| Chocky was a creepy 1984 sci-fi series, based on a John Wyndham novelette, first published in the March 1963 issue of Amazing Stories. And later developed into a novel, which was published in 1968. Although before the publication of the novel, there was a 60 minute BBC radio play adaptation of the original story, written by John Tydeman. The story revolved around a young boy called Matthew, who developed a bizarre relationship with what his parents think is an imaginary friend. |
| The friend however is an extra terrestrial being, that communicates with and through Matthew to gain an understanding of humanity, as part of a potential colonisation mission that the being is a scout for. Through its connection to Matthew, Chocky imparts extraordinary intelligence and abilities to Matthew. Which come to the notice of shadowy groups that wish to exploit Matthew, and ultimately get access to Chocky. It is the ITV adaptations that most people remember, which were produced by Thames Television. Chocky ran for three series, each made up of six 30 minute episodes. They were Chocky, Chocky's Children and Chocky's Challenge. They were written by Anthony Read, who was previously a writer and script editor for Dr. Who and co-wrote the fifth season of the dark and creepy sci-fi series Sapphire & Steel. Apparently Wyndham's estate considered Read's adaptation to be the best. |
| | Apparently the series was very popular in Czechoslovakia, where it was translated and dubbed into both the Czech language and Slovak language. It was also dubbed in French and broadcast in Canada in the late 1980s and early 90s. It was also released in the mid-80s, in the French speaking part of Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland. Of all places, where it was known as Ystävä avaruudesta. Which means "a friend from space". |
