Some sci-fi TV shows have gotten even better with time and make for a great re-watch. One of the most entertaining things about watching an older sci-fi show or movie is to see how they envisage the future. Back to the Future has proved that self-tying shoes and flying cars may not be one of humanity’s top priorities, but watching a show about the future, made in the past, can be both frightening and hilarious.
Viewers have also always been curious about discovering other planets or alternate realities. Some series tend to tackle the subject with care and trepidation, while others focus on a more lighthearted approach. But, the true beauty of the best sci-fi shows is embracing all the suspension of disbelief that the genre so graciously offers. While some classics like Star Trek don’t even need to be mentioned, some relatively old shows from the last 20 years or so shouldn’t be forgotten either.
10 Warehouse 13 (2009-2014)
It’s About What’s In The boxes
When Secret Service agents Myka Bering and Pete Lattimer are reassigned to Warehouse 13 in rural South Dakota, they find themselves part of a team of agents tasked with tracking down and recovering supernatural artifacts, to be stored in the warehouse.
- Release Date
- July 7, 2009
- Seasons
- 5
- Directors
- Chris Fisher
One of the jewels in the crown of the Syfy channel, this action comedy had one of the highest-rated debuts in the network’s history. The mix of historical facts with elements of the supernatural made this show not only entertaining but also educational. There was undeniable chemistry between the two leads, Eddie McClintock and Joanne Kelly, as the will-they won’t-they trope was enjoyable to watch.
Each episode presented a raucous ride across history, with a host of well-known faces from the world of sci-fi TV.
The premise of having a huge storage unit filled with otherworldly artifacts is one with unlimited potential. This was evident in the fact that it lasted an impressive five seasons, and included things such as Marilyn Monroe’s magical hairbrush, and Agatha Christie’s typewriter, to name but two. Each episode presented a raucous ride across history, with a host of well-known faces from the world of sci-fi TV. Kelly Hu, Joe Morton, and Kate Mulgrew all appear in this fun show.
9 Sliders (1995-2000)
Quantum leaping gone wrong
Sliders is a science fiction television series that follows Quinn Mallory (Jerry O’Connell) and a group of fellow travelers as they “slide” between parallel universes. With each new world presenting a unique alternate reality, the team encounters various versions of Earth, facing different challenges and societal structures. The series, which aired from 1995 to 2000, explores themes of consequence, diversity, and adaptation.
- Cast
- Jerry O’Connell , Sabrina Lloyd , John Rhys-Davies , Cleavant Derricks , Kari Wuhrer , Charlie O’Connell , Robert Floyd , Tembi Locke
- Release Date
- March 22, 1995
- Seasons
- 5
- Creator(s)
- Tracy Tormé , Robert K. Weiss
A miscalculation during a wormhole jump leads a group of friends (and some stragglers) to travel between alternate Earths. Using a handheld device with its very own set of rules, they find themselves in worlds where men are ruled by women, and the English have won the Revolutionary War.
They encounter interdimensional doppelgängers, alien species, and alternate versions of historical figures, all while trying to make their way back home. The series went through a few different networks and cast iterations, which can be felt between certain seasons.
However, there are plenty of stand-out episodes which remain as fun today as they were in the late ’90s. Jerry O’Connell headed up the cast for most of the show’s run, bringing his goofy yet charming brand of leading man energy. With plenty of laughs to be had, and wild worlds to be explored, Sliders introduced an innovative concept that stood the test of time.
8 Fringe (2008-2013)
What Lies Beneath
This sci-fi procedural follows the FBI’s secretive Fringe Division and its agents Olivia Dunham, Walter Bishop, and Peter Bishop. Together, they investigate cases regarding strange events that threaten society, including cases of parallel universes, human experimentation, and other strange phenomena.
- Release Date
- September 9, 2008
- Seasons
- 5
- Directors
- Jeff Pinkner
J.J. Abrams was one of the creators of this atmospheric show that balanced the line between reality and a parallel universe. Part of a prime-time sci-fi resurgence of the era, Fringe combined elements of a mystery-of-the-week format with an overarching thread that held everything together. Joshua Jackson and Anna Torv lead the cast with otherworldly charisma and chemistry.
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Both the “Over Here” and the “Other Side” are places filled with exciting storylines, and whenever they overlap, drama is sure to follow. The show developed a cult following over its five years, delighting viewers with standalone episodes, as well as mysteries that spanned seasons. Fringe may feel somewhat retrained in its lack of excessive showiness, but under the surface lies a world of fascinating tales to be discovered.
