
The Next Step Beyond
An updated version of the popular series from the late 50's and early 60's, One Step Beyond. Still hosted by John Newland, this series looked for supposedly real stories of hauntings, strange creatures and supernatural phenomena, and produced dramatic re-creations of them for each new episode. Unlike its predecessor, this series did not attract much of an audience, and ended after only one season.
Insights
Plot Summary
The Next Step Beyond is an American anthology horror television series that aired in 1979. Each episode presents a standalone story, often with a supernatural or psychological twist, exploring themes of the unknown and the uncanny. The series aimed to deliver suspenseful and chilling narratives to its audience.
Critical Reception
The series received a mixed to negative reception during its initial run. While some viewers appreciated the anthology format and attempts at suspense, many critics found the storylines to be derivative and the execution lacking. It is often remembered as a less successful entry in the genre compared to its contemporaries.
What Reviewers Say
- Episodes often suffered from predictable plots and weak character development.
- The production values were generally considered to be subpar, even for its time.
- Despite its attempts at horror, the series frequently fell into the realm of unintentional camp or simply failed to be frightening.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Next Step Beyond' are scarce due to its limited original run and subsequent lack of widespread syndication. However, what little exists suggests a general disappointment with the series, with viewers often citing inconsistent quality and a failure to deliver memorable scares.
Fun Fact
The series was notable for its use of the "Beyond" moniker, a trend that would see other anthology series like "The Twilight Zone" (1985 revival) and "Tales from the Crypt" attempt to capture a similar sense of mystery and suspense.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources