Fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy are in for a treat as Unbound has acquired the rights to publish the complete, never-before-seen scripts from the BBC television series. This exciting news means enthusiasts can delve deeper into the whimsical world crafted by Douglas Adams, exploring the very scripts that brought the iconic 1981 TV adaptation to life. Titled I Never Could Get the Hang of Thursdays, this forthcoming book promises a unique journey behind the scenes of a beloved sci-fi classic.
What to Expect in I Never Could Get the Hang of Thursdays
Set to be released in Autumn 2025, I Never Could Get the Hang of Thursdays is more than just a collection of scripts. It represents the last substantial unpublished writing from the brilliant mind of Douglas Adams. Compiled and annotated by Kevin Jon Davies, a Hitchhiker’s veteran who contributed to the original series and Unbound’s 42: The Wildly Improbable Ideas of Douglas Adams, the book is poised to be an insightful artifact for fans and scholars alike.
This publication offers an unprecedented peek into the creative process behind the celebrated BBC television series. Readers can anticipate exclusive interviews with key figures, including Douglas Adams himself, producer/director Alan J W Bell, and original cast members such as Simon Jones (Arthur Dent), David Dixon (Ford Prefect), Mark Wing-Davey (Zaphod Beeblebrox), Sandra Dickinson (Trillian), and Stephen Moore (Marvin the Paranoid Android).
Delving Behind the Scenes of a Sci-Fi Classic
Beyond the annotated scripts and interviews, I Never Could Get the Hang of Thursdays will be rich with supplementary materials. Expect to find untold stories, production notes, on-set photographs capturing the series’ creation, amusing anecdotes from the cast and crew, and a detailed look at the groundbreaking special effects designs. The book will also showcase graphic images from the award-winning animation sequences, storyboard art revealing the visual planning, and even BBC memos and production paperwork, offering a comprehensive view of the 1981 production.
Why This Book Matters for Hitchhiker’s Fans
For devotees of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this book is an unmissable addition to their collections. As Mathew Clayton, senior editor at Unbound, notes, this publication is particularly special as the TV series served as his own introduction to the Hitchhiker’s universe. I Never Could Get the Hang of Thursdays is not just a book; it’s a portal back to the genesis of a visual interpretation of Adams’s comedic science fiction masterpiece.
Kevin Jon Davies emphasizes the book’s significance in finally bringing Adams’s “hilarious 1980 television scripts” to light. He highlights the show’s pioneering nature, lauded for its “state-of-the-art effects, graphics and radiophonic soundscapes.” The series was a resounding success, earning critical acclaim, numerous BAFTAs, and a lasting legacy through repeated broadcasts and home media releases. This book celebrates that legacy and offers a fresh perspective for both long-time admirers and those discovering The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for the first time, perhaps even sparking renewed interest in the possibility of a new TV series adaptation in the future.
Publication Details
I Never Could Get the Hang of Thursdays is scheduled for release in Autumn 2025 by Unbound. Keep an eye out for pre-order information and get ready to explore the fascinating origins of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy BBC television series in unparalleled detail.
