physician working for ''Alpha Control'', which is conducting the launch, is revealed to be a saboteur working on behalf of an unnamed nation or organization, with which he communicated under the code name ''Aeolis-14-Umbra''. After disposing of a guard who catches him aboard the spacecraft, Smith reprograms the ''Jupiter 2''{{'}}s [[Robot (Lost in Space)|B-9]] environmental control robot ([[Bob May (actor)|Bob May]], voiced by [[Dick Tufeld]]) to destroy critical systems on the spaceship eight hours after launch. To his horror, however, Smith becomes trapped aboard, and after launch his extra weight throws the ''Jupiter 2'' off course, causing it to encounter asteroids. This, plus the robot's rampage, causes the ship to prematurely engage its hyperdrive, and the expedition becomes hopelessly lost in the infinite depths of outer space.

===Season 1===
The first season begins as the Robinson family and their pilot are about to set out from Earth for a planet circling the star Alpha Centauri. Dr. Smith saves himself from the post-launch crisis of his own making by prematurely reviving the crew from [[suspended animation]]. The ship survives, but the damage caused by Smith's earlier sabotage of the robot leaves the crew lost in space. The ''Jupiter 2'' crash-lands on an alien world, later identified by Will as Priplanus, where they spend the rest of the season and survive a host of adventures. Smith remains with the crew and acts as a source of comedic cowardice and villainy, exploiting the eternally forgiving nature of Professor Robinson.

===Season 2===
At the start of the second season (from this point on filmed in color), the repaired ''Jupiter 2'' launches into space once more, to escape the destruction of Priplanus following a series of cataclysmic earthquakes. The Robinsons crash-land on a strange new world, to become planet-bound again for another season.

===Season 3===
In the third season, a format change was introduced. In this season, the ''Jupiter 2'' travels freely in space in seven episodes, visiting a planet but leaving at the end, or encountering an adventure in space. They visit new worlds in several episodes, with both crash and controlled landings, as the family attempts to either return to Earth or else at least reach their original destination in the Alpha Centauri system. A newly introduced "Space Pod" provides a means of transportation between the ship and passing planets, allowing for various escapades. This season had a different set of opening credits and a new theme tune, which had been composed by [[John Williams]] as part of the show's new direction.<ref>{{cite news |last=Greiving |first=Tim |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-john-williams-early-life-20180718-story.html |title=John Williams' early life: How a NoHo kid and UCLA Bruin became the movie music man |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=July 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206065718/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-john-williams-early-life-20180718-story.html |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=April 11, 2019 }}</ref>

==Cast and characters==
===Main cast===
[[File:Lost In Space (1965 TV series cast members).jpg|thumb|upright|1967 publicity photo showing cast members [[Angela Cartwright]], [[Mark Goddard]], [[Marta Kristen]], [[Bob May (actor)|Bob May]] ([[Robot (Lost in Space)|Robot]]), [[Jonathan Harris]], [[June Lockhart]], [[Guy Williams (actor)|Guy Williams]] and [[Bill Mumy|Billy Mumy]].]]
* '''Professor (Lt. Colonel) John Robinson''' ([[Guy Williams (actor)|Guy Williams]]) &ndash; The expedition commander and the father of the Robinson children. Robinson is an [[astrophysicist]] who also specializes in applied planetary geology.
* '''Dr. Maureen Robinson''' ([[June Lockhart]]) &ndash; A [[biochemist]] who is often seen preparing meals, tending the garden, and helping with light construction while adding a voice of compassion.
* '''Major Don West''' ([[Mark Goddard]]) &ndash; The pilot of the ''Jupiter 2'' whose military training and discipline is relied upon by the castaways.
* '''Judy Robinson''' ([[Marta Kristen]]) &ndash; The eldest of the Robinson children, she is in her early twenties and shares a mutual attraction with Major West.
* '''Penny Robinson''' ([[Angela Cartwright]]) &ndash; The middle child. An imaginative 11-year-old who loves animals and classical music. Early in the series, she acquires a [[Common chimpanzee|chimpanzee]]-like alien pet which she names Debbie and is usually referred to as the "bloop" for the sound it makes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockypatterson.com/DUMBING/bloop.htm|title=The Bloop from Lost in Space|author=Val Patterson|publisher=Rocky Patterson|access-date=November 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221131638/http://www.rockypatterson.com/DUMBING/bloop.htm|archive-date=December 21, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''Will Robinson''' ([[Bill Mumy]]) &ndash; The youngest child. A precocious 9-year-old in the first season, he is a [[child prodigy]] in [[electronics]] and computer technology.
* '''Dr. (Colonel) Zachary Smith''' ([[Jonathan Harris]]) &ndash; Acting as Alpha Control's flight surgeon in the first episode, he is later referred to as a "doctor of intergalactic environmental psychology",<ref>in the third season episode, "The Kidnapped of Space"</ref> an expert in [[cybernetics]] and an enemy agent. Smith's predominantly selfish actions, cowardice, schemes, and laziness frequently endanger the expedition, but his role assumes less sinister overtones in later parts of the series. Young Will and the Robot are often foils to Dr. Smith's outlandish behavior.
* '''[[Robot (Lost in Space)|The Robot]]''' ([[Bob May (actor)|Bob May]], voiced by [[Dick Tufeld]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/culture/2012/1/27/2752351/dick-tufeld-lost-in-space-robot-voice-tribute|work=The Verge|first=Adi|last=Robertson|date=January 27, 2012|title=Remembering Dick Tufeld, voice of the 'Lost in Space' Robot|access-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref> &ndash; A B-9 model, class YM-3, environmental control robot who has no given name. The machine was endowed with superhuman strength and futuristic weaponry, and additionally often displays human emotions. The Robot was designed by [[Robert Kinoshita]].<ref name="Abbott2006">{{cite book|author=Jon Abbott|title=Irwin Allen Television Productions, 1964–1970: A Critical History of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, The Time Tunnel and Land of the Giants|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gq-uf3wB-TcC&pg=PA114|date=October 3, 2006|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-8662-5|pages=114–}}</ref>

===Guest stars===
During its three-season run, a number of actors made guest appearances:

