"Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" is a science fiction franchise that began as a comic strip in 1928, created by Philip Francis Nowlan. The story follows the adventures of Buck Rogers, a World War I pilot who is accidentally frozen in time and awakens in the 25th century. He discovers a future filled with advanced technology, space travel, and various alien species. The franchise expanded to include a popular television series that aired from 1979 to 1981, featuring Gil Gerard as Buck Rogers. The show showcased his battles against villains like Dr. Elias Huer and the evil Princess Ardala, while exploring themes of heroism and the challenges of adapting to a new world.