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Rod Serling

Rod Serling

Writer and actor · Died June 28, 1975, aged 50 · Syracuse, New York, USA

Rodman Edward Serling (December 25, 1924 – June 28, 1975) was an American screenwriter, playwright, television producer, and narrator known for his live television dramas of the 1950s and his anthology television series, The Twilight Zone. Serling was active in politics, both on and off the screen, and helped form television industry standards. He was known as the "angry young man" of Hollywood, clashing with television executives and sponsors over a wide range of issues including censorship, racism, and war.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 25, 1924
Died
June 28, 1975 (aged 50)
From
Syracuse, New York, USA
Works as
Writer and actor
Titles
26 on MovieCove · 89 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

What are Rod Serling's films like?

Across their 22 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Power.

Genres

Drama12 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 72nd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Adventure3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 41st percentile
: browse their Adventure movies
Horror2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 36th percentile
: browse their Horror movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
31%
Power
16%
Ideas
16%
Survival
15%
Bonds
12%
Society
9%
Self
2%
Justice5 titles, browse their movies with this themeFate4 titles, browse their movies with this themeBetrayal4 titles, browse their movies with this themeDuty3 titles, browse their movies with this themePower3 titles, browse their movies with this themeGuilt2 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty3 titles, browse their movies with this themePrejudice3 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 21 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Dark: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their dark movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 4 · Serious 5 · Dark 12

Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 15 · Stylized 6 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

A split, not a type: Gentle 2 · Charged 9 · Intense 10

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 13 · Shifting 7 · Whiplash 1

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 19 · Some laughs 2 · Funny 0

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 10 · Even-paced 11 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 5 · Engaged 13 · Full focus 3

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 15 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 2

Roles they play

2 analyzed roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
16
Dread
9
Melancholic
10
Contemplative
8
Warm
5
Other
10

How their films linger

Thought-provoking13 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet10 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteDevastating4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 6 with a twist

  • Happy3
  • Bittersweet12
  • Tragic2
  • Ambiguous5

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Rod Serling's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 12 of their 26 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (7).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Rod Serling's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

89 credits, 26 with a MovieCove page; 17 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • The Twilight Zone: A 60th Anniversary Celebration (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Producer · Writer · as Narrator (archive sound)

  • The Twilight Zone(2019)

    Show Creator

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all shows

  • The Trap (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Thanks

  • The Twilight Zone Christmas Classics (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Writer · as Self

  • The Man of Miracles (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Host

  • The Twilight Zone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 2 episodes · Creator · Writer

  • For All Time(2000)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • A Storm in Summer(2000)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • A Town Has Turned to Dust (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Writer

  • In the Presence of Mine Enemies(1997)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • The Enemy Within(1994)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Preshow (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Narrator (Physical)

  • Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classics(1994)

    Story · Writer

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • The Twilight Zone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 2 episodes · Creator · Story · Writer

  • Twilight Zone: The Movie(1983)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all films

  • The Salamander(1981)

    Adaptation

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • UFOs: It Has Begun (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Time Travelers(1976)

    Story

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond(1975)

    as Narrator

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • The Outer Space Connection (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Narrator

  • Phantom of the Paradise(1974)

    as Introductory Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • UFOs: Past, Present, and Future (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Narrator

  • In Search of Ancient Mysteries(1974)

    as Narrator

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Requiem for a Heavyweight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Writer

  • Deadly Fathoms (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Narrator

  • In Search of Ancient Astronauts (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Narrator

  • Encounter with the Unknown(1972)

    as Narrator (voice)

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • The Man (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Screenplay

  • Night Gallery(1969)

    Show 43 episodes · Creator · Teleplay · Writer · as Self - Host

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • A Storm in Summer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Writer

  • Night Gallery (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Writer · as Self - Host

  • The New People (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Show 1 episode · Creator · Writer

  • Certain Honorable Men (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Writer

  • Planet of the Apes(1968)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Ironside (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Teleplay

  • The Doomsday Flight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Writer

  • Assault on a Queen(1966)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Planet of the Apes Test Reel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Writer

  • The Loner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 15 episodes · Creator · Writer

  • Carol for Another Christmas(1964)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • Seven Days in May(1964)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Show 4 episodes · Teleplay · Writer

