Cosmonauts in the 1960s and 1970s: Watching American Sci-Fi Films and TV Shows

During the space race of the 1960s and 1970s, the Soviet Union and the United States were in fierce competition. While most of the focus was placed on achieving milestones in space exploration, it is also an interesting point to consider whether the cosmonauts had exposure to American sci-fi films and TV shows. This article explores the extent to which American sci-fi influenced the Soviet Union during this period, and the contexts in which these films and shows were accessible to the cosmonauts.

Access to American Films

From what is understood, American films were often pirated and made available on video to Soviet citizens. However, the accessibility of these films was not uniform for all. In terms of feature films, there were instances where they were available, yet the same could not be said about American TV shows during this period.

Why American TV Shows Were Not Common

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Soviet Union had very limited access to international television. They only had six television channels, or programmes, which primarily broadcast locally produced content. The cultural programming and children's shows were of high quality and popular. Sports and news were the most favored programming categories. However, when it came to fictional drama, it was only after the mid-1960s that the state began to accept the Western TV series format, largely due to severe ratings drops from audiences who were fed up with the boring content.

Scientific and Educational Content

During this same period, American science fiction films and shows were seen as minor genres, often considered B-movies. In the Soviet Union, these films and TV shows were regarded as serious and educational content, with a focus on showing how life in the future might be shaped for Soviet citizens. This tendency was particularly notable with films like 2001: A Space Odyssey. The high-quality production techniques used in films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey even influenced other productions, such as the Soviet film The Road to the Stars. Stanley Kubrick, the director of 2001: A Space Odyssey, later incorporated some of these techniques into his film.

Homegrown Sci-Fi

While American sci-fi content was not widespread, the Soviet Union did produce its own sci-fi films and series. One notable example is Solaris, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, released in 1972. This film is considered a classic in the genre and has influenced not only Soviet cinema but also American sci-fi later on.

Conclusion

While the cosmonauts likely had access to some American sci-fi films through illegal means, the official broadcasting of American TV shows was extremely limited during the 1960s and 1970s. At the same time, Soviet-produced sci-fi films and series played a significant role in shaping perception and understanding of space exploration and the future. The influence of American sci-fi on both the Soviet Union and the United States itself is a fascinating aspect of the cultural and technological rivalry of that era.