‘The Twilight Zone’ Top 15 Episodes of All-Time, Ranked
The Twilight Zone is one of the greatest television shows of all time. And in 2025, there will be two marathons to celebrate the end of the year, first on Christmas Day, then the usual New Year’s one.
Hearing countless tales narrated by series creator Rod Serling about man’s folly and the lessons life will always offer feels like the perfect way to ring in a new year. Although humankind still faces the same issues and fears that we did back when Serling created the science fiction anthology, the moral story of each bizarre take on the subject matter is always poignant and asks for the best of society.
There aren’t many shows today that hold people accountable for their collective behavior, and far fewer offer lessons on how to behave in the world. These things make The Twilight Zone so revered and why it deserves celebrating to this day. So, as the marathons approach, and you’re settling into your next cup of holiday spirits, check out our list of the 15 best episodes of The Twilight Zone.
What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below–and rest assured, no matter where we may be, we will be tuning into the Syfy marathon, too!
15. To Serve Man”(Season 3, Episode 24)
CBS
A seemingly helpful alien civilization offers solutions to Earth’s problems and then invites people to their home planet with a book as a guide. Cryptologists decipher the book’s name, but the truth inside is revealed too late. The episode is famous for its unintentional black-comedy twist, highlighting society’s ability to blindly trust those who promise them whatever it is they desire. It also showcases The Twilight Zone’s skill in blending fantastic premises with existential horror and irony, reminding folks why they fell in love with the series in the first place.
14. The Silence (Season 2, Episode 15)
CBS
“The Silence” is an underrated gem that draws inspiration, in part, from Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” It is “the story of possibly the strangest bet ever to occur in the annals of chance.” Irritated by the incessant talking of a fellow club member, a man challenges him to stay silent for a year, residing in a glass enclosure in the club’s basement. Notably, the episode deviates from the show’s traditional science fiction elements, which makes the incredible dialogue and two twists stand out so much. It’s a demonstration of pride and humility, but also a desperation for money still prevalent in shows such as Squid Game and its reality show successor. Art imitates life, after all.
13. The Grave (Season 3, Episode 7)
CBS/ Everett Collection
This episode briefly examines toxic masculinity and the inability to admit fear. It also delves into the paranormal and how disrespecting the dead may come back to haunt you. A cowboy fails to dispatch an outlaw, and a bar full of his contractors calls him out for it. The town got rid of the outlaw itself, but just before he died, he told them the cowboy skipped out on their confrontation. Upon the cowboy’s return, the bar makes a bet that the cowboy is too afraid to visit the grave. The cowboy reluctantly accepts. If only this grown adult male didn’t succumb to peer pressure. “You take this with a grain of salt or a shovelful of earth, as shadow or substance, we leave it up to you,” Serling says during the closing narration.
12. Living Doll (Season 5, Episode 6)
CBS/Everett Collection
The stepfather in this installment is comically hot-tempered and cruel in the way a man from the ’60s could only be. When his wife and stepdaughter walk in with a new talking doll, he loses it over the purchase. Then we’re clued in that he doesn’t get along with the stepdaughter. The doll then becomes the physical manifestation of the mistreatment of the man’s family, and every time he goes too far, the threats from the doll become more real. It soon becomes apparent this doll is protecting the family and fulfilling the desires of the small girl.
11. Nick of Time (Season 2, Episode 7)
CBS/Everett Collection
This episode showcases a young William Shatner succumbing to a toy fortune-teller at a diner that feeds into the man’s superstitions and fears. Before his “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” debut, Shatner is plagued by the “what ifs” in life, which keep him from leaving the table and getting on with his life. It’s as if Serling is saying that, for some, living an uncertain life is no way to live. It’s as if a life of uncertainty is another version of living in The Twilight Zone itself. However, by the end, it’s clear that uncertainty makes life what it is.
