ADVENTURE AHEAD

In 1944, NBC wanted a show for younger audiences, not for little kids, but more for those coming of age. That was the impetus for this old time radio great, Adventure Ahead. Although Adventure Ahead was intended for all audiences, it was geared for young men. All of the plots were from famous adventure fiction writers, and they all starred or were intended for boys. Some of the well known writers were Daniel Defoe, Steven Vincent Benet, and Waldo Fleming. The stories and plots were adventures that any red blooded American boy could only dream of. For example, one of the stories, ‘Inside The FBI’ which gives a good guided tour of the inner workings of that much admired institution, and by the way with J. Edgar Hoover’s blessing, as Hoover was a firm believer in molding America’s youth.

Adventure Ahead

Classic Radio Shows > Adventure > Adventure Ahead

In 1944, NBC embarked on a journey to create a unique radio show named “Adventure Ahead,” specifically designed for the younger demographic, particularly those transitioning into adulthood. This wasn’t a show for young children, but rather a series that resonated with emerging young men.

“Adventure Ahead” was a distinctive experience as its narratives were crafted by acclaimed adventure fiction authors, all of which centered around or were crafted for boys. The likes of Daniel Defoe, Steven Vincent Benet, and Waldo Fleming were among these well-respected writers. Their stories encapsulated thrilling adventures, the kind that would set an American boy’s heart racing with excitement and anticipation.

One such story was ‘Inside The FBI.’ This narrative provided an in-depth look into the operations of the highly esteemed institution, the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Interestingly, this episode was created under the watchful eye and with the approval of J. Edgar Hoover, the then-director of the FBI, who strongly believed in the potential of America’s youth.

The adventures depicted in “Adventure Ahead” ranged from dealing with pirates to training puppies, thereby sparking the imagination and adventurous spirit of its young audience. It was a remarkable feature of the summer of 1944, offering an array of fourteen exciting adventure novels and stories.

Fast forward to the present, “Adventure Ahead” remains available online, ready to be discovered by new generations of listeners. Be it through podcasts or old-time radio show broadcasts, the sense of adventure that the show embodied continues to engage audiences, proving the timeless appeal of these adventure tales.