"A pioneer of parapsychological drama before the modern boom."
Premiering in 1972 on ABC, The Sixth Sense attempted to bridge the gap between procedural drama and the supernatural. Starring Gary Collins as Dr. Anthony Rhodes, the series explored parapsychology with a serious, academic tone that set it apart from typical horror anthologies. While it struggled to find a massive audience during its initial two-season run, its legacy was cemented when it was edited into Rod Serling’s Night Gallery for syndication. This transition allowed the show to reach a broader cult following. By focusing on extrasensory perception and hauntings through a lens of psychological inquiry, the series paved the way for future investigative paranormal hits. It remains a fascinating artifact of early 1970s television, capturing a specific era's fascination with the unexplained and psychic frontier.
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Sep 23, 1972 | Coffin, Coffin, in the Sky (aka: Flying Sepulcher of Death) | |
| E2 | Sep 30, 1972 | Dear Joan: We're Going to Scare You to Death | |
| E3 | Oct 07, 1972 | Witness Within | |
| E4 | Oct 14, 1972 | With Affection, Jack the Ripper | |
| E5 | Oct 28, 1972 | Once Upon a Chilling | |
| E6 | Nov 04, 1972 | Through a Flame Darkly | |
| E7 | Nov 11, 1972 | I Did Not Mean to Slay Thee | |
| E8 | Nov 25, 1972 | And Scream by the Light of the Moon, the Moon (aka: Candle, Candle Burning Bright) | |
| E9 | Dec 02, 1972 | If I Should Die Before I Wake | |
| E10 | Dec 09, 1972 | Five Widows Weeping | |
| E11 | Dec 16, 1972 | Gallows in the Wind | |
| E12 | Dec 23, 1972 | The Eyes That Wouldn't Die |
Franchise Status: Legacy / Concluded
The Sixth Sense remains a definitive pillar of Supernatural television, having concluded its influential run on ABC. This series carved out a unique space in the early 1970s by treating extrasensory perception and paranormal phenomena with a grounded, psychological seriousness that was rare for its time. By centering on Dr. Michael Rhodes, the program bridged the gap between traditional gothic horror and the procedural investigative format, laying the essential groundwork for future classics like The X-Files. Its legacy is found in how it elevated the genre from mere campfire stories to intellectual explorations of the human mind and its untapped potential.
For modern audiences, the show serves as a fascinating time capsule of mid-century aesthetics and the cultural fascination with the occult. Its rewatch value stems from the atmospheric tension and the high-caliber guest stars who brought gravitas to stories of precognition and hauntings. Even decades after its final broadcast, the series retains a cult following among fans who appreciate its moody cinematography and its commitment to a sober, non-sensationalist portrayal of the unknown.