Planet of the Apes was an American science fiction television series that aired on CBS from September 13th to December 20th, 1974. The series lasted only one season, broadcasting fourteen episodes in total. The program was loosely based on the Planet of the Apes film franchise developed by Arthur P. Jacobs in 1968. The show starred Ron Harper and James Naughton as astronauts Alan Virdon and Peter Burke who find themselves transported into a post-apocalyptic future where society is ruled by a race of highly-evolved talking apes. Rounding out the three-star cast was Roddy McDowall as their chimpanzee ally Galen. McDowall, a veteran of the film series, had distinguished himself in two roles, that of Cornelius, the chimpanzee archaeologist as well as Cornelius' son, Caesar in the final two installments of the series. Recurring guest stars included Booth Colman as Couneslor Zaius and Mark Lenard as GeneralUrko.
CBS optioned to broadcast Planet of the Apes over that of a proposed television series called Genesis II, which was developed by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
Mark Lenard is best known for playing the role of Sarek, father to the Vulcan character Spock from the Star Trek franchise.
