The theme for the “Planet of the Apes” television series was composed by the legendary Lalo Schifrin (famed for “Mission: Impossible”).
The score is characterized by its avant-garde use of brass and percussion, designed to evoke a sense of displacement and primitive danger. It bridges the gap between the cinematic scores of the film franchise and the weekly episodic tension of the TV format.
Official 1974 Opening Credits
A New Chapter in Simian History
Following the massive success of the five original films, Planet of the Apes made the jump to television in 1974. The series followed two astronauts, Alan Virdon and Pete Burke, who crash-landed on a future Earth where apes rule and humans are enslaved. They were joined by a sympathetic chimpanzee named Galen, played by Roddy McDowall, who reprised a role in the franchise but as a new character.
The series was noted for its high production values and its attempt to bring the cinematic scale of the Forbidden Zone to a weekly audience. Despite its short 14-episode run, the show has remained a cult favorite, expanding the lore of the ape society’s internal politics and the mystery of the human past.
Why did the series only last 14 episodes?
Despite strong initial ratings, the series faced high production costs and stiff competition from shows like Sanford and Son. It was canceled by CBS after its first season.
Is the TV show connected to the films?
The TV series exists in its own continuity, though it shares the central premise of the 1968 original. It takes place approximately 900 years before the events of the first movie.
Who composed the theme music?
The theme was composed by Lalo Schifrin, who brought a unique, jazzy, and dissonant style to the franchise that emphasized the alien nature of the future Earth.
