Ancient Geeks episode 82: Planet of the Apes TV, cartoons, comics, and wrap-up
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Ancient Geeks episode 82: Planet of the Apes TV, cartoons, comics, and wrap-up

The popularity of the original series of five Planet of the Apes movies meant there would be more than just a chain of sequels. In this episode, we talk about the POTA spin-offs of the 70s, including a short-lived TV series, a cartoon series that was definitely not written for children, and a series of black and white magazines from Marvel Comics.

Plus, we talk about the enduring appeal of the original series of movies. Beyond nostalgia, what has made the POTA films a lasting part of popular culture? And, if we could rewind to the late Sixties and early Seventies, what might have been a better path for the sequels, after the first movie?

Apes listening to country music! Bland 70s TV! Blond and brunette action duos! More marooned astronauts! A surprisingly good comics series! Other, very wacky comics! The inevitable merchandise! Missed opportunities! The omnipresent Roddy McDowall! It's all here.

Ancient Geeks is a podcast about two geeks of a certain age re-visiting their youth. We were there when things like science fiction, fantasy, Tolkien, Star Trek, Star Wars, D&D, Marvel and DC comics, Doctor Who, and many, many other threads of modern geek culture were still on the fringes of popular culture. We were geeks before it was chic!

For feedback, contact someancientgeeks@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Reddit, and Bluesky. Check out the Ancient Geeks blog on Substack, where we post daily. And if you like what you hear, please tell a friend. Also, we always appreciate a review on the podcast platform of your choice.

© 2026 Tom Grant and Steven Taylor

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