Anthology series

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An anthology series is a radio or television series that has a different story and a different set of characters in every episode. Typically, the only constant is the host, who introduces and concludes each program. In addition, some series also have a permanent troupe of character actors.

Anthology series have typically been used to present science fiction, horror, suspense, and mystery genres. However, they have also been used to present serious dramatic productions, such as adaptations of plays, films, and other dramatic works. Masterpiece Theatre, one of the most famous American anthology series, almost always presented serious dramatic works, mostly of British origin. Many popular old-time radio programs were anthology series.

In the history of television, live anthology dramas were especially popular in the "Golden Age," from the early to mid-1950s.^{[citation needed]}

During summers in the 1970s and 1980s, American television networks would often run comedy anthology series which consisted of unbought television pilots.^{[citation needed]}

Examples of horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense radio series: