TV Sci-Fi Shows and Their Robots Quiz

Answer: "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" (1979-1981)

"Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" was a science fiction adventure television series that aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981. It was about an astronaut named Captain William "Buck" Rogers (Gil Gerard) who, through a freak accident, returns to Earth 500 years later in the 25th century. He must use his skills to help the Earth forces protect the planet from various alien threats, primarily the Draconian Empire.

One of his loyal sidekicks was a small robot named Twiki. It was an "ambuquad", a type of robot with artificial intelligence. Twiki, named after his model type TWKE-4, was assigned to carry Dr. Theopolis, a glowing round computer. As a friend of Buck's, Twiki developed a unique personality and was often the comic relief. It was known for the catch phrase "Bidi-bidi-biddi, what's up, Buck?". Actor and stuntman Felix Silla was inside the small robot to handle the motor skills and famed voice actor Mel Blanc was the sound for the first season.

Answer: "Battlestar Galactica" (1978-1979)

"Battlestar Galactica" was a science fiction franchise that produced two primary television series, including the 1978 original. The premise is that after a 1,000 year war with a robotic race called "Ceylons", the only surviving military ship is the Battlestar Galactica, an aging battleship and spacecraft carrier. It is captained by Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) and his son, Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch), is a fighter pilot. They are on a search for Earth.

After Captain Apollo's son's "daggit" (a canine-like pet) died, it was replaced with Muffit II, which was a robotic "daggit". It was distinctive with a furry exterior and a robotic head, spinning ears, and a springy tail. The robot was capable of tracking scents and often proved to be helpful in dangerous situations. It was also the little boy's constant companion. Muffit II was played by a female chimpanzee named Evolution. This is what gave the robot its unique loping gait.

Answer: "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (1989-1999)

"Mystery Science Theater 3000" is a comedy science fiction show that ran on Comedy Central for a decade before it became a movie in 1996 and then two seasons on Netflix in 2017 and 2018. The story is that a human is launched into orbit on the Satellite of Love (SOL) by mad scientists. The human is forced to watch bad movies until one is found so horrible that it drives him insane. He is joined in the theater by two robots who are silhouetted against the screen with him and they all yell out witty comments.

One of the two robots that sits and watches the movies is Tom Servo. He has a red and white paint scheme and a head like a gumball machine that is occasionally filled with goodies. He is highly intellectual with deep knowledge of many subjects but is very sensitive. He has a great sense of humor and often breaks out in song. Tom is actually a puppet made out of various toys, such as a dune buggy engine and a coin bank.

Answer: "The Jetsons" (1962 - 1963)

"The Jetsons" is an animated science fiction show. It first ran from 1962 to 1963 then a second syndicated series ran from 1985 to 1987. It is about a family called the Jetsons who live in 2062 in a futuristic place called Orbit City. George, the father, works at a factory while his wife, Judy, stays at home and uses space-age gadgets. They have two children and a dog named Astro. The show follows the family utilizing things like smart watches and video calls. Sound familiar?

The Jetson family also has the help of a domestic robot named Rosie the Maid. She has a blue metal human-like torso on a single leg with wheels. She wears a maid's hat and a frilly apron. Even though she is an "outdated Model XB-500", she is a loved part of the family that handles a variety of chores. She does require periodic maintenance, however.

Answer: "Lost In Space" (1965-1968)

"Lost in Space" is a science fiction show that ran from 1965 to 1968 and then again on Netflix from 2018 to 2021. The show is about the adventures of the Robinson family, space colonists who are prematurely stranded in an unknown part of the galaxy. It is the futuristic year of 1997 and the Robinsons are lost due to a malfunction of their spaceship after an enemy scientist climbed on board. The group visits different planets throughout their adventures.

Along with the family, the pilot, and the scientist, there is a robot on board. It is simply called "Robot" because it does not have a name. It has a transparent "bubble" head revealing complex inner workings and lights, a torso with a control panel and flashing lights, and pincer-claws for hands. It is a Model B-9 and can do calculations, handle heavy projects, and can utilize defensive techniques. It is best known for its verbal warning, "Danger, Will Robinson!". The Robot was physically portrayed by stuntman Bob May, who was inside the costume.

Answer: "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" (1981)

"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is a 1981 British science-fiction comedy television series that was an adaptation of the popular book. It was about a man named Arthur Dent who learns that Earth is about to be demolished to make way for a stellar highway. He and his friend Ford Prefect hitchhike across the galaxy armed only with a travel guide and a towel. They are soon picked up by a ship with an alien and a human female. They then continue on various adventures throughout space.

With them on the ship is a robot named Marvin the Paranoid Android. Marvin is a super-intelligent robot who is nevertheless perpetually bored and deeply depressed. He has a classic tin can robot body with a big, bulbous head and a sad expression with red eyes. Despite possessing "a brain the size of a planet" and the capacity to solve nearly any problem in the universe, he is relegated to boring, everyday tasks. His pessimistic lines were a source of comedy on the show. He was played by actor David Learner, who wore the costume.

Answer: "Knight Rider" (1982-1986)

"Knight Rider" is an action science fiction show that aired from 1982 to 1986. It was about a man named Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff) who is given a new face and identity after an accident. He then becomes a field agent in an experimental public justice program. In this role, he travels around the country defending the innocent and powerless against crime mobs or terrorists.

As part of his role, he is given a unique tool. It is "KITT" which is a Knight Industries Two Thousand modified sports car. It has sophisticated artificial intelligence and can not only drive itself but can communicate and utilize an array of high-tech gadgets. This robotic car has a very recognizable external feature: the red, sweeping scanner light-called the Anamorphic Equalizer-integrated into the front nose of the car. This acts as the "eyes" of the unit. Actor William Daniels was the voice of the car, which gave it a very unique personality.

Answer: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987-1994)

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" is a science fiction show from 1987 to 1994 that revitalized the original "Star Trek" franchise. It is set in the 24th century and the stories take place aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. As the crew "boldly goes where no one has gone before," they interact with different alien cultures. They also clash frequently with a group of cyborgs who assimilate technology to reach perfection. While many of the crew are human, there are also Klingons and other aliens.

Also on the crew is Lieutenant Commander Data, who is a Soong-type android created by a scientist. He has a human-like appearance but does have off-white/pale gold skin, black hair, and yellow eyes. He is incapable of feeling emotions but desperately wants to become more human. He is smart and kind and sometimes his logical outlook on life makes for a comical relief. Lt. Data was played by Brent Spiner.

Answer: "Small Wonder" (1985-1989)

"Small Wonder" is a science fiction sitcom that aired from 1985 until 1989. The show is about the Lawson family, which consists of robotics engineer Ted, his wife Joan, and their son Jamie. Ted secretly builds a robot that looks like a little girl and calls her V.I.C.I. (Voice Input Child Identicant). The series then chronicles how the family tries to pass her off as an adopted daughter. The nosy neighbors and their son provide comic relief as they try to interact with V.I.C.I.

The robot girl V.I.C.I. looks like a ten-year-old girl who wears a cute dress. However, she has superhuman strength and can run incredibly fast. Her Artificial Intelligence also makes her quite smart, as well as quite literal, so she often misunderstands innuendos or puns. She needs to be recharged and has a plug outlet under her arm. She was played by actress Tiffany Brissette.

Answer: "Futurama" (1990-2003)

"Futurama" was a science fiction animated sitcom that originally ran from 1990 through 2003. It was then revived several times on different channels. The show was created by Matt Groening, who also did "The Simpsons". The show is about a character named Philip J Fry who wakes up, after a deep freeze, in the year 2999. He is still a delivery boy for the same pizza chain but now faces futuristic issues and topics. He interacts with, and makes friends with, a variety of human and alien characters.

Bender Bending Rodríguez ("Bender") is one of these friends who is also Philip's roommate. He abuses alcohol, smokes cigars, and uses foul language. He is also a robot. He is six-foot-tall, shiny, silver, and has a radio antenna on his oblong head. He has round eyes with square pupils. Despite his very grumpy and bad nature, he shows loyalty to his friends. Bender also has a vanity plate on his rear end which reads "1 DVS BSTD".