{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[John Abbott (actor)|John Abbott]]
*[[Michael Ansara]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Goddard |first1=Mark |title=Three Years Lost in Space |date=2016 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=9781491797587 |pages=110 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a3BKDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT110 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Jim Boles]]
*[[Peter Brocco]]
*[[Walter Burke]]
*[[John Carradine]]
*[[Ted Cassidy]]
*[[Michael Conrad]]
*[[Hans Conried]]
*[[Wally Cox]]
*[[Royal Dano]]
*[[Frank Delfino]]
*[[Tommy Farrell]]
*[[Melinda O. Fee]]
*[[Fritz Feld]]
*[[Ron Gans]]
*[[Michael Greene]]
*[[Kevin Hagen]]
*[[Dee Hartford]]
*[[Alan Hewitt]]
*[[Bern Hoffman]]
*[[Sherry Jackson]]
*[[Arte Johnson]]
*[[Henry Jones (actor)|Henry Jones]]
*[[Mike Kellin]]
*[[Werner Klemperer]]
*[[Norman Leavitt]]
*[[Al Lewis]]
*[[Ronald Long]]
*[[Mickey Manners]]
*[[Vitina Marcus]]
*[[Strother Martin]]
*[[Don Matheson]]
*[[Mercedes McCambridge]]
*[[Sean McClory]]
*[[Allan Melvin]]
*[[Gerald Mohr]]
*[[Harry Monty]]
*[[Byron Morrow]]
*[[Warren Oates]]
*[[Dennis Patrick]]
*[[Woodrow Parfrey]]
*[[Michael J. Pollard]]
*[[Michael Rennie]]
*[[Kurt Russell]]
*[[Albert Salmi]]
*[[Grant Sullivan (actor)|Grant Sullivan]]
*[[Malachi Throne]]
*[[Lou Wagner]]
*[[Lyle Waggoner]]
*[[James Westerfield]]
*[[Francine York]]
*[[Robby the Robot]]
}}

Jonathan Harris, although a permanent cast member, was listed in the opening credits as a "special guest star" in every episode of ''Lost in Space''.

==Production==
===Props===
Props and monsters were regularly recycled from other [[Irwin Allen]] shows. A sea monster outfit that had been featured on ''[[Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (TV series)|Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea]]'' might get a spray paint job for its ''Lost in Space'' appearance, while space monster costumes were reused on ''Voyage'' as sea monsters.<ref>{{cite book|title=Irwin Allen Television Productions, 1964-1970|first=Jon|last=Abbott|publisher=McFarland & Co.|year=2006|page=178}}</ref> The clear round plastic pen holder used as a control surface in the episode "The Derelict" turned up regularly throughout the show's entire run both as primary controls to activate alien machinery (or open doors or cages), and as background set dressing; some primary controls were seen used in episodes such as Season 1's "The Keeper (Parts 1 and 2)", "His Majesty Smith", and Season 3's "A Day At The Zoo", and "The Promised Planet".

Computers and tape drives were often depicted in various episodes using the [[Burroughs Corporation#References in popular culture|Burroughs 205]] commercial products. Spacecraft models were also routinely re-used. The forbidding derelict ship from season 1 was redressed to become the ''Vera Castle'' in season 3. The fuel barge from season 2 became a space lighthouse in season 3. The derelict ship was used again in season 3, with a simple color change. Likewise the alien pursuer's ship in "The Sky Pirate", was lifted from the 1958 film ''[[War of the Satellites]]'', and was re-used in the episode "Deadliest of the Species".{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

Filming took place at 20th Century Fox Corp. studios and stages, Los Angeles. For season 1 & 2  Stage 11 (Jupiter 2/Campsite) and Stage 6 (lower deck, planet set and cave) were used. Due to budget cuts in 3rd season the Jupiter 2, campsite and lower deck were shifted to Stage 17 (opened in 1966). Stage 11 was used for planet exterior, cave and various alien planet sets.<ref>AIchat</ref>

===Character development===
Despite being credited as a "special guest star" in every episode, Smith became the pivotal character of the series. The show's writers expected Smith to be a temporary villain who would only appear in early episodes. Harris, on the other hand, hoped to stay longer on the show, but found his character to be boring, and feared it would also quickly bore viewers. Harris "began rewriting his lines and redefining his character", by playing Smith in an attention-getting, flamboyant style, and ad-libbing his scenes with ripe, colorful dialogue. By the end of the first season, the character was established as a self-serving coward whose moral haughtiness and contrasting deceitfulness, along with his alliterative insults largely aimed at the Robot, were staple elements of each episode.{{r|pioneersoftv}}

===Catchphrases===
''Lost in Space'' is remembered for the Robot's oft-repeated lines such as "Warning! Warning!" and "It does not compute".<ref>{{cite book |author=David Romano |title=Make: FPGAs |chapter=5. It Does Not Compute |publisher=Maker Media |date=March 2016 |isbn=9781457187841 |url=https://www.safaribooksonline.com/library/view/make-fpgas/9781457187841/ch05.html |quote=Some of us remember hearing the phrase 'It does not compute' used by the robot from the hit 1960s television series Lost in Space. When it comes to contemplating what a computer really is, I think many of us can honestly say 'It does not compute' or even 'Danger, Will Robinson!'}}</ref> Smith's frequent put-downs of the Robot were also popular. Harris was proud to talk about how he used to lie in bed at night dreaming them up for use on the show. "You Bubble-headed Booby!", " You Cowardly Clump!", "You Tin-Plated Traitor!", "You Cackling Cacophony", "You Blithering Blatherskyte", and "Traitorous Transistorized Toad" are but a few, alongside his signature lines: "Oh, the pain ... the pain!" and "Never fear, Smith is here!" One of Harris's last roles was providing the voice of the [[Mantis|praying mantis]] Manny in [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]]'s ''[[A Bug's Life]]'', who also says the line "Oh, the pain ... the pain!" near the end of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/571727/a-bugs-life-revisited/|title=Revisiting 'A Bug's Life,' Pixar's Frequently Overlooked Second Film|first=Josh|last=Spiegel|work=Slashfilm|date=January 17, 2020|access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref>

The catchphrase "Danger, Will Robinson!" originates with the series, when the Robot warns young Will Robinson about impending threats. It was also used as the slogan of the 1998 film, whose official website had the address "www.dangerwillrobinson.com".<ref>{{cite web |author=Aladino V. Debert |url=http://www.vfxhq.com/1998/lostinspace.html |title=Visual Effects Headquarters Archive: Lost in Space |year=1998|access-date=November 25, 2008}}</ref>

===Legal issues===
In 1962, Gold Key comics, a division of [[Western Publishing Company]], began publishing a series of comic books under the title ''[[Space Family Robinson]]''. The story was largely inspired by ''The Swiss Family Robinson'' but with a space-age twist. The film and television rights to the comic book were then purchased by noted television writer Hilda Bohem (''[[The Cisco Kid (TV series)|The Cisco Kid]]''), who created a treatment under the title ''Space Family 3000''.

Intended as a follow-up to his first successful television venture, ''Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'', Allen quickly sold his concept for a television series to CBS. Concerned about confusion with the Gold Key comic book, CBS requested that Allen come up with a new title. Nevertheless, Hilda Bohem filed a claim against Allen and CBS Television shortly before the series premiered in 1965.<ref name="PM">{{cite web|last=Maçek III|first=J. C.|date=June 4, 2014|title=The Lost In Space Family Robinson|url=https://www.popmatters.com/172206-the-lost-in-space-family-robinson-2495751035.html|access-date=April 3, 2020|publisher=PopMatters}}</ref>

An agreement was reached with Gold Key which allowed them to subtitle their comic "Lost in Space".

