J is for Jupiter Two

The Jupiter 2 is a rare example of a once common archetype from science fiction - the 'flying saucer'.(see the original 1960s version of the ship, which is illustrated here)

This ship is designed to transport a single family to nearby Alpha Centauri in order to start a colony. Cryosleep tubes are therefore installed on the ship, as are a 'space pod' (shuttlecraft) and 'chariot' (amphibious, caterpillar-tracked vehicle).

Lost in Space  was produced as a TV series by Irwin Allen, and ran for three seasons between 1966 and 1968. A reimagined movie version was produced in 1998. A further reboot of the show is currently in development.

V is for Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea

Yet another Irwin Allen production, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea first introduced us to the Seaview in a 1961 film starting Walter Pidgeon. The show subsequently resurfaced as a TV series starring Richard Basehart and David Hedison (pictured).

T is for Time Tunnel

Another classic series from Irwin Allen now. Reportedly, Time Tunnel was the most expensive television show on air in the US in 1966! Tony Newman (James Darren) and Doug Phillips (Robert Colbert) were two research scientists lost in a experimental time portal.

L is for Lost In Space

Created by "Master of Disaster" Irwin Allen, this show ran for three seasons between 1965 and 1968. Starting out as a serious SF drama about the Robinson family whose voyage into space was sabotaged and ended in disaster, the tone of the show lightened throughout the run until it reached a point that many found absurd.

The show ended up with bizarre storylines more focused on the saboteur Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), the Robinsons' ten-year-old son Will (Bill Mumy) and their Robot (Bob May, voice provided by Dick Tufeld) than any of the others. Totally ridiculous. I loved it.

V is for Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea

Originally a SF film released in 1961 by 20th Century Fox, 'Voyage' was produced and directed by Irwin Allen, who was later nicknamed "The Master of Disaster" for his work in the disaster film genre. The film was reasonably well received, as it starred Walter Pidgeon and featured Barbara Eden, Peter Lorre and Frankie Avalon. The subsequent TV series was fairly cheap to produce, as detailed sets, props and scale models of the Seaview submarine already existed. Irwin also produced a number of other notable shows, Lost in Space, The Time Tunnel and Land of the Giants.