Thunderbirds (1965): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Thunderbirds first went out in September 1965 on ITV (ATV). It ran until 1966, with 2 series and 32 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

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puppets
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More from the 1960s

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Why it is worth your time

International Rescue launches from a secret island, with Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s Supermarionation puppets. Thunderbirds are go; the miniature effects still look magnificent.

The details

First broadcast: 30 September 1965
Originally on: ITV (ATV)
On air: 1965–1966
Series: 2
Episodes: 32
Typical length: 50 minutes
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science-Fiction
First episode: “Trapped in the Sky”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

Thunderbirds: quick answers

When did Thunderbirds start?

On 30 September 1965, on ITV (ATV).

How many episodes of Thunderbirds are there?

32 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 2 series. The last aired in 1966.

Where can I watch Thunderbirds now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.