The television series "Amazing Stories," in both its 1985 original run and its 2020 revival, has been shaped by a complex interplay of creative vision, production challenges, and evolving leadership. Steven Spielberg, the creator of the series, has been a central figure, lending his name and creative input to the anthology. The show's ambition to deliver diverse, self-contained stories meant a constant need for new directors, writers, and actors,
presenting unique production demands for each episode.
The anthology format, while offering creative freedom, also meant that each episode essentially functioned as a mini-movie, requiring fresh talent and resources. This approach, while celebrated for its variety, also contributed to the show's distinct production history, marked by high-profile collaborations and, at times, significant behind-the-scenes shifts, particularly during the development of the revival.
The Original Series: A Star-Studded Production
The 1985 "Amazing Stories" series was notable for its impressive roster of talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Steven Spielberg, already a household name, not only created the series but also directed a couple of episodes, including the pilot. His involvement attracted other prominent filmmakers, with Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood among those who directed episodes. This level of directorial talent was unusual for a television series and underscored the show's cinematic aspirations.
Despite the critical acclaim and the involvement of many famous actors, the original series ran for only two seasons, totaling 45 episodes. The show garnered 12 Emmy Award nominations during its run, winning five, primarily in technical categories such as cinematography, makeup, and sound. The episode "The Amazing Falsworth" also earned screenwriter Mick Garris an Edgar Award, highlighting the quality of individual stories within the anthology. The series' high production values and episodic nature, while contributing to its unique appeal, also presented ongoing challenges in maintaining a consistent audience and narrative flow.
The Revival's Tumultuous Development
The journey to the 2020 revival of "Amazing Stories" was marked by several significant changes in leadership and creative direction. The idea for a reboot first emerged on October 23, 2015, when NBC announced its development. Initially, Bryan Fuller was attached to write the pilot episode and serve as an executive producer alongside Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, with Universal Television slated as a production company. At this early stage, Steven Spielberg was not expected to be directly involved in the reboot.
However, the project later shifted, and on October 10, 2017, Apple Inc. gave the production a ten-episode series order, with Amblin Television joining as an additional production company. This transition brought new dynamics to the development process. On February 7, 2018, it was reported that Bryan Fuller had stepped down as showrunner due to creative differences, and it was unclear if he would retain any other role. Later that same day, executive producer Hart Hanson also exited the series. These departures necessitated a new creative team, and on May 22, 2018, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, known for their work on "Once Upon a Time," were announced as the new executive producers and showrunners. By December 4, 2018, Mark Mylod was reported to direct an episode, executive produced by Edward Burns, further illustrating the collaborative and evolving nature of the production. The 2020 series ultimately premiered between March 6 and April 3, 2020, consisting of five episodes, with Spielberg, Kitsis, Horowitz, Frank, and Justin Falvey serving as executive producers, bringing the project to fruition after a complex development period.
