Thunderbirds Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Thunderbirds Day is observed annually on September 30 after its establishment by ITV Studios on August 16, 2017. It has been observed annually since 2017 to commemorate the classic British science fiction television series “Thunderbirds” and its revival, “Thunderbirds Are Go.” First broadcast in 1965, “Thunderbirds” consists of two series with 32 episodes. The film’s special effects and musical score are renowned. Are you one of the individuals who viewed it? Let’s commemorate the premiere of this “Supermarionation” series.

The background of Thunderbirds Day

“Thunderbirds” premiered on ITV on September 30, 1965, and ran until December 25, 1966, with two series and 32 episodes of 50 minutes each. Gerry and Sylvia Anderson conceived it, and AP Films (Century 21 Productions) produced it. The program utilized a production style known as “Supermarionation,” a portmanteau of the words’super,”marionette,’ and ‘animation.’ It was disseminated in approximately 30 countries in the 1960s and its special effects by Derek Meddings and musical score by Barry Gray were praised.

“Thunderbirds” is set in the year 2065 and depicts the missions of the International Rescue team, a lifesaving organization with a fleet of advanced Thunderbird vehicles and founded by billionaire ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy. Tracy’s five sons seize Brains’ Thunderbird machines, which are named after real-life astronauts: Thunderbird 1 is a hypersonic rocket piloted by Scott, Thunderbird 2 is a heavy transporter flown by Virgil, Thunderbird 3 is a space rocket flown by Alan, Thunderbird 4 is a submersible flown by Gordon, and Thunderbird 5 is an orbiting space satellite flown by John.

There were two sequels to “Thunderbirds”: “Thunderbirds Are Go” (1966) and “Thunderbird 6” (1968). Anderson wished to remake “Thunderbirds,” and in 2011 he announced that production on a new version of “Thunderbirds” had begun. After Anderson’s death in 2012, the remake of “Thunderbirds” premiered on April 4, 2015. The film was produced by ITV Studios and Pkeko Pictures, utilizing both CGI and live-action model sets. It concluded on February 22, 2020, having aired 78 episodes over three seasons. Have you seen this remade series?

DAY OF THE THUNDERBIRD ACTIVITIES

Watch the series

Thunderbirds to commemorate the show’s anniversary of its premiere. If you previously watched the series and have already seen every episode, you should rewatch them. Or perhaps you haven’t seen the latest episode of “Thunderbirds Are Go.” If so, you should act now.

Watch a movie

In addition to the television series, you can view the “Thunderbirds” films “Thunderbirds Are Go” and “Thunderbird 6.” In addition to these, you can also view a non-animated version of “Thunderbirds” (2004).

Purchase “Thunderbirds” goods.

If you are celebrating Thunderbirds Day, you are undoubtedly a fan and have likely been accumulating “Thunderbirds” merchandise. Check out the hoodie, T-shirt, soundtrack CD, and model kit if you’re looking to expand your collection.

5 Interesting Facts Regarding “THUNDERBIRDS”

Gerry Anderson was inspired to create “Thunderbirds” by the 1963 West German mine catastrophe known as “Wunder von Lengede,” in which 11 miners survived 14 days in an imploding mine before being rescued.

Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward was based on Sylvia Anderson, who also provided her voice.

Since 1965, over 3,000 “Thunderbirds”-branded products have been sold.

Lionel Anderson, the sibling of Gerry Anderson, suggested a catchier title for the series, which led to the well-known and beloved “Thunderbirds.”

“Thunderbirds” was terminated because no U.S. television network purchased it.

THUNDERBIRDS DAY DATES