Watch The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was a spy-fi television series produced by MGM Television and aired on NBC from 1964 to 1968. The show followed the adventures of two secret agents, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, as they worked for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.) to battle against the global threat of the evil organization, THRUSH.

Starring Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo and David McCallum as Illya Kuryakin, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was notable for its suave and stylish portrayal of secret agent life during the height of the Cold War. The series often featured espionage, action, and humor as well as gadgets and exotic locales, making it a forerunner of spy thrillers such as James Bond.

The show was created by writer and producer Sam Rolfe, who had previously worked on popular Western shows such as Have Gun – Will Travel and The Naked City. Rolfe teamed up with prolific television writer-producer Norman Felton to develop The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and brought in director Richard Donner to oversee the production. Felton's vision was of a global organization that brought people together in a common cause, and he worked closely with Rolfe to develop the characters and storylines.

The show's opening sequence featured a memorable theme tune composed by Jerry Goldsmith, which became a hit on its own and was widely associated with the series. The theme, which incorporated a distinctive Morse code rhythm, was also used in commercials and promos for the show.

Robert Vaughn's character, Napoleon Solo, was the suave and debonair secret agent who always had a plan and a quip for every situation. Vaughn's performance as Solo earned him a Golden Globe award for Best TV Star – Male in 1965. Meanwhile, David McCallum's portrayal of Illya Kuryakin as a reserved and analytical agent proved to be a perfect foil for Vaughn's Solo. Their on-screen chemistry was so potent that a spinoff series featuring McCallum's character was planned, but it never materialized.

Leo G. Carroll played the role of Alexander Waverly, the head of U.N.C.L.E. Waverly was often seen giving orders to the agents and providing comic relief with his dry wit and humorous observations. Carroll's character was originally intended to be a minor role, but his performance quickly became a fan favorite and he was made a regular cast member by the end of the first season.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. gained a passionate following during its initial run, with fans creating fan fiction, fan art, and even fan clubs dedicated to the series. The show's popularity inspired a wave of merchandise, including toys, comic books, and clothing. The series was also noted for its distinctive fashion and design, with Solo often seen wearing a trademark black turtleneck and Kuryakin sporting a distinctive mop-top haircut.

Despite its popularity, the show was not without controversy. Some critics accused The Man From U.N.C.L.E. of glorifying the intelligence agencies during a time when the U.S. was embroiled in the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. Others accused the show of being too frivolous and escapist. The show's creators defended it, arguing that it provided a positive vision of international cooperation and unity against a common enemy.

Despite its mixed reception, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. remains an enduring classic of television history, and its influence can be seen in numerous spy-fi shows and films that followed. The show's stylish portrayal of espionage, its iconic characters, and its memorable theme tune have all contributed to its lasting popularity.

In conclusion, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was a stylish and entertaining spy-fi show that captured the spirit of the 1960s. With its suave characters, globe-trotting adventures, and exotic locales, the series remains a classic of the genre and a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (105 episodes). The series first aired on September 22, 1964.