For today’s recommendations list, I’m giving you some of the best Science Fiction shows ever to air on television. You’ll notice some notable absences (X-files, Fringe), I plan on making a whole other list about sci-fi procedurals. So cool your jets. Anyway here are the binging recs.
- Babylon 5: Hands down one of the greatest science-fiction shows ever written and decades ahead of its time. The whole series plays out like a five-act play and every plot thread, every detail is carefully nurtured. Yes, seasons one and five can be a bit rocky as a result of network interference and production uncertainty but they still have some absolute gems. And seasons two through four are a master’s clinic in storytelling. One of my top five favorite television programs of all time.
- Stargate Sg-1: Campy and occasionally clunky, this television continuation of the 1994 movie replaces Kurt Russel with MacGyver and spends ten seasons, two spinoffs, and two direct to DVD movies inventing a wacky mythology and hoping you don’t ask too many questions. Sg-1 is like a bag of chips. One chip on its one is alright but doesn’t really do too much more you, but when you have a whole bag full you love the taste and just keep eating until the bag is empty.
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Star Trek invented the formula and The Next Generation perfected the formula; but DS9 did the hardest thing it could, it questioned the formula. Serialized storytelling, a majority non-human cast, and a static setting were only some of the unique elements it brought to the Trek universe. It was also far more morally grey than its predecessors. Giving a long hard look at what it takes to maintain a space utopia and what that promise can cost those who exist in its margins. As Commander Sisko says early on: “I’m not Picard.”
- The Expanse: Originally on Syfy channel then moved over to Amazon, The Expanse is based on a series of novels from James S. A. Corey. Let me tell you science fiction doesn’t come much harder. Full of political intrigue, galaxy-spanning mysteries, and engaging characters one of the best parts of this series is that it hardly goes an episode without reminding you that space is not safe, and one mistake can kill you and your whole crew.
- Farscape: Another 90’s entry to the list, Farscape may be about an American astronaut trapped on the other side of the galaxy but it comes to us from the shores of Australia. Wacky, surreal, and at times over the top; Farscape is one of the most unique sci-fi shows ever to air. Worth it just for the Jem Henson puppets.
- Doctor Who: I’m not talking about the 2005 revival, no I’m talking about the classic series. No the production values weren’t and the whole run can be a bit hit or miss but by god these old episodes are fun. Also, wouldn’t it be nice not to have to run to the internet to find out what thirty-five-year-old plot point the newest episode is referencing?
- Red Dwarf: British comedic gold. A workplace comedy set 3 million years in the future and featuring the last human alive. Really the science fiction elements play second fiddle to the characters, but it still counts. There are 73 episodes if you like your derelict space stations filled with laughs.
- Battlestar Galactica (2004): This re-imagining of a 70’s fan-favorite was the gold standard for its first two seasons. And while it’s landing in a little clunky it still produced some of the best episodes of television ever. Claustrophobic. Paranoid. Desperate. This show knew how to turn heroes into villains and villains into heroes.
- Orphan Black: How Tatiana Maslany didn’t win an Emmy for this series should be the subject of a federal investigation. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, so I’ll just say this show is good. Really good. Go watch it. Now.
- The Orville: I know. I know. The creator of Family Guy made a Star Trek knock off. Space Farts! And while there is a fair share of toilet humor, there is also a kindness and warmth that is hard to find in the era of prestige television. Season one is a bit rocky while the show is figuring out what it wants to be. But season two can go toe to toe with any other franchise on this list.