Remembering 'The Twilight Zone' creator Rod Serling

By David Bianculli

Published October 7, 2025 at 11:42 AM EDT

It's been 50 years since the Emmy Award-winning TV writer and producer died. But watching reruns of The Twilight Zone confirms that the themes Serling tackled remain relevant.

David Bianculli

David Bianculli is a guest host and TV critic on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. A contributor to the show since its inception, he has been a TV critic since 1975.

See stories by David Bianculli

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Democrats take legal aim at "the Radical Left" language during shutdown

Kirk Siegler

Democrats and a federal union argue the Trump administration's language posted on federal agency websites and in some emails blaming the 'Radical Left Democrat' for the government shutdown is in violation of a 1939 federal law.
The Commonwealth

Report: Kentucky jails contracting with ICE have 659% increase in detainees this year

Joe Sonka

Data from the study shows one county jail in Kentucky had contracted with ICE to hold roughly 120 detainees in January. By August, nine county jails held more than 900.
NPR News

These numbers show how 2 years of war have devastated Palestinian lives in Gaza

The Associated Press

It's been two years since Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israeli leaders promised a punishing offensive. Here are some numbers showing the war's toll.
NPR News

White House floats no back pay for some furloughed federal workers despite 2019 law

Stephen Fowler

A new draft White House memo suggests a 2019 law signed by President Trump that guarantees federal employees get paid after a shutdown ends would not apply to furloughed workers.
NPR News

The government shutdown is snarling air travel. Officials say it could get worse

Rachel Treisman

A dozen facilities saw air traffic control shortages on Monday, delaying flights at several airports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed "a slight tick-up in sick calls" due to the shutdown.