Additional legal challenges appeared in 1995, when Prelude Pictures announced its intention to turn ''Lost in Space'' into a motion picture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/b153239.pdf|title=IB Melchior v. New Line Productions|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050504051301/http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/b153239.pdf|archive-date=May 4, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/minutes/documents/SNOV1704.DOC|title=SUPREME COURT MINUTES - NOVEMBER 17, 2004|publisher=California Courts – Home|access-date=February 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617121006/http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/minutes/documents/SNOV1704.DOC|archive-date=June 17, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Series history===
The show was conceptualized in 1965 with the filming of an unaired pilot episode titled "[[No Place to Hide (Lost in Space)|No Place to Hide]]". The plot of the pilot episode followed the mission of a ship called the ''Gemini 12,'' which was to take a single family on a 98-year journey to an Earth-like planet orbiting the star [[Alpha Centauri]]. The ''Gemini 12'' was pushed off course due to an encounter with an asteroid, and the story centered on the adventures of the Robinson family, depicting them as a happy crew without internal conflicts.<ref name="VanHise">{{cite journal|last=Van Hise|first=James|date=April 1998|title=''Lost in Space'': A retrospective of the original sci-fi TV show|url=https://the-eye.eu/public/Books/Cinefantastique/Cinefantastique%20Vol%2029%20No%2012%20%28Apr%201998%29.pdf|url-status=live|journal=[[Cinefantastique]]|volume=29|issue=12|page=26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920070012/https://the-eye.eu/public/Books/Cinefantastique/Cinefantastique%20Vol%2029%20No%2012%20%28Apr%201998%29.pdf|archive-date=September 20, 2018}}</ref> While many storylines in the later series focused primarily on Dr. Zachary Smith, a stowaway and saboteur played by Jonathan Harris, he was absent from the unaired pilot. His character was added after the series was commissioned for production.<ref name="VanHise" /> The pilot episode was first aired on television during a 1997 retrospective.<ref name="VanHise" />

CBS bought the series, turning down ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]'' in favor of ''Lost in Space''. Before the first episode was filmed, the characters Smith and the Robot were added, and the spaceship, originally named ''Gemini 12'', was renamed the ''Jupiter 2'' and redesigned. For budget considerations, a good part of the footage included in the pilot episode was reused, being carefully worked into the early series episodes.<ref name="VanHise" />

The first season emphasized the daily adventures of the Robinsons. The first half of season 1 dealt with the Robinson party trekking around the rocky terrain and stormy inland oceans of Priplanus in the Chariot to avoid extreme temperatures. However, the format of the show later changed to a "Monster of the Week" style, where stories were loosely based on fantasy and fairy tales.

In January 1966, [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] scheduled ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' in the same time slot as ''Lost in Space''. Season 2 imitated ''Batman''{{'}}s [[camp (style)|campy]] humor to compete against that show's enormous success.<ref name="pioneersoftv">"Science Fiction". ''Pioneers of Television'', January 18, 2011.</ref> Bright outfits, over-the-top action, and outrageous villains came to the fore in outlandish stories. Stories giving all characters focus were sacrificed in favor of a growing emphasis on Smith, Will, and the Robot. According to Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard and Guy Williams both disliked the shift away from serious science fiction.<ref>Eisner, Joel, and Magen, Barry, ''Lost in Space Forever'', Windsong Publishing, Inc., 1992.</ref>

The third season had more adventure, but also episodes like "The Great Vegetable Rebellion" with actor [[Stanley Adams (actor)|Stanley Adams]] as Tybo, the talking carrot. With the reputation of being "the most insipid and bizarre episode in television history", Kristen recalled that Goddard complained that "seven years of [[Constantin Stanislavski|Stanislavski]] [[method acting]] had led to his talking to a carrot.{{r|pioneersoftv}}" The ''Jupiter 2'' was now functional and traveled from planet to planet, but the episodes still tended to be whimsical and to emphasize humor, including fanciful space hippies, more pirates, offbeat intergalactic zoos, ice princesses, and a galactic beauty pageant.

During the first two seasons, episodes concluded in a "live action freeze" anticipating the following week, with a cliff-hanger caption, "To be continued next week! Same time, same channel!" For the third season, each episode's conclusion was immediately followed by a vocal "teaser" from the Robot (Dick Tufeld), advising viewers to "Stay tuned for scenes from next week's exciting adventure!". Scenes from the next episode were then presented, followed by the closing credits. There was little continuity between each episode, except for the aspiration of reaching a large goal, ''i.e.'', enough fuel to travel from planet to planet.

After cancellation, the show was successful in reruns and in syndication for many years, appearing on the [[USA Network]] (in the mid-to-late 1980s) and on [[FX (TV channel)|FX]], [[Syfy]], [[ALN (TV network)|ALN]], [[MeTV]] and [[Hulu]].

==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Lost in Space episodes}}
{{:List of Lost in Space episodes}}

==Cancellation==
In early 1968, after the final third-season episode "Junkyard in Space" completed filming, the cast and crew were informally led to believe the series had been renewed for a fourth season. Allen had ordered new scripts for the coming season. A few weeks later, however, CBS announced the complete list of returning television series for the 1968–69 season, and ''Lost in Space'' was not included. CBS executives failed to offer any reasons why ''Lost in Space'' was canceled.

The most likely reason the show was canceled was its increasingly high cost. The cost per episode had grown from $130,980 during the first season to $164,788 during the third season, and the actors' salaries nearly doubled during that time.<ref>Eisner, Joel, and Magen, Barry, ''Lost in Space Forever'', p. 279, Windsong Publishing, Inc., 1992.</ref> Further, the interior of the ''Jupiter 2'' was the most expensive set for a television show at the time, at a cost of $350,000.<ref>"Lost in Space" (1965) at IMDb</ref> 20th Century Fox had also recently incurred huge [[cost overrun|budget overruns]] for the film ''[[Cleopatra (1963 film)|Cleopatra]],'' which are believed to have caused budget cuts.<ref>''Lost in Space'' at tv.pop-cult.com</ref> Allen claimed the series could not continue with a reduced budget. During a negotiating conference regarding the series direction for the fourth season with CBS chief executive [[William S. Paley|Bill Paley]], Allen became furious when told the budget would be reduced up to 15% of the Season Three budget.<ref>Eisner, Joel, and Magen, Barry, ''Lost in Space Forever'', p. 280, Windsong Publishing, Inc., 1992.</ref>

