Science fiction series has long been a popular genre among television enthusiasts. Known for pushing the boundaries of imagination and offering audiences a glimpse into how things will change in the future, several such shows are rightly called “way ahead of their time.” While many such shows met with dull ratings in their initial runs, with time, they gained popularity. Today, there are countless sci-fi shows available across dedicated streaming networks, exploring various themes.
Sci-fi series that reshaped the landscape of the TV industry
1. Star Trek: The Original Series
One of the most popular TV shows of all time, Star Trek: The Original Series, created the foundation for several other sci-fi series that came after it. The show was also responsible for catapulting several actors to fame, including William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. While their characters, Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, became iconic, even the aliens like Tribbles and Klingons remain discussion topics among sci-fi enthusiasts. Today, the series has evolved into a franchise comprising various TV series and films, proving that its legacy will indeed “live long and prosper.”
2. Doctor Who
The BBC series started to air over 60 years ago. With episodes still in the making, Doctor Who is one of the longest-running shows in sci-fi history. The series follows a charming alien who travels through time and space in a bashed-up blue box (the TARDIS). The goal? To save the day. Doctor Who picks up travel buddies en route and keeps regenerating into a brand-new body time and again. This makes sense, considering that the show has been airing for decades. There have been 12 Doctors’ so far and counting, with Jodie Whittaker becoming the first female lead to portray the character.
3. Stranger Things
Set in the 1980s, Stranger Things continues to captivate its audience with its nostalgic themes combined with sci-fi and supernatural elements. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the series follows a group of friends battling evils from alternate dimensions through each season. The group does this well with the help of Eleven, a teenager with telekinetic abilities (portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown). Besides Brown, the show also features several other A-list actors, including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Joe Keery, and Gaten Matarazzo.
4. Black Mirror
This anthology television series explores the dark side of human nature and the impacts of modern technology. The series has featured some top actors, with names like Miley Cyrus, Annie Murphy, Aaron Paul, and Salma Hayek. Since each episode presents a standalone story, one can watch them in any order. Each episode of the series features dark themes and accurately outlines some caveats of technology. Known for its often unsettling and thought-provoking portrayal of a dystopian future, the series also earned several awards and remains a fan favorite.
5. The Expanse
Set about two centuries in the future, The Expanse follows tensions between Earth, a colonized Mars, and a ring of blue-collar space stations called “The Belt” houses. It all starts when a mysterious signal leads to the destruction of a ship and strands a ragtag crew and its Captain, Jim Holden (Steven Strait). At the same time, a police detective grows obsessed with the case of a missing girl, who eventually becomes the key to revealing an unavoidable cosmic battle. But one should watch the show to find out how it all ultimately plays out.
6. Babylon 5
A hit through the 90s, Babylon 5 is set in a future where a massive space station doubles as a type of intergalactic UN. This also serves as a neutral ground for humans and aliens to work out trade relations, resolve conflicts, and avoid an all-out war that may bring about loss and destruction. Created by J. Michael Straczynski, the show has racked up multiple accolades.
7. The Flash
Widely regarded as one of the finest comic book adaptations, the show has seven seasons to its name. The show has renowned actors in the lead, including names like Grant Gustin, who portrays Barry Allen (The Flash), Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen, and Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow. Other popular names on this show are Carlo Valdes, Tom Cavanagh, and Jesse L. Martin. The show focuses on Barry Allen, who gains superhero powers following a particle accelerator explosion. Despite the superhero elements, the show also has a strong focus on science and adds some adventure and family drama to the mix. This live-action superhero TV series is loved by many sci-fi fans worldwide.
8. The 100
Set in the backdrop of a post-nuclear war Earth, the show begins with a hundred juvenile survivors sent back to the planet to check if it is habitable. The 100 is loosely based on a series of young adult novels by Kass Morgan. The show starts off with an exploratory mission and eventually spirals into complex plotlines featuring warring groups, hostile environments, and mysterious phenomena. Each character in The 100 has their skillset and also flaws. Furthermore, the intricate world-building and compelling characters make The 100 a must-watch for dystopian sci-fi series enthusiasts.