7 3rd Rock From The Sun (1996-2001)
How Aliens See The Earthlings
3rd Rock From the Sun is a sitcom about a group of extraterrestrials on an undercover mission to study human behavior on Earth. Posing as a human family, the Solomons grapple with the complexities of human life, led by their high commander Dick Solomon, played by John Lithgow. The series explores their comedic adventures and misunderstandings as they attempt to navigate and comprehend the intricacies of human society.
- Cast
- John Lithgow , Jane Curtin , Kristen Johnston , French Stewart , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Simbi Khali , Elmarie Wendel , Wayne Knight
- Release Date
- January 9, 1996
- Seasons
- 6
- Creator(s)
- Bonnie Turner , Terry Turner
There aren’t that many sitcoms that embrace the sci-fi genre, but this one managed to make it work in a non-gimmicky and highly entertaining way. The stellar cast includes John Lithgow, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Jane Curtin, who were given some hilarious material to work with.
A simple concept of an alien expedition wanting to study Earth roots the show in a kind of palatable reality that works within the lighthearted comedy genre. Its eight Emmy Awards speak volumes about the quality of the show.
The audience quickly forms a bond with these “aliens from outer space”, and gets to enjoy how they adapt to their new Earthly ways. There’s a boundless comedy, quirky romance, and a cameo from William Shatner, which is a wonderful pay-off to a long-running gag. With episodes all timed under half an hour, it’s a binge-worthy classic that puts a humorous twist on an often serious genre.
6 Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)
The Door To The Future
Stargate SG-1 is a sci-fi adventure television series spin-off set in the Stargate Universe, initially created by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin. Set roughly a year after the film’s events; the story takes place after it becomes known that the Stargate technology allows those who use it to travel across different planets. With several teams dispatched to perform recon and defend the Earth from potential extraterrestrial threats, the series follows the titular team SG-1 of the U.S. Air Force as they face several alien threats.
- Cast
- Richard Dean Anderson , Michael Shanks , amanda tapping , Christopher Judge , Don S. Davis , Gary Jones , Teryl Rothery , Ben Browder
- Release Date
- July 27, 1997
- Seasons
- 10
- Directors
- Peter DeLuise
First, was the original Stargate film from 1994 – a smash hit that was a breakthrough for Roland Emmerich. Then, came this spin-off, which launched a franchise spanning decades. Expanding the worlds built in the original, this 10-season action adventure travels space and time, exploring new planets and civilizations. While the stars of the movie weren’t able to reprise their roles, actors such as Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks made their mark.
The stakes get higher as the seasons progress, with countless lives to be saved, and many threats to the gate to be fought.
The big-budget special effects were very innovative at the time, creating visuals that still look good to this day. The cast of characters features astrophysicists, Egyptologists, military personnel, and a plethora of multi-dimensional beings, providing interlocking storylines that thrill and entertain. The stakes get higher as the seasons progress, with countless lives to be saved, and many threats to the gate to be fought.
5 Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
The Original Slider
Set thirty years after the events of the original television series; Quantum Leap is a sci-fi adventure that follows Dr. Ben Song, the new lead physicist who leads the government project known as “Quantum Leap.” Following in the footsteps of Dr. Sam Beckett, Sam hopes to figure out why the original creator disappeared – but along the way, he is met by a hologram of a Dr. Addison, who reveals to him the secrets of how to leap. As Ben jumps from host to host, trying to correct wayward events, his team works tirelessly to bring him home.
- Cast
- Raymond Lee , Caitlin Bassett , Mason Alexander Park , Ernie Hudson , Nanrisa Lee
- Release Date
- September 19, 2022
- Seasons
- 1
Scott Bakula’s iconic role served as a template used by similar sci-fi series for years to come. A brilliant doctor gets stranded in time, trying to make his way back to his reality. Perhaps, slightly ahead of its time, the show took a while to find its core audience, but once it did, it built a devoted following. Thirteen million viewers tuned in to watch the finale, and even more have been discovering the show over the years.
As Dr. Sam Beckett “leaps” into the lives of various people through many realities, he tries to change their past so he can fix the future. Each adventure utilizes the fact that he’s a highly decorated scholar, martial arts expert, and talented artist, taking audiences on a thrilling ride. Well worth a watch, as the futuristic nostalgia is real.
4 Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
A Journey Through Space And Time
The 2004 science fiction TV series Battlestar Galactica is a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same title. Created by Glen A. Larson, the original Battlestar Galactica features a fictional human civilization living in a distant star system called the Twelve Colonies. They are in constant battle against a cybernetic race called the Cylons, who want to exterminate the human race. A massive attack was launched, and only those who made it onboard the Battlestar Galactica and its fleet survived. They navigate space in search of the mythical 13th colony called Earth. Battlestar Galactica is under the command of President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Colonial Fleet Officer, Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos).
