Top 10 Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch
Science fiction is defined as a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative concepts like futuristic world, science, technology, etc. As humans we are always in awe of the future and what magic it will hold for us, this Sci-Fi as a genre has always had a lot of takers. Though it was initially a staple for books and games, it gradually did make its foray into movies and shows as technology was developed. Very few genres catch our imagination like Sci-Fi or Science Fiction does, be it movies, books, games or shows Sci-Fi is everywhere now. Sci-Fi can boasts of some of the greatest franchises in movies, shows, books and games. Here we take a look at the small screen and countdown the Top 10 Sci-Fi TV series to Watch.
Top 10 Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch
10. The Outer Limits
At number 10 in Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch is The Outer Limits (both the 1995 and 1963 versions). Both of them are anthology of distinct short stories that with a plot twist at the end. It has often been compared to the grand daddy of Sci-Fi shows, The Twilight Zone due to its episode structure. It was aired in 1963-65 and was revived again to be aired from 1995-2002. Both of them combined have a total of 203 episodes.
9. Lost
At number 9 is Lost. Lost was one of those rare shows that combined widespread popular success along with critical acclaim. It has also been ranked as among the best TV Show of all time. It follows the story of the survivors of the crash of a commercial passenger jet on a tropical island in the middle of South Pacific Ocean. It was also one of the most expensive show of all time with the pilot episode itself costing US $14 million.
8. Firefly
At number 8 is Firefly. It was one of those shows that was not only good, but its world had immense potential for a something big or a major franchise was in the end it was dropped after only one season. It won Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects for a Series in 2003 and was ranked 5th in “60 Shows Cancelled Too Soon”. It has later been expanded into other media as well like comics and a role playing game.
7. Star-Trek: The Next Generation
At number 7 in Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch is Star-Trek: The Next Generation. Among all the tv series in the Star Trek franchise, The Next Generation was among the most critically award one with 19 Emmys, 2 Hugo Awards, 5 Saturn Awards and one Peabody award. With 7 season and 174 episodes, it was based on a starship called Enterprise in the Milky Way. This show was also the basis for the 7th -10th movie in the Star Trek franchise along with other books and games.
6. Star-Trek: Deep Space Nine
At number 6 is Star-Trek: Deep Space Nine. While most spin-offs fail to live up to the name of their mother shows, this one definitely was an exception. It had all the character development, rich world, complex plots and religious themes of the original while being darker and focused less on actual space exploration and more on the aspects of war. It ran for 7 seasons and had a total of 176 episodes.
5. Doctor Who
At number 5 in Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch is Doctor Who. This British Science Fiction show has been around for some time now, having started back in the 60s but has found mainstream success in recent years and has quickly established itself as a cult show. Furthermore, It follows the journey of Dr. Who, a Time Lord ( a space and time travelling humanoid alien) who explores the universe in his time-travelling space ship called TARDIS.
4. X-Files
At number 4 in Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch is X-Files. Nothing filled the kids from the 90s with more excitement than watching X-Files. The show was about two FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully . who investigate the X-Files, marginally unsolved cases that involve paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomenon. furthermore, the show ran for 10 seasons and a total of 208 episodes.
3. Battlestar Galactica
At number 3 in Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch is Battlestar Galactica. It was a military science fiction TV series that is among the most critically acclaimed Sci-Fi shows ever and thus has rightly found its mention in Times’s 100 Best TV Shows of All Time. Furthermore ,it was actually a reimagining of the 1978 Battlestar Galactica by Glen. A Larson. It has had Emmy Nominations in various categories and has managed to win in sound editing and visual effects.
2. Star Trek
At number 2 is Star Trek. Star Trek needs no introduction to the science fantasy fans. The show is follows of the story of the ship and crew led by Captain James Y. Kirk, first officer and science officer Spock and chief medical officer Leonard McCoy, set in the Milky Way Galaxy during the 2260s. Though the show flopped on its initial release, when it was later aired it became a hit and gained cult status in the 70s and spawned 5 tv series, 12 movies, books, games and toys and is considered one of the greatest and most influential franchises ever.
1. The Twilight Zone
At number 1 in Sci-Fi TV Series to Watch is The Twilight Zone. While most of the people might not know about this show, but this was the show that introduced most of the Americans to science fiction and fantasy tropes. It was the game changer for the genre as it was continued by various spin-offs like radio series, comic books, magazines etc. The show was aired back in 1959 but its significance can be measured by the fact that it ranked 5th in “60 Greatest Dramas of all Time” by TV Guide.