Rod Serling was an American screenwriter, playwright, television producer, and narrator known for his live television dramas of the 1950s and his science-fiction anthology TV series, The Twilight Zone.

For this series, Serling fought hard to get and maintain creative control. He hired scriptwriters whom he respected (such as Richard Matheson and Charles Beaumont). In an interview, Serling said the show's science fiction format would not be controversial with sponsors, network executives or the general public and would escape censorship, unlike the earlier script for Playhouse 90.

The Twilight Zone aired for five seasons (the first three presented half-hour episodes, the fourth hour-long episodes, and the fifth returned to the half-hour format). It won many TV and drama awards and drew critical acclaim for Serling and his co-workers. Though it had loyal fans, The Twilight Zone had only moderate ratings and was twice canceled and revived. After five years and 156 episodes (92 written by Serling), he grew weary of the series. In 1964, he decided to not oppose its third and final cancellation.

Rod Serling was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1985.