The Hallmark Channel's First Show Was A Forgotten Sci-Fi Series About H. G. Wells

Long before The Hallmark Channel became known for airing original Christmas movies in July, it aired "The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells." The nearly four-and-half-hour-long miniseries, which premiered in 2001, was the network's first broadcast.

Conceptualized by writer and producer Nick Willing, it is a fictionalized account of H.G. Wells' life. It also adapts six short stories from the iconic science-fiction writer and intermixes them with his life. 

The series begins in the United Kingdom in 1946. Wells (Tom Ward) is being interviewed by an American journalist named Ellen McGillvray (Eve Best) about his past acquaintanceship with Cedric Gibberne (Nicholas Rowe), a professor who recently died. Through recounting Wells' life, the series flashes back to the late 1800s and takes us through his scientific adventures. These include exploits with dangerous viruses, weight-loss potions, and crystal eggs. 

"The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells" aired from August 5th to August 7th, 2001.

While it may not be as popular as other Hallmark originals, "The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells" was a unique inaugural broadcast for the network. It blended historical elements with science and adventure. 

Nick Willing, who had previously directed a "Jason and the Argonauts" miniseries, spent 12 years trying to adapt Wells' stories to screen. When speaking to the Chicago Tribune ahead of the premiere, he expressed the desire to explore the stories through a historical lens. "There had been so much science fiction of late, things like `The X-Files' and `Millennium.' What interested me is to get back really to the beginning, how it all started. And this was the beginning."

Since much of the show takes place in 19th century England, it appeals to fans of period pieces as well. The distinctive aesthetic of post-war Europe provides an excellent backdrop to the series.