Supertrain: The Costly Sci-Fi Flop That Nearly Sank NBC
In the annals of television history, few shows can rival the infamy of "Supertrain." This ambitious sci-fi drama, envisioned as a luxurious, futuristic train adventure, became one of the most expensive and spectacular failures in TV history. The story of "Supertrain" is a cautionary tale about the perils of overambition, poor execution, and the delicate balance between creativity and commercial viability.
The series was conceived in the late 1970s by Fred Silverman, a former CBS and ABC executive known for his hits like "All In The Family," "Happy Days," and "The Love Boat." Silverman was tasked with revitalizing NBC, and he set his sights on a show that would showcase his "golden gut" for hit-making. The result was "Supertrain," a nuclear-powered, futuristic train series focused on the social interactions of its passengers.
Silverman brought in Dan Curtis, the creator of "Dark Shadows," to serve as showrunner. The network poured resources into the project, including a reported $7 million for a two-hour pilot episode, making it the most expensive show in TV history at the time. The sets were lavish, the model trains detailed, and the cast boasted stars like Edward Andrews, Robert Alda, and guest appearances from the likes of Steve Lawrence and Dick Van Dyke.
However, the show's promise never materialized. The storylines were melodramatic and unengaging, and the sets failed to project the elegance they were designed to convey, instead feeling oppressive and claustrophobic. The initial reviews were mixed, and the show struggled to win its time slot, with each of the first five episodes failing to attract viewers.
After a series of overhauls, including a reduced main cast and a more "Love Boat"-like tone, "Supertrain" still couldn't find its footing. By the end of the 1978-79 season, it had slipped to 69th place out of 114 shows, and NBC cut its losses. The network had invested millions in sets, model trains, and production, and the show's failure coincided with a significant loss in advertising revenue due to the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Olympics.
The aftermath of "Supertrain" was dire. The show's failure almost led to NBC's bankruptcy, and the network was left with a substantial financial deficit. The series became a legendary TV bomb, a cautionary tale for future producers and networks. Yet, in a twist of fate, one of the original model trains from "Supertrain" was eventually acquired by a Los Angeles-based producer, ensuring that at least one person found some value in the show's legacy.
The story of "Supertrain" serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can falter. It highlights the importance of balancing creativity with commercial viability and the potential consequences of overreaching. While the show's failure was catastrophic for NBC, it also provides a fascinating insight into the challenges of producing television in an era of high expectations and rapid innovation.