The ''Lost in Space Forever'' DVD cites declining ratings and escalating costs as the reasons for cancellation.<ref>''Lost in Space Forever'', DVD, Twentieth Century Fox, 1998.</ref> Irwin Allen admitted that the Season 3 ratings showed an increasing percentage of children among the total viewers, meaning a drop in the "quality audience" that advertisers preferred.<ref name="History of TV's Lost in Space">{{cite web|url=http://galaxybeingsmavericlions.blogspot.com/2008/08/history-of-tvs-lost-in-space.html|website=Galaxy Beings Maveric Lions|title=The History of TVs Lost in Space|publisher=Blogspot}}</ref>

Guy Williams had grown embittered with his role on the show as it became increasingly "campy" in Seasons 2 and 3 while centering squarely on the antics of Harris's Dr. Smith character. Williams retired from acting and relocated to Argentina after the end of the series.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farrier |first1=John |title=12 Fun Facts about Lost in Space |url=https://www.neatorama.com/2010/09/09/12-fun-facts-about-lost-in-space/ |website=Neatorama |date=September 9, 2010 |access-date=January 13, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

==Documentaries==
===''The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen''===
In 1995, [[Kevin Burns]] produced a documentary showcasing the career of Irwin Allen, hosted by Bill Mumy and June Lockhart in a recreation of the ''Jupiter 2'' exterior set. Mumy and Lockhart utilize the "Celestial Department Store Ordering Machine" as a temporal conduit to show information and clips on Allen's history. Clips from Allen's various productions as well as pilots for his unproduced series were presented along with new interviews with cast members of Allen's shows. Mumy and Lockhart complete their presentation and enter the ''Jupiter 2'', following which Jonathan Harris appears in character as Smith and instructs the Robot once again to destroy the ship as per his original instructions "... and this time get it right, you bubble-headed booby".

===''Lost in Space Forever''===
In 1998, to promote the [[Lost in Space (1998 film)|film version of Lost in Space]], Burns produced a television special about the series which was hosted by [[John Larroquette]] and the Robot (performed by actor Bob May and voice actor Dick Tufeld). The special was hosted within a recreation of the ''Jupiter 2'' upper deck set. The program ends with Laroquette mockingly pressing a button on the Amulet from "The Galaxy Gift" episode, disappearing and being replaced by Mumy and Harris who play an older Will Robinson and an older Zachary Smith. They attempt to return to Earth one more time but they find out that they are "Lost in Space ... Forever!"

==Technology and equipment==
{{Redirect|Jupiter 2|the second discovered satellite of Jupiter with this codename|Europa (moon)}}

===Transportation===
''Lost in Space'' showcased a variety of transportation methods in the series. The ''Jupiter 2'' is a two-[[deck (ship)|deck]], [[Rocket engine#Nuclear powered|nuclear powered]] [[flying saucer]] spacecraft. The version seen in the series was depicted with a lower level and landing legs.

On the lower level were the atomic motors, which use a fictional substance called "deutronium" for fuel. The ship's living quarters feature [[Murphy bed]]s, a [[galley (kitchen)|galley]], a laboratory, and the robot's "magnetic lock". On the upper level were the guidance control system and suspended animation "freezing tubes" necessary for non-relativistic [[Interstellar travel#Suspended animation|interstellar travel]]. The two levels were connected by both an electronic glide tube [[elevator]] and a [[fixed ladder]]. The ''Jupiter 2'' explicitly had [[artificial gravity]]. Entrances and exits to the ship were via the main airlock on the upper level, or via the landing struts from the lower deck, and, according to one season 2 episode, a back door. The spacecraft was also intended to serve as home to the Robinsons once it had landed on the destination planet orbiting Alpha Centauri.

"The Chariot" was an all-terrain, [[Amphibious vehicle|amphibious]] [[tracked vehicle]] that the crew used for ground transport when they were on a planet. The Chariot existed in a disassembled state during flight, to be re-assembled once on the ground. The Chariot was actually an operational [[cannibalization (parts)|cannibalized]] version of a [[Thiokol]] [[Snowcat]] Spryte,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.carlustblog.com/2010/01/the-chariot-from-lost-in-space.html|title = 'The Chariot' from Lost In Space|date = January 13, 2010|publisher = Car Lust |access-date = August 14, 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140727232436/http://www.carlustblog.com/2010/01/the-chariot-from-lost-in-space.html|archive-date = July 27, 2014}}</ref> with a Ford 170-cubic-inch (3 L) inline-6, 101 horsepower engine with a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]] including reverse. Test footage filmed of the Chariot for the first season of the series can be seen on YouTube.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS5BQBOou1w|title = First Season Chariot COLOR Footage|date = May 26, 2007 |via = YouTube |access-date = August 14, 2014}}</ref>

Most of the Chariot's body panels were clear, including the roof and its [[dome]]-shaped "gun hatch". Both a [[roof rack]] for [[luggage]] and roof mounted "solar batteries" were accessible by exterior fixed ladders on either side of the vehicle. The vehicle had dual [[headlamp|headlights]] and dual auxiliary area lights beneath the front and rear bumpers. The roof also had swivel-mounted, interior controllable [[Automotive lighting#Spot lights|spotlights]] located near each front corner, with a small [[parabolic antenna]] mounted between them. The Chariot had six [[bucket seat]]s (three rows of two seats) for passengers. The interior featured retractable [[Metallized polyethylene terephthalate|metallized fabric curtains]] for privacy, a [[seismograph]], a [[scanner (radio)|scanner]] with [[infrared]] capability, a [[radio transceiver]], a [[public address system]], and a [[rifle rack]] that held four [[laser]] rifles vertically near the inside of the left rear corner body panel.

A [[jet pack]], specifically a [[Bell Rocket Belt]], was used occasionally by Professor Robinson or Major West.

The "Space Pod" was a small spacecraft first shown in the third and final season, which was modeled on the [[Project Apollo|Apollo]] [[Lunar Module]]. The Pod was used to travel from its bay in the ''Jupiter 2'' to destinations either on a nearby planet or in space, and the pod apparently had artificial gravity and an auto-return mechanism.

===Other technology===
For self-defense, the crew of the ''Jupiter 2'' had an arsenal of [[Raygun|laser guns]] at their disposal, including [[Sling (firearms)|sling]]-carried rifles and holstered pistols. The first season's personal issue laser gun was a film prop modified from a toy [[semi-automatic pistol]] made by [[Remco]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.racprops.com/issue1/lostinspace/| work= RacProps Issue 1 |title=Lost In Space}}</ref> The crew also employed a [[Force shield|force field]] around the ''Jupiter 2'' for protection while on alien planets. The force shield generator was able to protect the campsite and in one season 3 episode was able to shield the entire planet.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

For communication, the crew used [[Walkie-talkie|small transceivers]] to communicate with each other, the Chariot, and the ship. In "The Raft", Will improvised several miniature [[rockoon]]s in an attempt to send an interstellar "[[message in a bottle]]" [[distress signals|distress signal]]. In season 2 a set of relay stations was built to further extend communications while planet-bound.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

Their environmental control Robot B-9 ran air and soil tests, and was able to discharge strong [[electrostatic]] charges from his claws, detect threats with his scanner and could produce a defensive [[smoke screen]]. The Robot could detect faint smells and could both understand speech and speak in its own right. The Robot claimed the ability to read human minds by translating emitted thought waves back into words.

