Named shared by a groundbreaking magazine launched in April 1926 & a TV anthology series that premiered in September 1985
The Final Jeopardy clue for March 7, 2025, fell under the category of “Science Fiction” and read:
“Name shared by a groundbreaking magazine launched in April 1926 & a TV anthology series that premiered in September 1985.”
What is Amazing Stories?
The correct response to this clue was “Amazing Stories.” This name is one of the most recognizable in the history of science fiction, playing a significant role in shaping the genre across different media.
The Legacy of Amazing Stories Magazine
Amazing Stories was first published in April 1926 and is widely regarded as the first magazine dedicated entirely to science fiction. Created by Hugo Gernsback, the magazine helped define science fiction as a distinct literary genre, separating it from adventure fiction and fantasy. Gernsback’s vision was to promote stories that combined scientific principles with imaginative storytelling, a concept he termed “scientifiction.”
Over the decades, Amazing Stories featured early works from some of the most influential science fiction writers, including H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Isaac Asimov. The magazine played a critical role in popularizing science fiction and inspiring generations of writers and readers. Although it went through multiple ownership changes and publication gaps, its influence on the genre remains undeniable.
Amazing Stories as a TV Anthology Series
In 1985, Amazing Stories found a new life on television as an anthology series produced by Steven Spielberg. Premiering on NBC, the show followed the tradition of classic anthology programs like The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, presenting a different story each week.
The series featured a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and supernatural elements, often incorporating Spielberg’s signature sense of wonder and adventure. Notable episodes were directed by industry legends such as Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, and Robert Zemeckis, and included appearances from actors like Kevin Costner and Christopher Lloyd. While the original run lasted only two seasons, Amazing Stories left a lasting impact and was later revived in 2020 by Apple TV+.
The Cultural Significance of Amazing Stories
The fact that both a magazine and a television series shared the name Amazing Stories highlights the lasting cultural impact of the brand. The magazine laid the groundwork for modern science fiction storytelling, influencing everything from literature to film. Meanwhile, the television series brought those imaginative tales to a broader audience, adapting the spirit of early sci-fi for new generations.
Hugo Gernsback’s creation helped establish the foundation for science fiction as we know it today, and Spielberg’s adaptation continued its legacy in visual media. The name Amazing Stories has become synonymous with imaginative, boundary-pushing storytelling in both print and television.
A Final Jeopardy Clue Rooted in Science Fiction History
For fans of both literature and television, this Final Jeopardy question was a fitting tribute to a name that has played a significant role in shaping the world of science fiction. Whether through the printed pages of the pioneering magazine or the captivating stories of Spielberg’s TV series, Amazing Stories remains a hallmark of the genre.
This Final Jeopardy clue celebrated an enduring connection between past and present, showing how a single name can span nearly a century of innovation in storytelling.