131 films were shown on the program, though most sources only cite around half that many due to a plethora of installments being lost and forgotten shortly after the series ended.
Many installments have remained unseen since the mid-late 1970s. Though ABC has never commented on their survival status, it is feared that these episodes may be lost.
The series premiered on Jan. 7, 1974 and consisted of various ABC TV movies, episodes of the U.K. series Misterio (1973), a few episodic TV series and original productions along with the occasional theatrical or independently-produced film. It generally aired 2-3 nights a week until Jan. 13, 1976 when the series was scaled down to one night a week and was rechristened "Mystery of the Week". Its final broadcast was on Aug.16, 1978.
Final film of actress Mari Ure.
The Thriller (UK) Installments were aired as recently as 2020 on the PLUTO TV streaming service.