This popular TV show first aired in the late 1950's and still gets TV time in 2024. Fans of this show look forward to New Year's eve and day along with the fourth of July weekend to watch it on the big screen.

During the fourth of July weekend marathon, I noticed that the Twilight Zone episodes mentioned New York state town names.

Iconic TV Show Creator Was Born In New York State


Rod Serling was the creator, writer, presenter and host of The Twilight Zone. This TV series brought fantasy, comedy and drama to users all over the world.

Serling's ideas for each creative episode allow viewers to figure out what the moral of the story is behind them. The Twilight Zone episodes can teach lessons and allow viewers to also see things in a different perspective.

The Rod Serling Archive explained that Serling was born in upstate New York in Syracuse and he moved with his family to Binghamton, NY. They also explained that Serling served in the military before going to college in Ohio and working in New York City.

Serling then moved into television and freelance writing and that's when the Twilight Zone was born.

SEE MORE: New York Is The Home To The World's Smallest Diner

An Upstate New York Town Inspired One Twilight Zone Episode

Allison Kay, Canva
loading...

I visited an upstate New York town to see a piece of history.

Atlas Obscura shared information about Rod Serling and an episode that was inspired from his hometown.

"Walking Distance" was the Twilight Zone Episode that Rod Serling was inspired to create based on a gazebo and carousel. This episode aired in 1959 and was the fifth one.

"Walking Distance" is about a man who witnessed himself at a younger age carving his name onto a gazebo at a park with a carousel. 

Atlas Obscura also shared that the gazebo and carousel in Binghamton, NY inspired Serling to create the "Walking Distance" episode, fascinating!

They stated that,

"The setting of the story is based on a real carousel that has been in continuous operation since 1925 in Recreation Park in Binghamton, New York, where the visionary creator of the famous television series grew up."

Guests can visit the Recreation Park in Binghamton, NY to see a part of Twilight Zone history and plaque on site.

The Twilight Zone Mentions Popular New York State Towns In Episodes


While I was watching The Twilight Zone marathon during the fourth of July weekend, I was excited to hear them mention popular New York state towns.

During the Midnight Sun episode, actors mentioned Ithaca, NY of where a painting was inspired by and Syracuse, NY of where a family is traveling to.

During the Mirror Image episode, actors mention more New York state towns such as Cortland, NY where they are waiting for a bus tin a bus station. The Odyssey of Flight 33 mentions the New York World's Fair.

The Twilight Zone episode, The Arrival says Buffalo, NY in it.

Which Twilight Zone episode is your favorite? Have you watched any of these episodes that mention New York state towns? Share more with us below.

8 Photos From Upstate New York's Most Unique Museum

New York State is filled with hidden gems. This upstate New York area is the home to local businesses in their downtown area, musuems and more.



Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

6 Things You Didn't Know Were Invented In New York State

In New York state, there are inventions that we may not have been aware of that were created here. 

There are also everyday items and food that we're glad that were made.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

More From Hudson Valley Post