10. The Masks (Season 5, Episode 25)
CBS/Everett Collection
An old, dying, rich father has a vapid family that awaits his inheritance with bated breath. He considers his spoiled children changeless and, as his dying wish, demands they wear horrific masks. Except these ugly masks are mystical and meant to represent the wearer. The man spends his final hours on the mortal coil, being brutally honest with his disgust of his family, and holds an ugly mirror up at them, figuratively and literally, once they realize the horrible masks have become their new faces. It feels cathartic watching this man berate his family, who only yearn to see him die to devour his riches like vultures. It feels even better seeing them all getting their just desserts after the father finally perishes. “They now wear the faces of all that was inside them—and they’ll wear them for the rest of their lives,” Serling concludes.
9. The Howling Man (Season 2, Episode 5)
Courtesy of Syfy
Evil is just as much a part of this world as good. Both are needed and are forces of nature, but neither can be staved off forever. And that’s the message of “The Howling Man,” when a wanderer unintentionally frees the devil out into society. Much like the Devil, he tricks the man into believing he’s a helpless victim who was restrained by the monks who have sheltered the wanderer up to this point. But when he questions the monks, and they tell them the truth, it’s easier for the wanderer to accept the lie of The Devil, which leads to his freedom.
It’s a cut-and-dry tale about what plagues mankind’s greatest atrocities, what drives people to believe what’s convenient over the truth, and that staving evil is like trying to contain smoke in the palms of your hands. Evil is an inevitability.
8. Walking Distance (Season 1, Episode 5)
CBS
In our increasingly complex world, there is a collective yearning within society to return to simpler times, a sentiment amplified in Martin Sloan’s experience. Initially desiring a journey back to his childhood days, he soon discovers that such a regression only serves to blur once-cherished, rose-tinted memories. Nostalgia’s allure pervades contemporary society, weaving its way into our media, music, and even our emotional core, as culture capitalizes on the comforting embrace of the past. Unfortunately, this reliance on nostalgia often hinders the creation of new, fresh moments of fondness. The episode also serves as a critique of the unrelenting pressures of the business world and the disillusionment that accompanies adulthood. Narratives like this are timeless, as proven by Serling’s closing monologue.
7. Eye of the Beholder (Season 2, Episode 6)
CBS/Everett Collection
With one of the most iconic endings in the show’s history, “Eye of the Beholder” is not only a masterclass in writing but also direction, as no faces are revealed for the entire episode. We believe the title of this installment is due to our character’s hideous face keeping her from conforming to society. But it isn’t until the reconstruction of her face is revealed that we see the true moral of this tale, and the reveal is masterful. We then realize the message goes against said conformity, especially when we learn it’s state-mandated that citizens look a certain way to be embraced. It, alongside many other moments of the show, has gone on to become a staple in the pop culture lexicon, with countless callbacks and references to this particular moment.
6. Five Characters in Search of an Exit (Season 3, Episode 14)
CBS
Trapped in a featureless chamber with no recollection of their arrival, a ballerina, bagpipe player, old-school hobo, serious clown, and gung-ho Army major find themselves conscious and alive indefinitely. Beyond its mysterious setting and plot, the episode is renowned for eschewing moral endings, opting instead for one of the most extravagant and haunting twists in its collection of tales. This conclusion’s resonance can be observed in other narratives with elaborate endings, exemplified in shows like St. Elsewhere and Lost, though executed to greater impact. The 1997 film Cube is said to have drawn inspiration from this episode. The TV series Felicity acknowledged its influence in the episode “Help for the Lovelorn,” directed by Lamont Johnson, who also directed the referenced episode. Surprisingly, even the initial three Toy Story movies touch on themes of existentialism, purpose, and the concept of life, much like this single episode managed in a mere 22 minutes.
5. The Little People (Season 3, Episode 28)
CBS
What happens when the average man has the chance to become a big shot? Would he approach the position humbly, treating other average Joe’s better than he was? Or would he become the most powerful big shot of them all? A ruler of all? Well, when two stranded astronauts come across a tiny civilization of aliens on a barren planet, one develops a God Complex, and the other delivers the perfect analysis of his partner’s slow descent. The twist comes toward the end when “the God” feels most in control; he’s reminded how tiny of a man he truly is. Serling closes by saying the man was “a victim of a delusion,” and in this case, “the dream dies a little harder than the man.” Rick and Morty even parodied it!
