Supertrain

Supertrain (1979)

EndedScripted showDrama, Comedy, Adventure

The Supertrain was a nuclear powered bullet train that was equipped with amenities more appropriate to a cruise ship. It had luxuries such as swimming pools and shopping centers. It was so big it had to run on very broad gauge single track (not a pair of tracks as depicted in some advertising). Though it had a rated top speed of 190 miles per hour (306 km/h), the train took 36 hours to go from New York City to Los Angeles, which would put the train's average speed at around 78 miles per hour (126 km/h), slower than the moderately paced Amtrak Acela Express and well below the speeds of bullet trains in Europe and Asia. (Some episodes state, however, that the train also stops in Chicago,Denver, a fictitious town in Texas and presumably other cities, which would extend the length of the run and thus would require faster speeds.) Much like its contemporary The Love Boat (1977), the plots concerned the passengers' social lives, usually with multiple intertwining story lines. Most of the cast of a given episode were guest stars. The production was elaborate, with huge sets and a high-tech model train for outside shots.

Network

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E09Where Have You Been Billy BoyMay 5, 1979
S01E08The Green GirlApr 28, 1979
S01E07A Very Formal HeistApr 14, 1979
S01E06PirouetteApr 7, 1979
S01E05SuperstarMar 14, 1979
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Supertrain premiere?

Supertrain premiered on February 7, 1979.

Who created Supertrain?

Supertrain was created by Fred Silverman, who was also responsible for the creation of hit shows such as "Charlie's Angels" and "Hill Street Blues."

How many episodes of Supertrain were produced?

Only nine episodes of Supertrain were produced and aired before the show was canceled due to poor ratings.

Who starred in Supertrain?

Supertrain featured a large ensemble cast, but some of the most prominent actors included Edward Andrews, Nita Talbot, and Harrison Page.

What was the premise of Supertrain?

Supertrain was a drama series about a futuristic, luxurious train that traveled across the United States and carried a diverse group of passengers.

What was unique about Supertrain's production?

Supertrain was one of the most expensive TV shows of its time, with each episode reportedly costing around $1 million to produce. The show's elaborate sets and special effects contributed to its high budget.

How did critics and audiences respond to Supertrain?

Supertrain was widely panned by critics for its cheesy dialogue and thin plotlines. Audiences also didn't seem to be interested in the show, as it was canceled after only a few episodes.

Did Supertrain have any notable guest stars?

Yes, Supertrain featured appearances by a number of well-known actors, including Dick Van Dyke, Abe Vigoda, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

What was the time slot for Supertrain?

Supertrain aired on Thursday nights at 8pm Eastern time.

What was the competition for Supertrain in its time slot?

Supertrain faced tough competition in its time slot, going up against popular shows like "Mork & Mindy" and "The Waltons."

How did Supertrain compare to other train-themed TV shows?

Supertrain was not as successful as other train-themed TV shows from the same era, such as "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island."

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Food That Built America
Running

The Food That Built America

For generations of Americans, food titans like Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, John and Will Kellogg, C.W. Post and the McDonald brothers have literally been household names, but you don't know their stories. Before they were brand names, they were brilliant, sometimes ruthless, visionaries who revolutionized food and changed the landscape of America forever. This miniseries event will tell the fascinating stories of the people behind the food that built America – those who used brains, muscle, blood, sweat and tears to get to America's heart through its stomach, and along the way built cities, invented new technologies and helped win wars.

The Floor
Running

The Floor

The Floor is a physical quiz show that sees 81 contestants face off in quiz duels on a giant LED floor divided into a 9×9 grid of squares, each representing its own field of knowledge.

The first challenger, selected at random, must choose one of his or her neighboring opponents to go head-to-head in an epic quiz duel in the opponent's category. The winner takes over the loser's square, gaining valuable ground as they expand their territory, while the loser exits the game. The winner must then choose – do they continue on and attempt to secure another square? Or do they let The Floor choose a new challenger? The last contestant standing who gains full control over The Floor takes home a life-changing $250,000 cash prize.

When Calls the Heart
Running

When Calls the Heart

When Calls the Heart is inspired by Janette Oke's bestselling book series about the Canadian West, the series tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal mining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Upon arrival, Elizabeth befriends Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Set against the wild canvas of a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

Beyond the Gates
Running

Beyond the Gates

Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you'll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have "made it" and those who haven't are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.

Going Dutch
Running

Going Dutch

In Going Dutch a decorated, hard-ass colonel is tasked with running the least important U.S. Army base in the world, located in the tulip-hugging, wine-chugging Netherlands.

GenreComedy