Westworld: A look back at the 1980’s series, Beyond Westworld

Beyond Westworld meet…Beyond Westworld.

Westworld has a rich history not only in its story and narratives but in the history of its creation starting with Micahel Crichton’s novel and the movies that followed it. In March of 1980, CBS created a series called Beyond Westworld based on the book and original film but did not take into account the 1976 sequel, Futureworld.

In this 1980’s series, Jim McMullan played the Security Chief of Delos Corporation and the premise of the show was him trying to take down an evil scientist by the name of Quaid (James Wainwright) who was planning to use the Delos robots to take over the world. Hmmm, sound familiar anyone?

A total of five episodes were produced but only three made it to air before the series was canceled. In fact, even with such a small number of episodes, Beyond Westworld was nominated for two Primetime Emmys including Outstanding Achievement in Makeup and Outstanding Art Direction For a Series.

The series also starred Connie Sellecca (The Greatest American Hero) and William Jordan (Project UFO), amongst many others that took part in this short-lived sci-fi series. Check out a brief clip from the Warner Archive below!

Oh, how far Westworld has come right? However, there is a nostalgic beauty to the series along with the movies that preceded it that will always be more unique than anything modern technology can create. Seeing this 1980’s take on this world that we have come to know so much about is truly a wonderful experience and something we should all revisit as we await for season 3.

Have you seen this CBS series or any of the movies that came before it? Share your favorite moments from the original movies and series on our Twitter, @BeyondWestworld.