4. The Shelter (Season 3, Episode 3)
CBS
Rod Serling was in his bag during the third season, which is apparent by our list. This episode serves as a microcosm of what would happen if the water shut off and the end was near. What would happen if resources were scarce for survival and the inevitable clash between the haves and have-nots ensued? Neighbors would turn on each other, and all the dismal reasons to see your fellow man as an enemy would bubble up to the surface. It also asks if our interactions with each other are real or a mask we show each other as a convenience.
“The Shelter” showcases how cruel the means of survival can get and how turning a blind eye to the ills of society may bite you in the ass when it all hits the fan. Although these themes are explored in the episode “The Monsters Due on Maple Street,” we like that the enemy here comes from within instead of something external.
3. It’s a Good Life (Season 3, Episode 8)
CBS/Everett Collection
Another classic episode from Rod Serling is based on Jerome Bixby’s short story of the same name. This installment depicts a child with supernatural powers and a bad temper who can make things he doesn’t like disappear, including people. If any adults go against him, they face the repercussions of being sent to the cornfield. It’s a child’s male power family that comes to life, showcasing how power is corruptible no matter who or what age you are. It’s also worth mentioning how fantastic the performances are. You can really feel the fear from the adults whenever this small child suggests even the slightest irritation.
TV Guide Magazine considers it to be one of the greatest episodes of the series, and it’s hard to argue against it. The episode has inspired other tales, such as the 2017 Black Mirror episode “USS Callister,” The Omen, and even a video game quest from Fallout 3. It’s also been spoofed from everything from The Simpsons to Johnny Bravo.
2. A Game of Pool (Season 3, Episode 5)
CBS/Everett Collection
This is a bottle episode and an abridged version of the Jackie Gleason film The Hustler. As such, it roughly shares the same plot. It also shares its penchant for excellent dialogue, pristine camera work, and great pool action. But it also has a layer of clashing philosophies and ideologies that come to life during the competitive game. But of course, The Twilight Zone adds its own spin by raising the game’s stakes and putting both men’s souls on the line.
What does it mean to be the best? A legend? What happens when your joy becomes your occupation, and what do you miss out on due to your quest to be number one? All of these questions and more are explored in “A Game of Pool,” and it’s a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
1. Time Enough at Last (Season 1, Episode 8)
CBS/Everett Collection
What can be said about this timeless installment of the anthology series that hasn’t already been said? It’s one of those installments you grow up knowing the ending of thanks to countless references and parodies to it, like Family Guy. What makes the ending of this episode so iconic is the meek Henry Bemis’s (played by Burgess Meredith) desperation to read in the first place. Everyone ridiculed his bookworm tendencies, and he got no respect from people, which only made him retreat into his books further.
Although most make fun of the irony of the ending, pop culture rarely analyzes some of the themes of this tale; some include its critique of retreating from society, being careful what you wish for, and how the decline of reading physical books is becoming a thing of the future.
Honorable Mentions
Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (Season 5, Episode 3)
The Twilight Zone succeeds by staying close to our reality yet enhancing the fear in certain scenarios. Some episodes heighten existing fears, such as the unsettling experience of air travel. Despite comforting statistics, boarding a seemingly unfathomable machine will forever remain a leap of faith. Now, imagine a lone passenger, Bob Wilson (played nervously by William Shatner), seeing a malevolent monster bent on crashing the plane— a monster visible only to him. It terrifies Wilson, especially considering he’s flying for the first time after a previous nervous breakdown on a plane. It’s not out of the realm of possibility, but a fear that can only be enhanced by the wicked corners of The Twilight Zone–or a controlled substance on a flight to Orlando.
