Skip to content
The Verge·

💡Jim Henson's 'The Cube': A Mind-Bending Teleplay From 1969

A man wakes up in a mysterious white cube with no answers

TL;DR

In 1969, Jim Henson produced 'The Cube', an experimental teleplay for NBC. The show features a man trapped in a mysterious white room with no answers about his situation.

Jim Henson's 'The Cube' is a mind-bending teleplay from 1969 that aired on NBC as part of the Experiment in Television series. The plot revolves around a man who wakes up in a white cube, unsure of how he got there or what reality looks like outside this room. As people come and go, delivering supplies and interacting with him, the room changes inexplicably. 'The Cube' raises profound questions about simulation, perception, and reality without providing clear answers. Despite its obscurity, it remains a fascinating piece of experimental television that challenges viewers to question their understanding of the world around them.

Jim Henson's 'The Cube': A Mind-Bending Teleplay From 1969 — The Verge

Key Points

1

Produced in 1969 for an experimental anthology series called Experiment in Television

2

Aired only twice but remains available on YouTube in black-and-white with remastered audio

3

The teleplay is 53 minutes long and takes place entirely within a white room

4

Furniture such as beds, couches, and liquor cabinets appear and disappear mysteriously

5

Marshall McLuhan's episode explaining his theory 'the medium is the message' aired in the same series

Why It Matters

If you're into experimental TV or existential questions about reality, 'The Cube' offers a unique perspective. Despite its obscurity, it challenges viewers to question their understanding of the world and how media shapes perception.

Jim Henson1969 TVMind-BendingExperimental TV

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're into experimental TV or existential questions about reality, 'The Cube' offers a unique perspective. Despite its obscurity, it challenges viewers to question their understanding of the world and how media shapes perception.

What happened?

In 1969, Jim Henson produced 'The Cube', an experimental teleplay for NBC. The show features a man trapped in a mysterious white room with no answers about his situation.

Comments

Subscribe to join the conversation...

Be the first to comment

Enjoyed this article?

Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.

Join 2,187 builders reading daily.