<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Chronology </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Related shows </Th> <Td> The New Avengers </Td> </Tr> <P> The Avengers is an espionage British television series created in 1961 . It initially focused on Dr. David Keel (Ian Hendry), aided by John Steed (Patrick Macnee). Hendry left after the first series; Steed then became the main character, partnered by a succession of assistants . His most famous assistants were intelligent, stylish and assertive women: Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman), Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), and Tara King (Linda Thorson). The series ran from 1961 until 1969, screening as one - hour episodes for its entire run . The pilot episode, "Hot Snow", aired on 7 January 1961 . The final episode, "Bizarre", aired on 21 April 1969 in the United States, and on 21 May 1969 in London, England . </P> <P> The Avengers was produced by ABC Television, a contractor within the ITV network . After a merger in July 1968, ABC Television became Thames Television, which continued production of the series, though it was still broadcast under the ABC name . By 1969, The Avengers was shown in more than 90 countries . ITV produced a sequel series The New Avengers (1976--1977) with Patrick Macnee returning as John Steed, and two new partners . In 2007, The Avengers was ranked #20 on TV Guide's Top Cult Shows Ever . </P>

Who played john steed in the original avenger series