TR
The Man and the Challenge

TV series

The Man and the Challenge

9/ 10· 1195930 min1 season · 36 episodes
Sci-Fi & FantasyAction & Adventure

The Man and the Challenge is a 36-segment half-hour television adventure/science fiction series which ran new episodes on NBC from September 12, 1959, to June 11, 1960. It starred George Nader as Dr. Glenn Barton, a research scientist for the Institute of Human Factors, an agency that conducted experiments designed to measure human endurance for the United States government. The series was produced by Ivan Tors. Nader's costars included Jack Ging as Dan Wright, Michael Masters as Bill Locke, the Canadian-born Joyce Meadows as Lynn Allen, and Michael Keith as Matt Adams. The episodes focused on various individuals setting world records of strength, endurance, and mastery of various difficult skills. The program also featured appearances by Bethel Leslie as Eleanor Beck in "The Early Warning", Ted Knight, as Dr. Herter in the episode "Daredevils", and Raymond Bailey, in the role of Dr. Kramer on the series opener "The Sphere of No Return". Joining Knight in that segment was Paul Burke.

Created by
Ivan Tors

Seasons and episodes

1 season · 36 episodes

Ended
1

Season 1

36 episodesSeptember 12, 1959
Open season page
  1. 1
    S1 E1

    The Sphere of No Return

    Sep 12, 195930 min

    In order to test human stamina at high altitudes, Barton and two other men go up in a balloon. When one panics and fails the required standards he is replaced by a woman which draws a hostile response from the remaining pilot.

  2. 2
    S1 E2

    Maximum Capacity

    Sep 19, 195930 min

    Barton sends two men into the frozen north to test their endurance in extreme levels of cold and isolation. He wants to determine the best way to train men for high security jobs in the Arctic.

  3. 3
    S1 E3

    Odds Against Survival

    Sep 26, 195930 min

  4. 4
    S1 E4

    Sky Diving

    Oct 3, 195930 min

    To study the effects of gravity on potential astronauts, Barton goes to France to learn free fall parachuting from a brother-and-sister team of skydivers: Suzanne and Georges Bolet.

  5. 5
    S1 E5

    Experiments in Terror

    Oct 10, 195930 min

  6. 6
    S1 E6

    Invisible Force

    Oct 17, 195930 min

    In a hostile country, three Americans are being held captive. Barton is asked by a Washington official to form a clandestine athletic unit to free them.

Starring

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Man and the Challenge?
The Man and the Challenge is not currently listed on a streaming service in the US. Use the country picker on the page to check other markets.
How many seasons of The Man and the Challenge are there?
The Man and the Challenge has 1 season and 36 episodes. Status: Ended.
Will there be a new season of The Man and the Challenge?
The Man and the Challenge has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on June 11, 1960.
Who stars in The Man and the Challenge?
The Man and the Challenge stars Jack Ging, Joyce Meadows, George Nader, Raymond Bailey, James Best.

If you liked The Man and the Challenge