BBC Television made a historic leap into the realm of science fiction with the production of the world's first science fiction television programme, an adaptation of a pivotal segment from Karel Čapek's 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots). This landmark moment not only introduced the concept of robots to a wider audience but also showcased the potential of television as a medium for storytelling that could capture complex themes and ideas. R.U.R. is credited with coining the term 'robot', derived from the Czech word 'robota', which means forced labor, and deals with themes around industrialization, dehumanization, and the future of humanity in an increasingly mechanized world.

The broadcast occurred in the late 1930s, a time when television was still relatively new and experimental. The choice to adapt Čapek's work was significant, reflecting both the literature's impact on public thought and the anxieties surrounding technological advancement during this period. Broadcast live, this production not only brought the thought-provoking themes of R.U.R. into the living rooms of viewers across the UK but also demonstrated the ability of television to handle serious and imaginative narratives, paving the way for future works in the science fiction genre.

This initial foray into science fiction on television opened doors for creative exploration within the genre, influencing other writers, directors, and producers to create original series and adaptations that addressed both societal concerns and speculative futures. Television audiences began to embrace the genre, leading to an expanding palette of programs that would dominate viewership and cultural conversations throughout the ensuing decades.