Overview

David Vincent has seen them. For him, it began one lost night on a lonely country road, looking for a shortcut that he never found. It began with a closed deserted diner, and a man too long without sleep to continue his journey...

Premise: The Invaders explores the concept of extraterrestrial infiltration within the Cold War context. Unlike other sci-fi of the era, the threat is invisible, mimicking human form and embedding itself in positions of power.

Production Details

Showrunner Quinn Martin (QM Productions)
Network ABC
Airing Dates January 10, 1967 – March 26, 1968
Episode Count 43 Episodes

Cast & Characters

Roy Thinnes as David Vincent

Thinnes brought an intense, almost frantic energy to the role of the architect-turned-vigilante. His performance anchored the series, providing a human emotional core against the cold, emotionless aliens.

Special Guest Stars

The series was famous for featuring "before-they-were-famous" icons including Gene Hackman, Jack Lord, and Suzanne Pleshette.

Episode Guide

Detailed breakdown of Season 1 and Season 2 narratives.

Episode 01: "Beachhead"
Vincent discovers the alien craft in the town of Kinney. No one believes him. The journey begins.

Ratings & Viewership

Historical Nielsen data indicates that *The Invaders* performed strongly in its first season, ranking 39th nationally. However, the shift to a 10:00 PM time slot in the second season led to its eventual cancellation.

Legacy

The show's influence can be felt in modern classics like The X-Files and V. The "human-passing alien" is now a staple of the genre.

Data & Sources