TV series with ideas for GURPS

[(E)]

As I have finished hinting about it in another thread I can mention it here now. The Almighty Johnsons might be a good source of ideas about powers of a divine nature and gaining powers in general. Issues about how well it comes across in a U.S tv cultural environment are arguments for and against it all rolled into one. Simpler to say it's different so fresh ideas and a learning curve.

[SionEwig]

Something a bit off the wall, but having watched much of the first season of The Doris Day Show, I think that a number of the episodes could easily be used for some more interesting rping scenarios in a contemporary setting, well maybe best set in the late 60s.

[(E)]

"Inventions that changed the world" is a good source of ideas for divergent technological development and even divergent history due to technological change

[Johnny1A.2]

As has been suggested in the past in other threads, Kolchak: The Night Stalker has possibilities for a GURPS Horror or related game, or a single-shot in another kind of campaign. It can be varied, too, imagine a reporter on the trail of aliens instead of magic and monsters, if you want an SFnal setting.

The Fugitive in its endless variations (The Incredible Hulk, Werewolf, etc).

Johnny Quest. An entire GURPS campaign could be built, from an adult POV, around Benton Quest, Race Bannon, etc in a world were Dr. Quest is the U.S. Government's chief investigator of weirdness, and primary consultant for oddball scientific matters. This is another one that can work at various levels of grittiness.

[SionEwig]

One of the episodes in the original Kolchak series was about aliens.

[Infornific]

Originally Posted by Johnny1A.2

As has been suggested in the past in other threads, Kolchak: The Night Stalker has possibilities for a GURPS Horror or related game, or a single-shot in another kind of campaign. It can be varied, too, imagine a reporter on the trail of aliens instead of magic and monsters, if you want an SFnal setting.

The Fugitive in its endless variations (The Incredible Hulk, Werewolf, etc).

Johnny Quest. An entire GURPS campaign could be built, from an adult POV, around Benton Quest, Race Bannon, etc in a world were Dr. Quest is the U.S. Government's chief investigator of weirdness, and primary consultant for oddball scientific matters. This is another one that can work at various levels of grittiness.

The Night Stalker would be a good inspiration but you'd want to keep characters low powered. Translating it into a team game might be a little trickier.

The Venture Brothers started out as parody but is in a lot of ways a grown up, fleshed out Johnny Quest 'verse. A somewhat more serious take might work for a super agents and low powered superhero campaign including explanations for a lot of the traditional tropes. The Sphinx trademark is currently up for grabs...

I couldn't find any mention of Leverage in the thread which surprises me - it seems tailor made for a GURPS Action campaign. You've got high powered specialists who all get a chance to shine each adventure and you have a lot of good examples of PCs dealing with unexpected problems and having to work outside their comfort zone.

[(E)]

Just remembered on TV series I swiped some ideas from. The Antiques roadshow (uk) of all things. Good ideas for quality interesting historical loot that adds flavor without adding to power levels.

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by (E)

Just remembered on TV series I swiped some ideas from. The Antiques roadshow (uk) of all things. Good ideas for quality interesting historical loot that adds flavor without adding to power levels.

It's also good for why loot turns out to be not as valuable as their escorted "expert" says.

Letters from a leutenants of the dreaded lich wars mentioning the artistically sub-par painting along with them is what jacks up all of their value. Providence and unity is what it's all about.
And Makers' Marks. Every episode seemed to have something hinge on its presence or absence.

I love the idea though... and the show. My GF calls me an old cat lady with what I sometimes enjoy.

[Gedrin]

I know it's come up before, but I wanted to chip in a word for SG-1.

I think it's great for ideas, not because of the material, which has some fun in it, but the format. It's near ideal for a new GM. The PC's are pre-organized into SG teams. They have support staff to handle the "boring parts" and let PC's establish a place in the party where they can shine. The adventures are clearly outlined; go, do, return. It's not quite on rails, but the Stargate does confine things, as do the limits on movement. "New Tech" is turned over to researchers at the end of the adventure, leaving the GM the option of if, when, and with what modifications, the items are reintroduced.

Seems like a pretty good starting template for a new GM or an experienced GM starting into a new setting.

[lachimba]

Originally Posted by Gedrin

I know it's come up before, but I wanted to chip in a word for SG-1.

The inspiration I would draw is for a DF, MH dungeon or villains of the week type game.

Its episodic with an overall theme (and an overarching story, but I wouldn't emphasize that).

The PCs turn up go on an adventure and end up home. Special guests can pop into your regular gaming group without explaining why they turn up in the wilderness.

You can introduce ideas and if they turn out to be dumb you just don't go back to that place and there's no worry of those ideas infecting the rest of the story