A Nice Place To Visit (Season 1, Episode 28)
CBS/Everett Collection
A petty thief named Rocky Valentine dies and passes on, according to his guardian angel, Pip. Although he maintains his skepticism, his wishes for everything he ever wanted in life are granted instantly: money, slacking off every day at the casino, and a penthouse suite with “a chick that won’t quit.” But what happens when an unscrupulous character gets everything he can ask for at a whim? What happens when success turns into ash in your mouth? What does the personal hell of an unsavory man look like?
Unrelated: Donald Trump once commented that this episode inspired his philosophy of success, stating, “I fight hard for victory, and I think I enjoy it as much as I ever did. But I realize that maybe new victories won’t be the same as the first couple.” We think this parallels with the closing narration quite well: “A scared, angry little man who never got a break. Now he has everything he’s ever wanted – and he’s going to have to live with it for eternity.”
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To Serve Man.
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It's a cookbook
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IT'S.....IT'S.....
If you don’t include both "It's's"
You lose the delivery!!
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How did they not give that one an honorable mention at least?
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Classic!!
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Nightmare at 20,000 feet is one of the best!
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I think it’s been 40 or 50 years since I’ve seen this one and I still have nightmares when he pushes the window covering open and that thing has his face in the window looking at him standing on the wing of the plane.
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The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street
Nightmare at 20,000 Feet
Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?
The Lonely (Cory..Cory..)
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Yes, the episode with Jack warden, as a prisoner on the planet and they bring him a lifelike doll for company is a great great episode
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Monsters are Due on Maple Street is the best followed by To Serve Man.if
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You are so correct, Molly. Plus there's: To Serve Man,
A Stop at Willoughby
The Midnight Sun
The Hitch-Hiker
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Saw two days of show last weekend. Could not watch Midnight Sun.
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When I first saw the Martian episode as a kid, I was engrossed in the episode and was freaked out by the ending as I did not see any of that coming.
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The Bewitching Pool.
First time I ever saw anything about the neglect of children being a source of abuse.
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Twilight zone was the best program on tv. Then or now. I enjoyed EVERY episode.
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A Hundred Yards Over the Rim
The After Hours
A Stop at Willoughby
Twenty-Two
Two
The Passersby
Death's Head Revisited
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C
Next stop Willoughby that is a great episode
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P
A stop at Willoughby and 22 are 2 of our favorites. We also like the Santa Claus episode and the extended length one with German orphan with clairvoyant abilities, Ilsa.
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O
Santa claus episode is called night of the meek. It is my favorite.
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With Art Carney!! Loved that episode.
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Death’s Head episode was an amazing interplay between the two main characters in the former concentration camp. Sterling’s closing narrative about hatred is timeless and stands out for how he
Relates the episode to real life.
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The Hunt
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My favorite. Written by Earl Hamner.
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What about the Obsolete man.
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I always liked Walking Distance with Gig Young , how many of us have made the statement? If I could go back and change a few things, or if I could do it all over again...
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I am surprised that Walking Distance didn’t make the top ten list.
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Oh, my! Thanks for reminding me of: To Serve Man.
Another one I remembered: The Invaders
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A Stop at Willoughby, Nothing in the Dark, kick the Can and the Hitchhiker.
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Why bring politics into this????
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It's called TDS.
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Eye of the Beholder at #8 and NO Monsters are Due on Maple Street? Seriously?
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An occurrence at owl creek bridge
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Obviously a subjective listing of "best" episodes.
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In the eye of the beholder- you are absolutely right
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The monsters are due on maple street has to be one of all time favorites. Sad that it didn't make the list.
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"The Howling Man" is the best, "Cavender is Coming" is the worst.
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What about the one with the dolls in the Christmas can the ballerina and the other characters who are trying to get out but they end up just being Christmas toys
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Midnight Sun 🌞!
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Room for one more, honey...I still get goosebumps!
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The whole planet should be forced to watch Eye Of The Beholder.
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It's amazing how the episodes fit today's society.
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“What’s in the Box” with William Demarest and Joan Blondell of all people it’s a later episode, but one of the best where the TV repairman comes over to ostensibly fix the TV that Demorest is seeing himself kill his wife in,
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The Changing of the Guard
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Yes still feel emotionally for Donald Pleasance character and his ghostly experiences with his past students.
