When you think of Steven Spielberg, epic blockbusters like Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park probably come to mind. But did you know this legendary director and producer has also had a hand in creating some amazing TV shows?
While Spielberg is best known for his big-screen masterpieces, his small-screen projects are hidden gems that deserve just as much attention.
Let’s dive into some of these hidden TV gems produced by Steven Spielberg that showcase his storytelling magic in a whole new light.
Terra Nova, Fox (2011)
Terra Nova is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that aired in 2011.
We center on the Shannon family as they travel back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth to escape a dystopian future. This new colony, called Terra Nova, is humanity’s fresh start in a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and untamed nature.
The show follows the family’s adventures as they adjust to their new life, deal with various challenges, and work to create a better society.
The series combines Spielberg’s knack for creating immersive worlds with engaging, relatable characters that all come together in one epic story.
The River, ABC (2012)
ABC’s The River is an adventure series that brings the horror genre seamlessly into it through the eerie found footage format.
This particular hidden gem from Steven Spielberg follows the search for famous explorer Dr. Emmet Cole, who vanished deep in the Amazon jungle. Six months after he disappeared, there is renewed hope to find him and the truth behind his disappearance when his emergency beacon sends off a signal for help.
His wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, then lead a rescue mission with a documentary crew, encountering supernatural occurrences and hidden dangers along the way.
The show is filled with eerie mysteries, spine-tingling moments, and a constant sense of adventure as they unravel the jungle’s secrets while trying to find Emmet.
SeaQuest DSV, NBC (1993 – 1996)
Having aired in the early 90s, SeaQuest DSV dives into the (then) near future, where humanity has expanded into the ocean depths in order to explore its resources after having exhausted almost everything else above water.
The show centers on the high-tech submarine, SeaQuest DSV, captained by the experienced Nathan Bridger.
Alongside a diverse crew of scientists and naval officers, Bridger explores the mysteries of the ocean, protects underwater colonies, and tackles various threats, from environmental crises to political conflicts.
With its cutting-edge technology, fascinating marine life, and underwater adventures, SeaQuest DSV is a unique blend of science fiction and real-world issues.
Under the Dome, CBS (2013 – 2015)
Under the Dome, loosely based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, kicks off with the small town of Chester’s Mill being suddenly and inexplicably cut off from the rest of the world by an enormous, transparent dome.
The sci-fi mystery drama follows the townspeople as they struggle to understand the dome’s origins and deal with the isolation it imposes. As resources dwindle and tensions rise, secrets come to light, alliances form and fracture, and the town’s darker side emerges.
With the world kept on the outside looking in, will the citizens of the town find the truth before it’s too late?
High Incident, ABC (1996 – 1997)
ABC’s High Incident is a police drama that takes you into the lives of the officers of the El Camino Police Department in California.
The show focuses on the daily challenges and high-stakes situations they face, from routine patrols to intense emergencies. Each episode delves into both the professional and personal lives of the officers, highlighting their friendships, struggles, and the impact of their demanding job on their relationships.
The series offers a realistic portrayal of law enforcement and a humanizing look at the men and women who serve and protect their community.
Public Morals, TNT (2015)
A period drama set in 1960s New York, Public Morals follows the officers of the NYPD’s Public Morals Division as they navigate the murky waters of vice and crime.
Led by Terry Muldoon, the team is tasked with cracking down on illegal activities like gambling, prostitution, and organized crime, often blurring the lines between right and wrong.
The show delves into the personal lives of these officers, revealing their struggles to balance duty, morality, and family in a historical time when law enforcement was as tough and morally ambiguous as the streets they patrolled.
Falling Skies, TNT (2011 – 2015)
This action-packed sci-fi series Falling Skies kicks off after a devastating alien invasion leaves Earth in ruins – power and technology are essentially useless, military forces have been destroyed, and most of the population has been killed.
The story follows Tom Mason, a history professor turned resistance leader, as he bands together with other survivors to fight back against the extraterrestrial oppressors. Alongside his three sons and a ragtag group of fighters, Tom navigates the challenges of survival, battles alien technology, and strives to protect humanity’s hope for a future.
Sometimes, it takes an alien invasion to unite all of humanity under one cause: survival.
