Mission: Impossible – Sixty Years of Iconic Television

Imagine, if you will, a world on the cusp of significant change, a television landscape ready for something truly groundbreaking. Sixty years ago, almost to the day, on September 17, 1966, that's precisely what we got when Bruce Geller's ingenious creation, Mission: Impossible, first flickered onto our screens. This wasn't just another adventure show; it was a phenomenon, a masterclass in suspense, intrigue, and pure, unadulterated cool, born from the creative cauldron of Desilu Studios.

For seven thrilling seasons, from 1966 right up to 1973, Mission: Impossible captivated audiences, drawing them into a world where an elite team tackled assignments so perilous, so intricate, they were, well, impossible. Herbert F. Solow, the same producer behind another Desilu adventure hit that year, truly understood the pulse of what viewers craved: a meticulously plotted caper that kept you guessing until the very last second.

Who could forget the original Impossible Missions Force? The team was a masterclass in covert operations, brought to life by an incredible ensemble. We had Martin Landau as the impossibly suave master of disguise, Rollin Hand – a man who could become anyone, anywhere, with just a few moments' notice. Then there was Barbara Bain, utterly captivating as the brilliant Cinnamon Carter, whose beauty and cunning were just two of her many weapons. Greg Morris, whose Barney Collier was the tech wizard before tech wizards were even a thing, often found himself in the most precarious situations, always managing to rig a solution. And of course, Peter Lupus as the strong, silent Willy Armitage, the muscle and heart of the team, always ready to spring into action.

And then there were the leaders, the men tasked with guiding this brilliant but often beleaguered team. Steven Hill kicked things off in Season 1 as Dan Briggs, setting the stage with his calm command. But it was Peter Graves, stepping in as Jim Phelps from Season 2 onwards, who truly became synonymous with the IMF's unflappable resolve, his face practically etched into the collective memory of TV viewers for decades to come. His iconic line, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..." is still whispered with a certain reverence today.

As we stand here, sixty years later, it's incredible to reflect on the enduring legacy of this series. It didn't just entertain; it defined a genre, influencing countless spy thrillers and action shows that followed. From its iconic self-destructing messages to its intricate mask reveals, Mission: Impossible was, and remains, a benchmark for intelligent television. For those eager to revisit these classic missions or discover them for the first time, thankfully, the entire series is readily available for streaming on Paramount+. So, go on, accept the mission, and dive back into the impossible.