The ''Jupiter 2'' had some unexplained advanced technology that simplified or did away with mundane tasks. The "auto-matic laundry" took seconds to clean, iron, fold, and package clothes in clear plastic bags. Similarly, the "dishwasher" would clean, wash, and dry dishes in just seconds.

Technology in the show reflected contemporary real-world developments. Silver reflective [[space blanket]]s, a then new invention developed by NASA in 1964, were used in the episode titled "The Hungry Sea" and "Attack of the Monster Plants". The crew's [[spacesuit]]s were made with [[Aluminized mylar#Insulation|aluminum-coated fabric]], like NASA's [[Navy Mark IV|Mercury spacesuits]], and had [[hook and loop fastener|Velcro]] fasteners, which NASA first used during the [[Apollo program]] (1961–1972).<ref>{{cite web | title= Spinoff Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/spinfaq.htm#spinfaq12 |publisher=NASA.gov | url-status= dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219093433/http://spinoff.nasa.gov/spinfaq.htm#spinfaq12 |archive-date=December 19, 2013}}</ref>

While the crew normally grew a [[hydroponic]] garden on a planet as an intermediate step before cultivating the soil of a planet, they also had "protein pills", which was a complete nutritional substitute for normal foods, in cases of emergency.

==Reception==
===Ratings===
Some members within the science-fiction community have pointed to ''Lost in Space'' as an example of early television's perceived poor record at producing science-fiction.<ref>"Science Fiction Programming" at the Museum of Broadcast Communications online [http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=scienceficti] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204055925/http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=scienceficti|date=December 4, 2010}}</ref> The series' deliberate fantasy elements were perhaps overlooked as it drew comparisons to its supposed rival, ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]''. However, ''Lost in Space'' was a mild ratings success, unlike ''Star Trek'', which received relatively poor ratings during its original network television run. The more cerebral ''Star Trek'' never averaged higher than 52nd in the ratings during its three seasons,<ref>Gowran, Clay. "Nielsen Ratings Are Dim on New Shows". ''Chicago Tribune''. October 11, 1966: B10.</ref><ref>Gould, Jack. "How Does Your Favorite Rate? Maybe Higher Than You Think". ''The New York Times''. October 16, 1966: 129.</ref> while ''Lost in Space'' finished season one 35th in the Nielsen ratings, season two in 44th place, and the third and final season in 53rd place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvratingsguide.com/2017/09/1965-66-ratings-history.html |title=1965-66 Ratings History |website=TV Ratings Guide |access-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316145841/http://www.tvratingsguide.com/2017/09/1965-66-ratings-history.html |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Lost in Space'' also ranked third as one of the top five favorite new shows for the 1965–1966 season in a viewer TVQ poll. The other top contenders were ''[[The Big Valley]]'', ''[[Get Smart]]'', ''[[I Dream of Jeannie]]'' and ''[[F Troop]]''. ''Lost in Space'' was the favorite show of [[John F. Kennedy Jr.]] while he was growing up in the 1960s.<ref>''Starlog magazine''</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2021}}

===Awards===
''Lost in Space'' received a 1966 [[Emmy Award]] nomination for Cinematography-Special Photographic Effects but did not win, and again in 1968 for Achievement in Visual Arts & Makeup but did not win. In 2005, it was nominated for a [[Saturn Award]] for Best DVD Retro Television Release, but did not win. In 2008, [[TVLand]] nominated and awarded the series for Awesomest Robot.

==Music==
===Theme music===
The open and closing theme music was written by John Williams, listed in the credits as "Johnny Williams". The original pilot and much of Season One reused [[Bernard Herrmann]]'s eerie score from the classic sci-fi film ''[[The Day the Earth Stood Still]]'' (1951).

Season three featured a new score which was considered more exciting and faster tempo. The opening music was accompanied by live action shots of the cast, featuring a pumped-up countdown from seven to one to launch each week's episode.

===Incidental music===
Much of the incidental music in the series was written by Williams who scored four episodes. These scores helped Williams gain credibility as a composer. Other notable film and television composers who worked on the music for ''Lost in Space'' included [[Alexander Courage]], who contributed six scores to the series.

===Discography===
{{main|Lost in Space discography}}
There have been a number of ''Lost in Space'' soundtrack CDs released.

==Syndication==
''Lost in Space'' was picked up for syndication in most major U.S. markets. The program did not have the staying power throughout the 1970s of its rival ''Star Trek''. Part of the reason for the show's obsolescence was that the first season of ''Lost in Space'' was in black-and-white, while a majority of American households at the time had a color television receiver. By 1975, many markets began removing ''Lost in Space'' from daily schedules or moving it to less desirable time slots. The series experienced a revival when [[Ted Turner]] acquired it for his growing [[TBS (American TV channel)|WTBS]] "superstation" in 1979. Viewer response was positive, and it became a WTBS mainstay for the next five years.<ref name="History of TV's Lost in Space"/>

The [[Over-the-top media service|OTT video streaming platform]] [[Hulu]] (of which 70% of its service is owned by the ''Lost in Space'' distributor [[The Walt Disney Company]]) has consistently carried the show over the years.<ref name=INVERSE>{{cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/43859-where-to-watch-lost-in-space-original|title=How to Watch the Original 'Lost in Space' TV Show and Film Reboot Right Now |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=April 18, 2018 |publisher=INVERSE |access-date=November 14, 2020 }}</ref> The show also airs on the classic television [[Digital subchannel|digital]] [[Terrestrial television|broadcast]] [[Television broadcast|network]] [[MeTV]] as part of their Super Sci-Fi Saturday Night block.

