WONDERLAND: SCIENCE FICTION IN THE ATOMIC AGE – New Documentary Series on Sky Arts

Starting on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 8 PM, Wonderland: Science Fiction in the Atomic Age is a four-part documentary series directed by Adrian Munsey. The series explores how science fiction has reflected and predicted humanity’s greatest triumphs and darkest fears. Err, most of the readers here know that, but good to see you tell everyone else.

Covering everything from the atomic bomb and Cold War to the evolution of sci-fi across literature, film, and television, the series features works by H.G. Wells, Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia Butler, Arthur C. Clarke, and Kim Stanley Robinson. It also examines sci-fi cinema classics, from 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars to Doctor Who and The Matrix – not quite golden age, but certainly atomic!

With interviews, literary analysis, and expert insight, the series delves into sci-fi’s role in shaping cultural and technological discourse. Episodes air weekly, exploring key figures from Mary Shelley and Isaac Asimov to Christopher Nolan.

Each episode focuses on a key period in sci-fi history:

• Episode 1 (April 3): Mary Shelley to Isaac Asimov – The origins of sci-fi, early apocalyptic visions, and the influence of the atomic age.
• Episode 2 (April 10): Arthur C. Clarke to Ray Bradbury – The golden age of sci-fi, the Space Race, and dystopian cautionary tales.
• Episode 3 (April 17): Margaret Atwood to Ted Chiang – The rise of feminist, diverse, and socially conscious science fiction.
• Episode 4 (April 24): Quatermass to Christopher Nolan – The impact of film and television on the perception of science fiction.

With a specially composed orchestral score by Adrian Munsey, Wonderland: Science Fiction in the Atomic Age is a journey through the history and cultural impact of the genre. Combining literary extracts, film analysis, and expert commentary. Some of the faces you will recognise, not least from coming to the festival.

I am sure most fans will know everything mentioned, but it is well-produced and will remind you to re-watch or re-read some classics. Come back SCIFI CHANNEL, all is forgiven – it would be nice if SkyTV still featured a dedicated platform.