Disaster-master Irwin Allen produced "Lost in Space" from 1965 to 1968. Initially intended as a serious family space drama, the series stars Guy Williams and June Lockhart as Mom and Dad Robinson. Their children are Judy ( Marta Kristen), Penny (Angela Cartwright), and Will (Bill Mumy). Also along is pilot Don West (Mark Goddard), and a helpful Robot (Bob May in the suit, Dick Tufeld as the voice). That was it for the cast, until CBS executives insisted on a regular villain; Allen added Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), whose attempts to sabotage the Jupiter 2 threw the spaceship off course.
The black & white first season (available as one DVD set) was planetbound, with the family attempting to repair the Jupiter and find enough fuel to lift off. Dr. Smith wants to get home but refuses to help, and often thwarts the family's efforts. His stupid and self-centered antics quickly grow old.
Seasons two and three (a total of four DVD sets) were in color, but soon dissolved into goofy monster-of-the-week plots, with Smith growing ever more irritating.
Some of the episodes are centered around interesting ideas and the series regulars are credible in their roles. The Robot, designed by Robert Kinoshita (he also created Robby for the film "Forbidden Planet"), is still impressive. The DVD sets, as is typical for these old series, offer few extras. If you loved the show as a kid or think the Robot is awesome, you'll want to own this collection.