==Remakes==
===Cast comparison===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="18%" |
! colspan="3" align="center" | {{Large|Television series}}
! colspan="1" align="center" | {{Large|Films}}
|-
! align="center" width="20%" | ''Lost in Space''
! align="center" width="20%" | ''The Robinsons: Lost in Space''
! align="center" width="20%" | [[Lost in Space (2018 TV series)|''Lost in Space'' (2018 TV series)]]
! align="center" width="20%" | [[Lost in Space (film)|''Lost in Space'' (film)]]
|-
|colspan="1" align="center"| {{small|'''Year of Release'''}}
|colspan="1" align="center"| {{small|'''1965-1968'''}}
|colspan="1" align="center"| {{small|'''2004'''}}
|colspan="1" align="center"| {{small|'''2018-2021'''}}
|colspan="1" align="center"| {{small|'''1998'''}}
|-
! John Robinson
| [[Guy Williams (actor)|Guy Williams]]
| [[Brad Johnson (actor, born 1959)|Brad Johnson]]
| [[Toby Stephens]]<ref name="StephensJenkins">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/toby-stephens-to-topline-lost-in-space-netflix-remake-maxwell-jenkins-co-stars-1201823340/|title=Toby Stephens To Topline 'Lost in Space' Netflix Remake, Maxwell Jenkins To Co-Star|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=October 8, 2017}}</ref>
| [[William Hurt]]
|-
! Maureen Robinson
| [[June Lockhart]]
| [[Jayne Brook]]
| [[Molly Parker]]<ref name="Parker">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/molly-parker-star-lost-in-space-netflix-remake-toby-stephens-1201827718/|title='Lost In Space': Molly Parker To Star In Netflix Series Remake|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=September 28, 2016|access-date=October 8, 2017}}</ref>
| [[Mimi Rogers]]
|-
! Don West
| [[Mark Goddard]]
| [[Mike Erwin]]
| [[Ignacio Serricchio]]<ref name="Serricchio">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/lost-in-space-netflix-remake-ignacio-serricchio-don-west-1201869801/|title='Lost In Space': Ignacio Serricchio To Play Don West In Netflix Remake|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=December 13, 2016}}</ref>
| [[Matt LeBlanc]]
|-
! Judy Robinson
| [[Marta Kristen]]
| [[Adrianne Palicki]]
| [[Taylor Russell]]<ref name="Russell">{{cite news|url=http://tvline.com/2016/09/16/lost-in-space-remake-netflix-taylor-russell-cast-judy-robinson/|title=Lost in Space: Netflix Remake Casts Falling Skies Alum as Judy Robinson|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|work=[[TVLine]]|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref>
| [[Heather Graham]]
|-
! Penny Robinson
| [[Angela Cartwright]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Mina Sundwall]]<ref name="Sundwall">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/lost-in-space-mina-sundwall-penny-robinson-netflix-remake-1201871961/|title='Lost In Space': Mina Sundwall To Play Penny Robinson In Netflix Remake|last=Petski|first=Denise|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=December 15, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016}}</ref>
| [[Lacey Chabert]]
|-
! Will Robinson
| [[Bill Mumy|Billy Mumy]]
| [[Ryan Malgarini]]
| [[Maxwell Jenkins]]<ref name="StephensJenkins" />
| [[Jack Johnson (actor)|Jack Johnson]]<br />[[Jared Harris]] (adult Will)
|-
! Dr. Zachary Smith
| [[Jonathan Harris]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Bill Mumy]]{{ref|cast1|a}}
| [[Gary Oldman]]
|-
! The [[Robot B-9|Robot]]
| [[Bob May (actor)|Bob May]]<br />[[Dick Tufeld]] (voice)
| [[Dick Tufeld]] (voice)
| [[Brian Steele]]
| [[Dick Tufeld]] (voice)
|-
! David Robinson
| colspan="1" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Gil McKinney]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
|-
! June Harris{{ref|cast2|b}}
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Parker Posey]]<ref name="Posey">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/11/lost-in-space-parker-posey-cast-netflix-series-remake-1201858895/|title='Lost In Space': Parker Posey Joins Netflix Series Remake|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
| colspan="1" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
|-
! Victor Dhar
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Raza Jaffrey]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
|-
! Jeb Walker
| colspan="3" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Lennie James]]
|-
! Businessman
| colspan="3" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
| [[Edward Fox (actor)|Edward Fox]]
|}

Notes:
:{{note|cast1|a}} Cameo, not part of the main cast
:{{note|cast2|b}} Poses as "Dr. Smith"

=== ''Lost in Space: The Epilogue'' ===
In 1978, Bill Mumy, Brian Grier, & [[Paul Gordon (composer)|Paul Gordon]] wrote a [[spec script]] for a made for television reunion movie called ''Lost in Space: The Epilogue''. Mumy sent it to the entire cast & CBS who both expressed interest. The project was halted when Irwin Allen refused to even read Mumy's screenplay, not wanting to hand ''Lost in Space'' to anyone else.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzcpcyyyPfQ |title=Bill Mumy discusses trying to launch a "Lost in Space" reunion movie - EMMYTVLEGENDS.ORG |date=January 31, 2014 |last=FoundationINTERVIEWS |access-date=September 23, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The project was eventually filmed as a cast table reading for the 50th anniversary Blu-ray set, bringing the series to a close by having the characters return to earth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lost in Space Blu-Ray |url=https://www.iann.net/lis/collectibles/blu-ray/ |access-date=September 23, 2024 |website=www.iann.net}}</ref>

=== ''Lost in Space: The Journey Home'' ===
In the early 2000s, [[Kevin Burns]] attempted to produce a tv reunion film called ''Lost in Space: The Journey Home''. Focusing on a new group of characters who become lost in space themselves and find The Robinsons cryogenically frozen. It was hoped that the film would be a pilot for a revival focused on the new characters. [[Jonathan Harris|Jonathan Harris']] death, (which occurred four months before shooting was to begin) halted the project. Though the studio did suggest recasting the role with [[Christopher Lloyd]] or [[John Lithgow]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Lost in Space: Why the Third Time's the Charm |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/lost-in-space-why-the-third-times-the-charm/ |access-date=September 23, 2024 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>

===''Lost in Space'' (1998 film)===
{{main|Lost in Space (film)}}
In 1998, New Line Cinema produced a [[Lost in Space (film)|film adaptation]] that contains cameos, story details, and other homages to the original television series.

Additional cameo appearances of actors from the original series were considered, but not included in the film:
* Jonathan Harris was offered a cameo appearance, not as Smith (performed by actor Gary Oldman in the film), but as the Global Sedition leader who hires, then betrays, Smith. Harris turned down the role, reportedly saying, "I play Smith or I don't play" and "I've never played a bit part in my life and I'm not going to start now!" The role of the Sedition leader was eventually performed by actor Edward Fox. Many years later, Harris appeared on ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'', mentioning the role offered to him: "Yes, they offered me a part in the new movie; six lines!"
* Bill Mumy was likewise offered a cameo, but turned it down after being told he would not be considered for the part he wanted — the role of the older Will Robinson — because, he was told, that would "confuse the audience."

The film used a number of ideas familiar to viewers from the original show: Smith reprogramming the robot and its subsequent rampage ("Reluctant Stowaway"), near miss with the Sun ("Wild Adventure"), the derelict spaceship ("The Derelict"), discovery of the Blawp and the crash ("Island in the Sky") and an attempt to change history by returning to the beginning ("The Time Merchant"). Also a scene-stealing 'Goodnight' homage to the Waltons was included. Something fans of the original always wanted to see happen was finally realized when Don knocks out an annoyingly complaining Smith at the end of the film, saying, "That felt good!"