- Cast
- Grace Park , Katee Sackhoff , Mary McDonnell , Tahmoh Penikett , Tricia Helfer , Edward James Olmos , Aaron Douglas , James Callis , Alessandro Juliani , Michael Hogan , Jamie Bamber , Kandyse McClure
- Release Date
- October 18, 2004
- Seasons
- 4
- Directors
- Michael Rymer , Michael Nankin
Technically, the pilot for Battlestar Galactica is a two-part miniseries that aired in 2003. The plot does not hesitate to ease the audience in, as a whole colony of planets is wiped out, leaving only a handful of survivors. With that, those aboard the remaining fleet of ships must try and make their way to “Earth”.
Everything that happens afterward is a masterclass in sci-fi adventure. The ongoing war with the Cylons takes many turns, with allegiances changed, and loyalties broken. The cast has a magnetic on-screen presence, and the interpersonal relationships are as interesting as the interstellar ones. Part space opera, part political drama, and add to this, one of the most satisfying and mind-bending finales, Battlestar Galactica is the gift that keeps on giving.
3 Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
A Franchise That Lived On And Prospered
Star Trek: The Next Generation is the third installment in the sci-fi franchise and follows the adventures of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew members of the USS Enterprise. Set around one hundred years after the original series, Picard and his crew travel through the galaxy in largely self-contained episodes exploring the crew dynamics and their own political discourse. The series also had several overarching plots that would develop over the course of the isolated episodes, with four films released in tandem with the series to further some of these story elements.
- Release Date
- September 28, 1987
- Seasons
- 7
- Directors
- David Carson
The first to revive the beloved franchise, this sci-fi juggernaut introduced audiences to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the Enterprise NCC 1701-D. Set in the 24th century, the adventures take the starship to many planets within the Star Trek universe, mixing themes of discovery, war, and diplomacy. The time between the end of the original, and the beginning of this version, meant that many viewers were only then being introduced to this iconic franchise.
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The successful revival attracted many stars, including Whoopi Goldberg, and even saw the return of Leonard Nimoy. Audiences became enamored with the new Enterprise crew and enjoyed exploring the new worlds and issues they faced. Multiple spin-offs and reboots followed, and it’s safe to say that without The Next Generation, it might not have happened.
2 Smallville (2001-2011)
Before There Was Superman
Smallville is a Superhero television series based on the Superman Comic Book series created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This television release was developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The premise revolves around a young Clark Kent as he arrives on Earth and attempts to live his life while simultaneously keeping his friends, family, and those around him safe thanks to his superpowers.
- Cast
- Sam Jones III , Annette O’Toole , Jensen Ackles , Eric Johnson , Erica Durance , Cassidy Freeman , Michael Rosenbaum , Laura Vandervoort , John Schneider , Kristin Kreuk , Sam Witwer , Aaron Ashmore , Allison Mack , John Glover , Justin Hartley , Tom Welling , Callum Blue
- Release Date
- October 16, 2001
- Seasons
- 10
There had been many successful iterations of Superman’s story, but this was the first to focus so closely on his teen years. Viewers were able to be by his side as his abilities slowly developed, and he eventually learned about his otherworldly heritage. The word “Kryptonite” wasn’t even uttered until the story was a few seasons in, and the relationship with Lois Lane was a very slow burn. Viewers were kept waiting a long while before he even donned the blue and red suit.
This helped build one of the most well-rounded versions of Clark Kent in the character’s on-screen history.
It started as a mystery-of-the-week format that focused on individuals affected by the “meteor strike” in a rural Kansas town. The series took its time before diving into the mythology the audience was familiar with. This helped build one of the most well-rounded versions of Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in the character’s on-screen history. His romance with Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) was explored to its fullest, as was the layered relationship with Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). With a host of new and familiar supporting characters, and a lot of action, Smallville is still as entertaining as it ever was.
1 The X-Files (1993-2018)
To Believe Or Not To Believe
The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.
- Cast
- Gillian Flynn , David Duchovny , Robert Patrick , Annabeth Gish , Mitch Pileggi
- Release Date
- September 10, 1993
- Seasons
- 11
- Network
- FOX
- Directors
- Chris Carter
One of the biggest, most successful television shows of the 1990s, this sci-fi staple introduced the world at large to the paranormal and the unexplained. Special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) became household names, as every week they faced a new monster or another supernatural event. The juxtaposition between his love of conspiracy theories, and her level-headed approach led, to many explosive moments between the beloved duo.
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As the years passed, and they dove deeper into the unknown, viewers were hooked on the mystery as well as the chemistry. The show was a ratings success and won multiple awards, with its initial run lasting until 2002. Then came a revival, with additional seasons premiering in 2016 and 2018. The legacy of this sci-fi stalwart is undeniable, and it’s as unnerving and engaging now as it was back in 1993.