Watch The Champions

The Champions is a British science-fiction spy thriller series that originally aired on ITV from 1968 to 1969. The show follows the adventures of three secret agents, Craig Stirling (Stuart Damon), Richard Barrett (William Gaunt), and Sharron Macready (Alexandra Bastedo), who are all presumed dead after their plane crashes in the Himalayas. However, they are rescued by a mysterious group called "Nemesis" and given extraordinary abilities that they use to fight crime and injustice around the world.

Craig Stirling is the American member of the trio and serves as the team's leader. He has enhanced strength, speed, and stamina, as well as the ability to telepathically communicate with his teammates. Richard Barrett is the British member of the group, and he is an expert in martial arts and a skilled marksman. He has the ability to see several seconds into the future, which he uses to anticipate and avoid danger. Sharron Macready, the third member of the group, is a former scientist and a British agent. She has heightened senses, advanced mental abilities, and the ability to communicate telepathically with animals.

The Champions travel the world on international assignments, helping to fight terrorism, espionage, and scientific crimes. Their missions take them to locations across the globe, from Europe to South America to the Far East. Along the way, they must confront a variety of villains, including rogue governments, international criminals, and even aliens.

One of the show's most striking features is its use of visual effects, which were considered highly advanced for the time. The Champions uses a combination of live-action footage and innovative miniatures and special effects to create spectacular action sequences and exotic locations. The show also features a memorable theme tune composed by Tony Hatch, which became a hit single in the UK.

In addition to the three main leads, The Champions also features a rotating roster of guest stars, including some famous faces from the era. Among the notable guest stars are Peter Wyngarde, who would go on to star in the cult classic series Department S, and William Sylvester, who appeared in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The show's popularity led to a number of tie-in merchandise, including comic books and novels. However, it was ultimately cancelled after one season due to declining ratings, although the show has since gained a devoted cult following.

Despite its relatively short run, The Champions remains a beloved classic of 1960s British television, known for its memorable characters, inventive plots, and groundbreaking special effects. For fans of science-fiction, spy thrillers, and classic television, The Champions is well worth revisiting.

The Champions is a series that ran for 7 seasons (36 episodes) between September 25, 1968 and on ITV