===''The Robinsons: Lost in Space'' (2004)===
In 2004, a television series titled ''The Robinsons: Lost in Space'' was developed in the U.S. A pilot for the series was filmed; however, the series was ultimately never produced. The series originally was intended to emulate the ''Lost in Space'' unaired pilot. The 2004 show did feature the unnamed robot, and an additional older Robinson child named David. Penny, who had been depicted as a preteen in the original series was depicted as an infant in the 2004 remake. The pilot was titled "The Robinsons: Lost in Space" and was commissioned by [[The WB]]. The pilot was directed by [[John Woo]] and produced by Synthesis Entertainment, Irwin Allen Productions, Twentieth Century Fox Television and [[Regency Television]].

The ''Jupiter 2'' [[interstellar travel|interstellar]] flying-saucer spacecraft of the original series was depicted as a [[lander (spacecraft)|planet-landing]] craft, deployed from a larger inter-stellar [[mothership]].

The plot of the series followed John Robinson, a retiring war hero of an alien invasion who had decided to take his family to another colony elsewhere in space. The Robinson's ship is attacked and the Robinsons are forced to escape in the small ''Jupiter 2'' "Space Pod" of the mothership.

The show was not among the network's series pickups confirmed later that year. Looking back at the pilot when the [[Lost in Space (2018 TV series)|2018 Netflix reboot]] was aired, Neil Calloway of Flickering Myth said, "you're hardly on the edge of your seat." He continued, "You start to wonder where the $2 million went, and then you question why something directed by John Woo is so pedestrian."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/04/lost-space-show-disappeared/|title=The Lost In Space Show That Disappeared|date=April 15, 2018|work=Flickering Myth|access-date=April 27, 2018}}</ref>

The producers of the [[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|new ''Battlestar Galactica'']] show bought the show's sets. They were redesigned the next year and used for scenes on the Battlestar ''Pegasus''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/john-woo-unaired-lost-in-space-pilot/|title=See John Woo's Unaired Pilot for a LOST IN SPACE TV Series Reboot|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|last=Anderton|first=Ethan|date=February 16, 2011|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>

Dick Tufeld reprised his role as voice of the robot for the third time.

===''Lost in Space'' (2018–2021)===
{{main|Lost in Space (2018 TV series)}}
On October 10, 2014, it was announced that Legendary TV was developing a new reboot of ''Lost in Space'' for [[Netflix]] with ''[[Dracula Untold]]'' screenwriters [[Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless]] attached to write.<ref>{{cite web|last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/lost-in-space-reboot-dracula-writers-legendary-tv-848901/ |title=''Lost In Space'': Reboot In The Works At Legendary TV With ''Dracula'' Writers |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=October 9, 2014 |access-date=August 31, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Albert |last=Ching |url=https://www.cbr.com/lost-in-space-remake-in-development-at-netflix/ |title=''Lost in Space'' Remake in Development at Netflix |publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=November 20, 2016 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211072902/http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2015/11/20/lost-in-space-remake-in-development-at-netflix/ |archive-date=December 11, 2015 }}</ref> On June 29, 2016, Netflix ordered the series with 10 episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/lost-in-space-remake-picked-up-series-netflix-1201780931/|title=''Lost In Space'' Remake Picked Up To Series By Netflix|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=June 29, 2015 |access-date=August 31, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nerdmuch.com/news/28816/netflixs-lost-space-remake-coming-2018/ |title=Netflix's ''Lost in Space'' Remake Coming in 2018 |first=Stuart |last=Redmon |publisher=Nerd Much? |date=June 30, 2016 |access-date=August 31, 2016}}</ref> The series debuted on Netflix on April 13, 2018. It was renewed for a second season on May 13, 2018, which aired on December 24, 2019. On March 9, 2020, the series was renewed for a third and final season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/lost-in-space-renewed-final-season-3-netflix-1203527726 |title='Lost in Space' Renewed for Third and Final Season at Netflix |website=Variety |date=March 9, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/netflix-lost-in-space-season-3 |title=Netflix's Lost in Space to end with season 3 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 9, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref>

The [[Robot (Lost in Space)|Robot]] also appears in the series in a modified form.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Han |first1=Karen |title=Lost in Space shows a long-running problem with stories about AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/24/17275856/lost-in-space-netflix-ai-artificial-intelligence-iron-giant |access-date=December 12, 2018 |work=The Verge |date=April 24, 2018}}</ref>

==In other media==
===Comics===
Before the television series was developed, a comic book named ''Space Family Robinson'' was published by Gold Key Comics, written by [[Gaylord Du Bois]] and illustrated by [[Dan Spiegle]]. The comic book series had been loosely based on an 1812 novel by [[Johann David Wyss]], ''[[The Swiss Family Robinson]]''. Du Bois became the sole writer of the series once he began chronicling the Robinsons' adventures with "Peril on Planet Four" in issue #8. Due to a deal worked out with Gold Key, the title of the comic later incorporated the ''Lost in Space'' sub-title. The comic book featured different characters and a unique H-shaped spacecraft rather than one of a saucer shape.

In 1991, Bill Mumy provided "Alpha Control Guidance" for a ''Lost in Space'' revival in comic book form [[Lost in Space (comic)|''Lost in Space'' comic book]] for [[Innovation Comics]], writing six of the issues. The first officially licensed comic to be based on the TV series, the series was set several years after the show. The kids were now teenagers, and the stories attempted to return the series to its straight adventure roots with one story even explaining the camp / farce episodes of the series as fanciful entries in Penny's Space Diary.

Complex adult-themed story concepts were introduced and the story included a love triangle developing between Penny, Judy and Don. The ''Jupiter 2'' had various interior designs in the first year. The first year had an arc ultimately leading the travelers to Alpha Centauri with Smith contacting his former alien masters along the way. Aeolis 14 Umbra were furious with Smith for not having succeeded in his mission to prevent the ''Jupiter 2'', built with technology from a crashed ship of their race, from reaching the star system they had claimed as their own. The year ended with Smith caught out for his traitorous associations and imprisoned in a freezing tube for the ''Jupiter''{{'}}s final journey to the Promised Planet. Year two was to be Mumy's own full season story of a complex adventure following the Robinson's arrival at their destination and capture by the Aoleans. Innovation folded in 1993 with the story only halfway through and it wasn't until 2005 that Mumy was able to present his story to Lost in Space fandom as a complete graphic novel via Bubblehead Publishing. The theme of an adult Will Robinson was also explored in the film and in the song "The Ballad of Will Robinson" (written and recorded by Mumy; see "''Music''" below).

In 1998, Dark Horse Comics published a three-part story chronicling the Robinson Clan as depicted in the film.

In 1990, Bill Mumy and Peter David co-wrote ''Star Trek: The Return of the Worthy'', a three-part story that was essentially a crossover between ''Lost in Space'' and ''Star Trek'' with the ''Enterprise'' crew encountering a Robinson-like expedition among the stars, though with different characters.

