'Analyzing The Twilight Zone: Where is Everybody? (S1, E1)' Webinar

To best appreciate this webinar, we encourage you to first watch the full episode of "Where is Everybody?" on Pluto TV!

An empty town. A lost man. A reality that may not be real. When The Twilight Zone premiered in 1959 with the eerie debut episode “Where is Everybody?”, it set the tone for a series that would challenge how we see ourselves — and the world around us. What does this surreal tale of isolation and illusion reveal about the cultural anxieties of the Atomic Age, and the psychological toll of modern life? Get ready to step into the unknown as we deconstruct the half-hour that launched one of television's greatest series.

Join New York Adventure Club for a retrospective and analysis of The Twilight Zone’s premiere episode “Where is Everybody?” (1959), which introduced themes of psychological isolation, existential dread, and blurred reality that would define the iconic anthology series for years to come.

Led by esteemed Twilight Zone scholar and author Arlen Schumer, this in-depth episode critique of the TV series he considers "The Father of American Popular Culture" will include:

• An in-depth analysis of “Where is Everybody?” — how its theme, tone, and structure set the stage for the series’ signature brand of psychological and philosophical storytelling
• A look at Rod Serling’s Emmy-winning teleplays of the 1950s and how they laid the foundation for his transition into speculative fiction with The Twilight Zone
• Why “Where is Everybody?” wasn’t Serling’s first choice for the premiere episode, and how behind-the-scenes decisions shaped its debut
• The unexpected connection to the 1944 film noir Laura and how its narrative and visual cues influenced the episode
• How Serling later reimagined this episode’s core ideas in the Season 2 premiere, reinforcing its central themes of identity and isolation

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions about The Twilight Zone are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.

See you there, virtually!

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as "one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America." His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

Arlen Schumer is also an esteemed Twilight Zone scholar, and an author/designer of the only coffee table art book about the series, Visions from The Twilight Zone.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

This event is an educational presentation organized by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with Rod Serling, his estate, CBS Studios, Paramount Global, or any other associated entities, institutions, or rights holders. Our event is a fan-inspired experience that celebrates the legacy, artistry, and cultural impact of The Twilight Zone. Any references to The Twilight Zone, its episodes, characters, images, or related materials are made solely for educational and commentary purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. The Twilight Zone and all related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Photo Credit: The Twilight Zone

Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment