Land of the Lost

Land of the Lost (1974-1977) is one in a variety of popular, uniquely produced children's television series created and produced by Sid and Marty Krofft. The prolific Krofft team was very influential in children's television, producing many oddly formatted, highly energetic, and special-effects heavy programs.

Land of the Lost detailed the adventures of a family of three (father Rick Marshall, young son Will, and younger daughter Holly) who are trapped in a primitive world inhabited by dinosaurs, neanderthal-like cave men, and reptilian humaniods called Sleestack[?]. The episode plots focused primarily on the family's efforts to survive and find a way back to their own world. Though the central characters are different, the title indicates that the series may have drawn inspiration from the similar theme of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World.

The series is notable for having a much darker tone than most children's series, and for having grander and more epic storytelling vision than most shows aimed at children. The relatively complex plots, unique internal mythology, and ambitious though unrealistic special effects (often included in an entertainment category called "camp") have earned the show a large popular following, particularly among adults who watched the show and other Krofft productions as children.

Land of the Lost was treated to a short lived update by Krofft in 1991, with slightly more advanced special effects and a lighter, less survivalist-oriented tone.

Many Krofft shows involved similar plots, often including children accidentally trapped in other worlds, or quirky variations on super-hero stories.

The Kroffts' "camp" popularity stems largely from the low-budget production values, the often surrealistic feel of many of the programs, the uniquely "70's" style of music and design, and many intentional or unintentional references to psychotropic drug use. Other notable Sid and Marty Krofft productions include Lidsvillie[?], H.R. Pufnstuf, ElectraWoman and DynaGirl[?], WonderBug[?], The Bugaloos, and Sigmund And The Sea Monsters[?].