In 2016, [[American Gothic Press]] published a six-issue miniseries titled ''Irwin Allen's Lost in Space, the Lost Adventures'', based on unfilmed scripts from the series. The scripts "The Curious Galactics" and "Malice in Wonderland" were written by [[Carey Wilber]]. The first script was adapted as issues 1 – 3 of the series, with the adapted script written by Holly Interlandi and drawn by Kostas Pantaulas, with Patrick McEvoy doing coloring and covers. The second script was adapted as issues 4 – 6 of the series, again adapted by Interlandi, with McEvoy providing pencil art, coloring and covers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popculthq.com/2016/03/17/first-look-irwin-allens-lost-in-space-the-lost-adventures-1-from-american-gothic-press/|title=First Look – Irwin Allen's Lost in Space: The Lost Adventures #1 from American Gothic Press|first=Jason|last=Bennett|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220182558/http://www.popculthq.com/2016/03/17/first-look-irwin-allens-lost-in-space-the-lost-adventures-1-from-american-gothic-press/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Novel===
In 1967, a novel based on the series, with significant changes to the personalities of the characters and the design of the ship, was published by [[Pyramid Books]], and written by [[Dave Van Arnam]] and [[Ted White (author)|Ted White]] (as "Ron Archer"). A scene in the book correctly predicts Richard Nixon winning the Presidency after Lyndon Johnson.

===Cartoon===
In the 1972–1973 television season, ABC produced ''[[The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie]]'', a weekly collection of 60-minute animated films, pilots and specials from various production companies, such as [[Hanna-Barbera]], [[Filmation]], and [[Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment|Rankin/Bass]]. Hanna-Barbera Productions contributed animated work based on such television series as ''[[Gidget (TV series)|Gidget]]'', ''[[The Yogi Bear Show|Yogi Bear]]'', ''[[Tabitha (TV series)|Tabitha]]'', ''[[Oliver and the Artful Dodger|Oliver Twist]]'', ''[[The Banana Splits]]'', and ''Lost in Space''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Erickson |first1=Hal |title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 |date=2005 |edition=2nd |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-1476665993 |page=55}}</ref>

The ''Lost in Space'' episode aired on September 8, 1973. Dr. Smith (voiced by Jonathan Harris) was the only character from the original program to appear in the special, along with the Robot (who was named Robon and employed in [[flight]] control rather than a support activity). The spacecraft was launched vertically by [[rocket]], and Smith was a passenger rather than a stowaway and a saboteur (though his greed, selfishness, and cowardice is the same as his live action counterpart). The pilot for the animated ''Lost in Space'' series was not picked up as a series, and only this episode was produced. This cartoon was included in the Blu-ray release of the entire original television series on September 15, 2015.

===Games===
Two board games were published based on the show. A self titled game was released in 1965 by [[Milton Bradley Company]], and the Lost in Space 3D Action Fun Game in 1966 by [[Remco]].<ref>[https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/27524/lost-space-3d-action-fun-game Lost In Space 3D Action Fun Game ]</ref><ref>[https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/16077/lost-space Lost in Space]</ref>

===Music===
As part of his 1997 album ''Dying To Be Heard'' (Infinite Visions), Bill Mumy recorded "The Ballad of William Robinson", in which a now 42-year-old Will Robinson recounts the premise of ''Lost in Space'', the current state of his family (his father Professor John Robinson has died five years previously) and his despair at "still [being] Lost in Space."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3952811-Bill-Mumy-Dying-To-Be-Heard | title=Bill Mumy - Dying to be Heard | website=[[Discogs]] | year=1997 }}</ref> The song can also be found as a track on ''[[Dr. Demento]]'s Hits From Outer Space'' (Laughs.com - LGH1137, 2002).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1651186-Dr-Demento-Dr-Dementos-Hits-From-Outer-Space | title=Dr. Demento - Dr. Demento's Hits from Outer Space | website=[[Discogs]] | year=2002 }}</ref>

==Home media==
[[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment|20th Century Fox]] has released the entire series on DVD in [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]]. Several of the releases contain bonus features including interviews, episodic promos, video stills and the original un-aired pilot episode.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DVD name
! Ep#
! Release date
|-
| Season 1
| style="text-align:center;"|30
| January 13, 2004
|-
| Season 2 Volume 1
| style="text-align:center;"|16
| September 14, 2004
|-
| Season 2 Volume 2
| style="text-align:center;"|14
| November 30, 2004
|-
| Season 3 Volume 1
| style="text-align:center;"|15
| March 1, 2005
|-
| Season 3 Volume 2
| style="text-align:center;"|9
| July 19, 2005
|}

All episodes of ''Lost in Space'' were remastered and released on a Blu-ray disc set on September 15, 2015 (the 50th anniversary of the premiere on the CBS TV Network).

All episodes of ''Lost in Space'' were reformatted (from the Blu-ray video masters) to 16:9 widescreen and released on a 17 disc DVD set on February 5, 2019.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Lost in Space (television program)}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.metv.com/shows/lost-in-space |publisher= Me TV |title= Lost in Space }}
* {{IMDb title|0058824|Lost in Space}}
* {{cite web |url= http://lostinspaceforum.proboards.com |title= Lost in Space |series= Forum |website= Pro Boards }}
* {{cite magazine |url= http://www.racprops.com/issue1/lostinspace |title= The Toy that Became a TV Star on ''Lost In Space'' |magazine= RAC Props |volume= 1 |first= Richard A. |last= Coyle <!-- (RAC) --> |display-authors= 0 |url-status= live |archive-date= June 4, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190604134058/http://www.racprops.com/issue1/lostinspace }}
* {{cite web |url= https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/jonathan-harris |publisher= Archive of American Television |title= Jonathan Harris (Dr. Zachary Smith full interview on Archive of American Television) |date= October 23, 2017 }}

{{Lost in Space}}
{{Irwin Allen}}
{{The Swiss Family Robinson}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lost in Space}}
[[Category:Lost in Space| ]]
[[Category:1960s American science fiction television series]]
[[Category:1965 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1968 American television series endings]]
[[Category:CBS television dramas]]
[[Category:Fiction about stowaways]]
[[Category:Fiction set around Alpha Centauri]]
[[Category:Overpopulation fiction]]
[[Category:Space adventure television series]]
[[Category:Television series about being lost from home]]
[[Category:Television series about families]]
[[Category:Television series about robots]]
[[Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television]]
[[Category:Television series by Irwin Allen Television Productions]]
[[Category:Television series created by Irwin Allen]]
[[Category:Television series set in 1997]]
[[Category:Television series set in 1998]]
[[Category:Television series set in the future]]
[[Category:Television series set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into films]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into novels]]
[[Category:Television shows based on The Swiss Family Robinson]]