[Olson and Reinhard] showcase what they consider the 100 most important cult television series in this fun and informative survey. They keep the proceedings—arranged alphabetically—light and lively, with a synopsis, production history, and chatty commentary for each show. Whether a Hollywood production, British comedy, or an animated series, shows can qualify for cult status if, the authors note, they are “offbeat or edgy, drawing a niche audience in a way that mainstream never did.” Avid fan-bases keep their favorite shows circulating long after the original run ends, as with The Twilight Zone (“the show marked the true emergence of science fiction as allegory on TV,” 1959–1964), The Avengers (1961–1969), Doctor Who (1963–present) Lost in Space (1965–1968), the original Star Trek (1966–1969), Baywatch (“a winning combination of playful sexiness, gripping melodrama, and captivating mysteries,” 1989–2001), The Ren and Stimpy Show (1991–1996), and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003). As Olson and Reinhard write, “Mainstream status comes and go, but cult lasts forever.” This thought-provoking and humorous tribute to cult television’s originality and experiments will delight TV geeks of all kinds.

Publishers Weekly

Olson and Reinhard admit that their 100 selections of the greatest cult television shows is a subjective list, in part because of the malleability of the term cult. This volume compiles series that never found a wide audience (Freaks and Geeks), ended too soon (Sports Night), or possibly ran for too long (The X-Files). What connects them is the passion of their fan base, which kept the shows alive in their followers’ hearts and, occasionally, on the air owing to letter-writing campaigns. The authors present an alphabetic list (Absolutely Fabulous to The Young Ones) of programs, with each entry offering a brief synopsis and information on the cast and crew and production history, as well as commentary and a useful list of similar shows. Even if readers disagree with the authors picking Saved by the Bell and not Firefly or Pushing Daisies, Olson and Reinhard explain their choices, and specific episode references and quotes demonstrate an encyclopedic knowledge of the topic.

Library Journal

Starting with a clear definition of what they describe as "cult television," Olson and Reinhard provide detailed listings and commentary of a variety of television shows celebrated by fans. This book provides a thorough reference guide and an opportunity to revisit beloved series that helped changed the way viewers engaged with television. A fun read, with interesting background and analysis.

Lara Stache, Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, Governors State University; author of Gilmore Girls: A Cultural History

The Greatest Cult Television Shows of All Time! Really? That’s quite a challenge, but this book does exactly what one would want from such a collection, and that includes starting conversations and debates about the series discussed and not discussed. With a mix of old classics and fascinating surprises, it not only covers key touchstones but also provides new ideas and new programs for our consideration. It is particularly nice to see the collection move beyond the usual fantasy genres. So, turn off the television; silence the phone; and settle back for an engaging read!

Mark Jancovich, Professor of Art, Media, and American Studies, University of East Anglia

From The Twilight Zone to Sense8, and from Adventure Time to The Young Ones, The Greatest Cult Television Shows of All Time ranges across the times, types, and transgressions of cult TV. Christopher Olson and CarrieLynn Reinhard’s choices will no doubt spark plenty of fan responses, but with its focus on production history and smart, succinct commentary – as well as usefully examining the legacy of cult shows – this book expertly energizes debates surrounding the value of cult television.

Matt Hills, author of Fan Cultures and Triumph of a Time Lord, University of Huddersfield, UK

Provocative and insightful, The Greatest Cult Television Shows of All Time presents a comprehensive and thoughtful list of the best of Cult TV. Crossing genre and national boundaries as well as covering television from the 1960s to the present, this book offers a fresh approach to Cult TV and will reinvigorate our understanding of these much-love series, their creators and, most importantly, their fans. It is a must-have for the cult-TV fan.

Stacey Abbott, Editor of The Cult TV Book and author of Undead Apocalypse