# Mission: Impossible

> television series (1966-1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q369111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q369111)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission:_Impossible_(1966_TV_series))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mission-impossible-q369111

## Summary
*Mission: Impossible* is a television series that aired from 1966 to 1973, produced by Desilu and originally broadcast on CBS. It is a connected set of television program episodes under the same title, spanning seven seasons and becoming a cultural phenomenon in the spy genre.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Television series (1966–1973)
- **Genre**: Crime television series
- **Production Company**: Desilu (inception: 1950)
- **Original Network**: CBS (inception: September 18, 1927)
- **Country of Origin**: United States (inception: July 4, 1776; recognized September 3, 1783)
- **Duration**: September 17, 1966 – March 30, 1973
- **Seasons**: 7
- **Episodes**: 175
- **Creator**: Bruce Geller (occupation: television producer, writer; citizenship: United States; sitelink_count: 14)
- **Starred Actor**: Peter Graves (occupation: actor, director; citizenship: United States; sitelink_count: 41)
- **Followed By**: *Mission: Impossible* (1988–1990)
- **Instance Of**: Television series
- **Sitelink Count**: 32 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs
**What was the original network and production company behind *Mission: Impossible*?**
The series was produced by Desilu and originally aired on CBS, a major American broadcast television and radio network founded in 1927.

**Who was the lead actor in the original *Mission: Impossible* series?**
Peter Graves starred as Jim Phelps, the leader of the covert operations team, in the series from 1966 to 1973.

**How many seasons and episodes did the original *Mission: Impossible* run for?**
The series ran for seven seasons, totaling 175 episodes, from September 17, 1966, to March 30, 1973.

**What genre does *Mission: Impossible* belong to?**
The series is classified as a crime television series, blending espionage thrills with social commentary.

**Who created *Mission: Impossible* and what was their role?**
Bruce Geller, an American television producer and writer, was the creator of the series, contributing to its development and production.

## Why It Matters
*Mission: Impossible* was a groundbreaking television series that defined the spy genre in the 1960s and 1970s. Its blend of high-stakes espionage, social commentary, and innovative storytelling influenced later action and crime television. The series' success paved the way for the modern blockbuster film franchise, which later revitalized the *Mission: Impossible* brand. Beyond its entertainment value, the show explored themes of morality, technology, and international intrigue, making it a cultural touchstone of its era. Its legacy endures in both television and film, shaping the landscape of action entertainment.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Phenomenon**: One of the first major spy television series, blending espionage with social commentary.
- **Iconic Lead Role**: Peter Graves' portrayal of Jim Phelps became synonymous with the franchise.
- **Innovative Storytelling**: Pioneered the use of espionage elements in television, influencing later action series.
- **Long-Running Success**: Ran for seven seasons, totaling 175 episodes, establishing a dedicated fanbase.
- **Franchise Foundation**: The original series laid the groundwork for the successful *Mission: Impossible* film series.
- **Genre Influence**: Helped define the spy and crime television genres in the 1960s and 1970s.
- **Production Legacy**: Produced by Desilu, a key player in early television production.
- **Network Broadcast**: Originally aired on CBS, a major American broadcast network.

## Body
### Overview
*Mission: Impossible* is a television series that aired from 1966 to 1973, produced by Desilu and originally broadcast on CBS. The series starred Peter Graves as Jim Phelps, the leader of a covert operations team, and became a cultural phenomenon in the spy genre. It ran for seven seasons, totaling 175 episodes, and was created by Bruce Geller, an American television producer and writer.

### Production and Broadcast
The series was produced by Desilu, an American production company founded in 1950. It originally aired on CBS, a major American broadcast television and radio network established in 1927. The show's production spanned from September 17, 1966, to March 30, 1973, making it a long-running series in the 1960s and 1970s.

### Genre and Influence
*Mission: Impossible* is classified as a crime television series, blending espionage thrills with social commentary. Its innovative storytelling and high-stakes espionage elements influenced later action and crime television. The series helped define the spy genre in the 1960s and 1970s, paving the way for the modern blockbuster film franchise.

### Legacy
The original *Mission: Impossible* series laid the groundwork for the successful *Mission: Impossible* film series, which revitalized the brand. Its legacy endures in both television and film, shaping the landscape of action entertainment. The show explored themes of morality, technology, and international intrigue, making it a cultural touchstone of its era.

### Connected Entities
- **Desilu**: The production company behind *Mission: Impossible*, founded in 1950.
- **CBS**: The original broadcast network, established in 1927.
- **Peter Graves**: The lead actor, known for his role as Jim Phelps.
- **Bruce Geller**: The creator of the series, an American television producer and writer.
- **United States**: The country of origin, with a rich history of influential television and film production.

## References

1. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/kobra-uebernehmen-sie)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BabelNet
4. Online-Filmdatenbank
5. mymovies.it
6. The Movie Database
7. FilmVandaag.nl