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Some people are obsessed with Trump. It's laughable, ridiculous and boring. Have a wonderful New Year!
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Always somebody
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I love horror, however that being said, Night of the Meek is my all time favorite Twilight Zone episode. Talk about a moral to the story. If you have passes this gem by watch it asap.
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Nice to know which ones were written by Serling
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How about nothing in the dark?
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It’s number 15 on the list already….
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They were crazy to leave that episode off the list. Surely one of the best.
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I have a Talky Tina Doll Love The Twilight zone. Also love the one with Santa Claus handing out gifts
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Miniature and to serve man are far better than what's on the list
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Nick of time still spooks me to this day. Brilliant
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The Twilight Zone is television 📺 at its very best.
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Mr Death with Robert Redford. Very touching. Also, the My best pitch episode where a street vendor kept Mr. Death busy until a little girl's appointed time was missed. He then took the street vendor.
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To Serve Man
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How about The Hitchhiker?
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Missing the following off the top of my head:
The Monsters are Due on Maple Street
To Serve Man
The Hitcher
The Midnight Sun
Nightmare as a Child
The Silence
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Third from the Sun from the first season should make the top 10.
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The Silence (Season 2, Episode 15) .i think it is S2E25, no ?
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My favorite, in a tie with The Night of the Meek with Art Carney.
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My favorites are The Night of the
Meek, starring Art Carney, and The Hunt. I loved nearly all of the shows, but I love animals, and Art Carney was astounding in his role in The Meek. if he didn't get an Emmy for that performance, he was robbed.
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Night call.BOb
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I think Hunt should be higher placed.they even made a cartoon movie out of it later. It still,a hunt for good or evil!
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Loved “Willoughby”. It sure would be nice to dream about such a happy quaint simple life.
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Season 2 ep 15 The Invaders should be on your list. As a child I was scared spotless, as an adult I appreciate the amazing acting by Agnes Moorehead.
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What You Need, I shot an Arrow, The Lonely, The Obsolete Man, The Monsters are Due on Maple Street, Where is Everybody could be my top 7. Eye of the Beholder is excellent but can only be watched once to have the right effect. And of course Nightmare at 20,000 feet. I've seen them all and all of hem are very good and most carry a message that is relevant today. Rod Serling was a genius and I like the Occurance at Owl Creek. Not a Twilight Zone episode but presented on Twighlight zone by Serling. It was made in France.
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The Midnight Sun was one of my favorites. I thought it was one of the best
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Note to the Author: Number 2 on your list is A Game of Pool - It is listed as Season 1, Episode 5. This might be a Typo, it’s listed as Season 3, Episode 5 on IMDB.
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100 yards over the rim with Cliff Robertson!
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A Game Of Pool is not in season 1. It is in season 3, episode 5. Please correct this.
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"To Serve Man"
Hello?
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Enjoyed all episodes, but the only one I think didn’t work or get into was “I sing the body Electric”
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The Twilight Zone I can watch for hours end. Love the show!
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Just saw two days of Twilight Zone on Decades channel.
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Does anybody remember the episode about "the cheaters". They were glasses that you'd put on and see the future, I think?
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In“To Serve Man” not on the list come on
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“Printer’s Devil.” should be in the top 5
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I'd like to see Rod's personal top 10 list instead of ths subpar one.
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People Are Alike All Over not up there? Scariest as hell for me!
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Deathshead Revisited
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4 o clock is also in my top 5 best episodes
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Walking Distance is my favorite.
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My favorite episode is What You Need......surprised it didn't make the list.
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There are a couple of terrible episodes on this list, and it's missing some fantastic ones.
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Definitely nightmare at 20,000 feet.
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It's so hard to pick a favorite but I love "the jar" based on Ray Bradbury's story of the same name (I think)
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I think this was an episode of Alfred Hitchcock
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This list is complete trash lol
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He's Alive
Carbón copy of what is happening in this country because of Trump
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Give it a break, enough politics, l suppose you’re happy with Biden’s economy
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