  • The Yellow Canary (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Writer

  • Requiem for a Heavyweight(1962)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • Incident in an Alley(1962)

    Story

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all films

  • One-Eyed Jacks(1961)

    Additional Writing · Writer

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Sunday-Night Play (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • In the Presence of Mine Enemies (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Writer

  • The Twilight Zone(1959)

    Show 156 episodes · Creator · Executive Producer · Writer · as Self - Host

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • The Velvet Alley (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Writer

  • Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Show 1 episode · Writer · as Self

  • Bomber's Moon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Writer

  • A Town Has Turned to Dust (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Writer

  • Nightmare at Ground Zero (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Writer

  • Saddle the Wind(1958)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films

  • Panic Button (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Writer

  • The Dark Side of the Earth (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Writer

  • Blood Money (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Story

  • The Comedian (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Writer

  • The Rack(1956)

    Teleplay

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all films

  • Requiem for a Heavyweight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Writer

  • Forbidden Area (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Adaptation

  • Playhouse 90 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Show 2 episodes · Screenplay · Writer

  • Armchair Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Show 2 episodes · Writer

  • Patterns(1956)

    Original Story · Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • The Jane Wyman Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • Star Tonight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • Patterns (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Writer

  • The Challenge (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Writer

  • Climax! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • The Strike (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Writer

  • A Long Time Till Dawn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Writer

  • The United States Steel Hour (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Show 3 episodes · Writer

  • Medallion Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • Horace Mann's Miracle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Writer

  • The Ford Television Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    Show 1 episode · Story · Teleplay

  • Hallmark Hall of Fame (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    Show 5 episodes · Writer

  • The Red Skelton Hour(1951)

    Show 1 episode · as Rod Serling (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • The Jack Benny Program (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 1 episode · as Rod Serling

  • Lux Video Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 3 episodes · Writer

  • Danger (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 1 episode · Teleplay

  • Armstrong Circle Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • Sunday Night Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • Suspense (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

  • Studio One (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    Show 6 episodes · Writer

  • Kraft Television Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    Show 3 episodes · Writer

  • Patterns of Time (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    as Narrator

  • The Time Element (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Writer

Career shape

A full career of 88 titles, 86 of them dated from 1947 to 2019.

Biggest box office

Planet of the Apes (1968)

$33M worldwide

Highest rated

Planet of the Apes (1968)

Midcredits 98th

Most popular right now

The Twilight Zone (1959)

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting16 of 88: 15 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score58thWriting70 of 88: 63 only writing, 7 with another role · typical Midcredits score69thProducing2 of 88: 0 only producing, 2 with another roleOther crew9 of 88: 3 only other crew, 6 with another role

88 titles, 7 with more than one role — writing and acting overlap on 1 of them.

By decade

1940s3 · crew1950s35 · 2 acting · 33 crew1960s19 · 1 acting · 18 crew1970s14 · 9 acting · 5 crew1980s2 · crew1990s5 · 1 acting · 4 crew2000s4 · 1 acting · 3 crew2010s4 · 1 acting · 4 crew

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Rod Serling's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 61st percentile, the median of all 22; across their 21 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 58th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 21

Approval · how many liked their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 21

Reach · how many have seen their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 21

Midcredits score across 26 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up11
  • 50th to 74th7
  • 25th to 49th5
  • Below 25th3

Shape of the crowd

12 of their 26 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved4
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser12
  • Broadly Agreed3
  • Mixed6

Most divisive · actor

The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond (1975)

86th percentile spread · 31% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · writer

Planet of the Apes (1968)

Midcredits 98th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the dialogue 59/100 and the plot and story 56/100 in their films, across 20 reviewed titles. The element that speaks to their work as a writer.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Rod Serling's work okay for kids?

Across up to 5 MovieCove titles with content scores, sex & nudity runs lighter than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore3 titlesmedian 42 · moderateMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity5 titles8–31 · median 18 · mildlighter than most filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity3 titlesmedian 35 · moderateMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs3 titlesmedian 41 · moderateMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense3 titlesmedian 69 · intenseMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Rod Serling work with?

People who share at least 2 of Rod Serling's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Jerry Goldsmith shares the most, 4.

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Mixed roles