The Whispers, ABC (2015)
The Whispers introduces a mysterious and invisible entity known as Drill – an ‘imaginary friend’ who communicates with children, manipulating them into playing dangerous and sometimes deadly games.
The story centers on FBI child specialist Claire Bennigan, who investigates these strange incidents while dealing with her own personal struggles. As Claire and her team delve deeper, they uncover a sinister plot that threatens humanity.
The children’s innocence contrasts sharply with the dark, unseen force guiding them, creating an eerie and compelling narrative. Claire digs into each child’s case, which includes her own son, in the hopes to find the truth about Drill and her missing husband.
Smash, NBC (2012 – 2013)
Moving away now from the mystery and sci-fi genres, Smash is a musical drama that takes you behind the scenes of Broadway, following the creation of a new musical about Marilyn Monroe.
The show centers on the intense rivalry between two talented actresses, Karen Cartwright and Ivy Lynn, both vying for the coveted lead role. As they navigate the cutthroat world of the New York City musical theater community, they’re joined by a dynamic team, including visionary director Derek Wills, seasoned composer Tom Levitt, and ambitious lyricist Julia Houston.
Throughout the series, we see the characters try to balance their personal lives with the demands of the theater industry.
United States of Tara, Showtime (2009 – 2011)
United States of Tara is a rare, albeit comedic, look into the realities of mental health. The dark comedy drama revolves around Tara Gregson, a suburban wife and mother living with dissociative identity disorder.
As Tara navigates everyday life, she often shifts between her multiple, distinct personalities, including a rebellious teenager named T, a 1950s housewife named Alice, and a gruff Vietnam vet named Buck – and more personalities are introduced as the seasons progress.
Her supportive but occasionally overwhelmed family, including her husband Max and two teenage kids, must adapt to her unpredictable changes while dealing with their own personal struggles.
Extant, CBS (2014 – 2015)
Another sci-fi mystery series is Extant, which follows ISEA astronaut Molly Woods, who returns to Earth after a year-long solo mission in space only to discover she’s mysteriously pregnant.
As Molly tries to uncover the truth behind her impossible pregnancy, she grapples with strange visions and alarming secrets. Meanwhile, her husband, John, works on developing advanced humanoid robots, including their AI son, Ethan.
The show dives into themes of humanity, technology, and extraterrestrial life, blending family drama with intense suspense. Extant not only has intriguing mysteries but is also the emotional journey of a woman caught between two worlds.
Minority Report, Fox (2015)
You may have heard of the same-titled film that premiered in 2002, and this series serves as its sequel.
Minority Report is set in 2065, ten years after the end of the Precrime program, which used psychics known as Precogs to prevent crimes before they happened.
The show follows Dash, one of the former Precogs, who is haunted by visions of future crimes.
Desperate to use his abilities for good, Dash teams up with Detective Lara Vega to stop the crimes from happening.
Lucky 7, ABC (2013)
ABC brings yet another to the list with Lucky 7, a drama that follows seven gas station employees in Queens, New York, whose lives are turned upside down after they win a massive lottery jackpot.
The series explores how the sudden windfall affects each of them differently, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
As they navigate their new reality, the group discovers that money can solve some problems but also creates new ones, testing their friendships and altering their lives in unexpected ways.
Into the West, TNT (2005)
The TNT miniseries Into the West weaves together the stories of two families, one Native American and one white, during the turbulent expansion of the American West in the 19th century.
The series spans several generations, highlighting key historical events like the California Gold Rush, the transcontinental railroad, and the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Through the eyes of these families, we witness the profound impact of westward expansion, cultural clashes, and the struggle for survival and identity during a pivotal period in American history.
Red Band Society, Fox (2014 – 2015)
Red Band Society is a teen medical drama set in the pediatric ward of Ocean Park Hospital, where a group of teenagers with serious illnesses form a unique bond.
Narrated by a comatose patient named Charlie, the show follows the lives of these young patients as they navigate the ups and downs of hospital life.
From the rebellious Leo and cheerleader Kara to the mysterious Jordi and Emma, who struggles with an eating disorder, each character brings their own story and challenges.
With the support of caring staff like Nurse Jackson and Dr. McAndrew, the teens find friendship, love, and hope in unexpected places.