Mercury Theatre on the Air was a radio program that aired from 1938 to 1940, created by Orson Welles and his theater company. The show is best known for its innovative adaptations of classic literature and original plays, often featuring dramatic storytelling and live sound effects. One of its most famous broadcasts was the adaptation of H.G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds," which aired on October 30, 1938. This particular episode caused widespread panic among listeners who believed the fictional story of an alien invasion was real, highlighting the power of radio as a medium for storytelling.