As chronicled in “The Twilight Zone Companion” by Marc Scott Zicree, Rod Serling’s wife, Carol, disclosed that Serling, feeling disappointed, part with the rights to CBS soon after the show ended. CBS had persuaded him by stating that the show’s high production costs would preclude them from recuperating expenses. However, due to successful syndication, CBS multiplied their investment, a benefit Serling missed out on. Beyond the financial aspect, Serling was discontent with how the show was treated in reruns. To fit more commercials, episodes were cut, sometimes so severely that the story became incomprehensible. Watching an altered version of the first season’s “Walking Distance,” Serling expressed:
“You wouldn’t recognize what series it was. Full scenes were deleted. It looked like a long, protracted commercial separated by fragmentary moments of indistinct drama.”
The degree of editing varied across local stations, leading to numerous altered versions of “The Twilight Zone” episodes which frustrated Serling greatly. This situation may continue as new media platforms imitate old trends, leading to further cuts in shows for syndication, depriving audiences of full and unblemished content.
FAQ about Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone Syndication
Why did Rod Serling sell the rights to The Twilight Zone?
Rod Serling sold the rights to CBS after being convinced that the high production costs meant the network would not be able to recoup its money from the series.
What was Rod Serling’s reaction to syndicated episodes of The Twilight Zone?
Serling was deeply disappointed when he viewed the syndicated episodes, especially when scenes were cut to make space for additional commercial breaks, diluting the content and narrative of the show.
Are there different versions of The Twilight Zone episodes out there?
Yes, due to local stations making their own edits for time, there are multiple versions of the show’s episodes in circulation.
What does the future hold for the syndication of shows like The Twilight Zone?
As the trend of modifying shows for syndication continues, new platforms might follow suit, which could result in loss of crucial scenes and quality in storytelling similar to what The Twilight Zone experienced.
Conclusion
Rod Serling’s creation, ‘The Twilight Zone,’ was not only a pioneer in the science-fiction genre but also a canvas for social commentary. His passion for the integrity of the show’s storytelling was evident in his frustration with the syndication process. The dissection of his work for commercial purposes stood against the purposeful narratives he labored to create. Serling’s experience is a cautionary tale within the television industry – a reminder of the importance of creative control and the potential consequences of losing it. As the trends of old media practices are adopted by new media platforms, the legacy of ‘The Twilight Zone’ underscores the value of preserving content as originally crafted by its creators.