Jodie Foster’s Annual TV Obsession: The Show She Watches Every Year
Jodie Foster has long had a yearly tradition of binge-watching a TV show that has fascinated her since childhood: The Twilight Zone. Growing up in Hollywood from the age of three, Foster was exposed to the strange and sometimes dark side of show business. It makes sense, then, that she would be drawn to Rod Serling’s iconic sci-fi horror series.
The Twilight Zone first aired in 1959 and quickly became famous for blending science fiction, horror, and fantasy into standalone stories that often ended with a twist. Episodes explored time travel, doppelgängers, haunted objects, and dystopian worlds, taking viewers into strange, unsettling scenarios that reflected deeper truths about human nature and society.
Over the years, the show has influenced countless creators, including Stephen King, who has said that “the horror could be in the Seven Eleven store down the block, or it could be just up the street.”
For Foster, watching the show became a yearly ritual. She once told Empire, “Every single year, it was like a 48-hour marathon; non-stop Twilight Zone. It was my favourite thing.” Her devotion reflects the show’s enduring power, with its episodes still appearing on television and maintaining relevance decades after they first aired.
Created and presented by Rod Serling, The Twilight Zone ran for five seasons on CBS from 1959 to 1964. Serling was the executive producer and head writer, contributing to 92 of the series’ 156 episodes. He also appeared on-screen as host and narrator, often delivering opening and closing monologues that framed the story and offered commentary on the characters’ journeys.
The show became known for its mix of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, with more fantasy episodes than sci-fi, and introduced a wide range of actors, from established stars to future household names. The phrase “entering the Twilight Zone” has even become part of everyday language, used to describe surreal or disorienting experiences.
Foster’s yearly marathon is a testament to the show’s timeless appeal. Its combination of imagination, suspense, and moral storytelling continues to captivate audiences, proving that even decades later, The Twilight Zone remains a cornerstone of television history.
It’s fascinating to see how a show so old can still hold such a strong place in a star’s life. Foster’s dedication reminds us that great television can leave a lasting impact, shaping our tastes and traditions over the years. What shows do you find yourself rewatching every year? Share your thoughts in the comments.
