A NEW BOOK exploring every aspect of the first series of Survivors has its publication date set for 17 April 2026.
“It’s taken longer to complete than I’d originally planned,” says author Rich Cross. “But I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out.”
Featuring new interviews, original source material and previously unpublished photographs, this comprehensive and meticulous study explores all aspects of the first series of an exemplary post-apocalyptic BBC TV series from what’s now celebrated as a golden era of British genre television.
Coming in at 380 pages, the book provides an extended history of the genesis of Survivors and the making of the first series — on location and in the studio. It also includes interviews with members of the cast and crew, and detailed reviews of all thirteen episodes.
The book also offers a selected guide to series one filming locations, and documents the life of creator Terry Nation’s 1976 Survivors novel — on the page and in audio-book format.
It’s also illustrated throughout by evocative behind-the-scenes photographs taken on location back in 1975 — some of which have never been published previously.
The book will be available to buy from online retailers including Amazon and Waterstones in UK, and can be ordered through any bookshop (by quoting the ISBN 9781919386300).
Shortly after the 17 April publication date, it will also be possible to order copies (in the UK and the US) directly through this web site.
The book provides an extended history of the genesis of Survivors and the making of the first series, on location and in the studio
“Back in 2005, it was great to be able to publish The End of the World? The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Survivors through Telos Publishing,” Cross says. “The title appeared on the shelves shortly after the third and final series of Survivors was first released on DVD.”
“But one of the disappointments with the Telos book was the cramped layout and design of the whole interior,” Cross reflects. “The text was simply too small on the page, with lines and paragraphs bunched tightly together, and — although many more photos appeared in the book than Telos had originally allowed for — most images were scaled down in size significantly.”
“For several years, the plan had been for myself and my End of the World co-author Andy Priestner to produce an updated edition for Classic TV Press,” he continues. “But when that project was eventually cancelled, I decided to produce an extended edition of my own — updating all of the content that I had authored, and replacing Priestner’s sections with my own writings.”
“Because I wanted to give the words and images more space to breathe, I opted for a larger book format, and a design that was more attractive on the eye — and a lot more readable.”
That led to me to conclude that the best approach would be a series of three books — each one focused on a single series of Survivors
“Over time, that led to me to conclude that the best approach would be a series of three books — each one focused on a single series of Survivors — which would afford me the more open design opportunities and the expanded page count that I really wanted.”
“But it’s not just the look-and-feel of the book that is different — there’s a huge amount of new information in those pages, fresh insights into the production process, enhanced reviews and what are — hopefully — insightful reflections on the different social and cultural themes that the series addresses.”
“This first book has been a real labour of love,” Cross says. “I’ve poured many hundreds of hours into the project, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed researching, writing and designing the whole thing.”
“It’s important to me to add that the book is a not-for-profit endeavour,” Cross confirms. “Any and all profits from sales will be donated to the international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières who ‘act fast to save lives in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics’.”
“I hope that the book attracts the attention of long-standing Survivors fans — but also draws in the interest of those less familiar with the programme, or who are entirely new to Terry Nation’s inspired imagining of a post-apocalyptic Britain.”
“Work on the next book in the series — scrutinising Survivors second series in a similar way — is already well underway.”
Rich Cross. 2026. Survivors: The classic post-apocalyptic BBC series – Series one / 1975. Inky Hand Press. ISBN: 9781919386300 (pbk.)
Some sample pages from the book —
