10 Greatest Astronauts In Television History

by Tim Rich

1. Major Anthony Nelson - I Dream Of Jeannie (1965-1970)

Astronauts - TV - I Dream of Jeannie Major Anthony Nelson is an astronaut who discovers a genie in a bottle after one of his missions. The genie, known as Jeannie, falls in love with him. Unfortunately her playful hijinks create endless trouble for Major Nelson as he tries to keep her powers a secret from everyone but his best friend and fellow astronaut Major Roger Healey. Nelson makes several space flights during the show, with Jeannie often showing up in the ship and wreaking havoc. Boy, this show brings back memories for me. Not only was Jeannie one of my first prepubescent crushes (along with Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island and Marcia Brady), but the show itself is a part of my childhood. I grew up watching syndicated reruns of I Dream of Jeannie, Batman, The Lone Ranger, Superman, The Brady Bunch, and Gilligan's Island, one right after the other, each weekday after school. That's my list. Are there any I missed? Let me know in the comments.
Contributor

Tim is a varied character. He's lived on three continents. He hates ice cream. He has been a highly-paid computer programmer. He invents collectible card games. He is a coffee shop owner. He has had fantasy stories published in magazines. Eventually he wishes to retire from life and become a professional 10-pin bowler who writes articles while living in his RV and traveling from bowling tournament to bowling tournament with his faithful wife in tow. And of course, Tim is a major horror and science fiction fan.