Top 25 Science Fiction TV Shows
This is a list of the best 25 science fiction series of all time, a great genre that needed a lot of time-spending in order to be done.
So many great and epic series, great deal of them are pure classics, I hope you’ll enjoy the list and hopefully find one that you will start watching, let’s start!
Best Sci-Fi TV Shows Ever
Battlestar Galactica
Created by: Ronald D. Moore
Genre: Military Science Fiction
Running Time: 44 mins
Original Channel: Sci-Fi
Battlestar Galactica was developed by Ronald D. Moore and based on Battlestar Galactica by Glen A. Larson. The series was on air from 2004 to 2009, it has 75 episodes and 4 seasons.
After the 12 colonies are destroyed by an old enemy known as The Cylons, the last remains of the human population set course for the 13th colony, Earth. They travel on an old space-ship called Galactica.
The show received a lot of good praise, a great science fiction series with a lot of great characters and twists and turns. As a fan of this particular genre I really enjoyed the show. Hopefully you will to.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Genre: Science Fiction Drama
Running Time: 44 mins
Original Channel: First-run syndication
Star Trek: The Next Generation was created by Gene Roddenberry, great Patrick Stewart performance in this series. There are 7 seasons and 178 episodes.
A new generations sets course and leaves where no one else has gone before. The setting takes place decades after Captain Kirk’s 5 year mission.
The show had 20 million viewers on average, 4 movies were also made between 1994 and 2002. It’s a very well know series in this genre and I’m sure you have either seen it or at-least heard of it, if it’s the latter I recommend you watch it.
The X-Files
Created by: Chris Carter
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Running Time: 44 mins
Original Channel: Fox
The X-Files was on air for 9 years, from 1993 to 2002. The series was created by Chris Carter, it has 202 episodes.
Two FBI agents encounter weird phenomenons, they try to find reasonable explanation for them, one of the agents, Fox Mulder is the believer while the other, Dana Scully is a skeptic. Their debate makes a great show.
Highly rated series, you will absolutely love it, a great mix of science fiction and mystery.
Lost
Created by: J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Jeffrey Lieber
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural
Running Time: 40-48 mins
Original Channel: ABC
Lost was on air for six years, from 2004 to 2010. The show generated a big fuss and since the premiere it became one of my all-time favorites. 121 episodes is the total of the series, I particularly liked the first three seasons, as the show was nearing the ending I started to lose a little interested, in mine taste, they made it too complicated.
A plane crashes on a mysterious island, the survivors search for rescue and in the process realize that this is no ordinary place. Jack is a spinal surgeon who is unable to let things go, Kate is on the run after killing her step-father, Locke was in a wheelchair when he boarded the plane but as soon as he landed he started walking, Sawyer (my favorite) is a con man…I can go on and on for days, so many interesting characters.
The show is more about the journey than the destination, the ending was very criticized but you owe it to yourself as a fan of science fiction to watch it.
Firefly
Created by: Joss Whedon
Genre: Space Western
Running Time: 44 mins
Original Channel: Fox
Firefly was created by Joss Whedon, the TV show was on air in 2002, it has only 14 episodes.
A crew aboard a spacecraft travels in unknown parts in the galaxy trying to survive and escape the agents that are in their pursuit. An interesting idea by Joss Whedon, a western science fiction.
If you decide to watch the show unfotunately won’t take too much of your time but still worthy of your attention.
Fringe
Created by: J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci
Genre: Supernatural Drama
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: Fox
Fringe is a fairly new show, it was airing from 2008 to 2013. It’s a great supernatural drama with 100 episodes behind it.
It is about a female FBI agent trying to solve mysterious crimes with the help of a institutionalized scientist. Every episode has a different phenomenon that they need to figure out.
The critics were impressed by the show and it is classic J.J. Abrams, so what I am saying is if you enjoy science fiction and/or the work of J.J. Abrams then you have to give it a chance.
Stargate Universe
Created by: Brad Wright, Robert C. Coop
Genre: Military Science Fiction
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: SyFy
Stargate Universe was created by the duo of Brad Wright and Robert C. Coop. It was on air for two years, from 2009 to 2011. There are 2 seasons and 40 episodes.
A crew is trapped in a spacecraft billions of light years from home, militant and civilians try to survive and get back home to Earth. Another series on a spaceship and another well written one.
A great show about survival and unity.
Rick and Morty
Created by: Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon
Genre: Adventure
Running Time: 22 mins
Original Channel: Adult Swim
Rick and Morty was created by both Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, it started airing last year and since had 11 episodes. It’s one of the best animates science fiction series.
It’s about the adventurous expeditions of a super smart scientist and his not so bright grandson. I really enjoyed the 11 episodes so far, hopefully we will see many more.
Some of the critics described it as offbeat and occasionally coarse. As far as I am concerned you should really watch it.
Doctor Who
Created by: Sidney Newman, Donald Wilson, C.E. Webber
Genre: Science Fiction Drama
Running Time: 45 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Doctor Who was on air firstly from 1963 to 1989, then it got revived in 2005 and is still on BBC One. Matt Smith was the Doctor until this year, now it’s Peter Capaldi.
It’s Doctor Who, there is no reason to explain the series, it’s about his adventurous time travelling alongside his companions. A great show that will hopefully run for a long time, I wish Capaldi all the best, he is the right choice as the next Doctor, also kudos to Matt Smith for his portrait of the character.
The show has been heavily praised, you should definitely watch it as a true science fiction fan.
Dragon Ball Z
Created by: Takao Koyama
Genre: Martial Arts, Action
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: Nicktoons
The first 199 episodes of the show were directed by Daisuke Nishio, there are 167 episodes of this animates series. Dragon Ball Z is recognized all over the world, it is one of the best animated series ever created.
Goku, the defender of Earth finds out that he is an alien, later on he alongside his companions defends this planet from a lot of extraterrestrial foes.
The critical acclaim was very positive. If you like animated series then this one was made for you.
Futurama
Created by: Matt Groening
Genre: Adult Animation, Sitcom
Running Time: 22 mins
Original Channel: Fox, Comedy Central
Futurama was created by Matt Groening, the series was first on air from 1999 to 2003, later it got its second run, from 2008 to 2013. 140 episodes and 7 seasons is the total of the TV show.
Fry is a pizza guy, he accidently gets frozen on New Years Eve in 1999, he gets thawed out in 2999. His new friends and world in general makes for a great sitcom.
You will witness one of the saddest moments in the history on TV in this great sitcom when Seymour waits for Fry.
Outlander
Created by: Ronald D. Moore
Genre: Romance
Running Time: 64 mins
Original Channel: Starz
Outlander was developed by Ronald D. Moore, the series just started airing and thus far there have been only 5 episodes. It’s a British-American romance drama that attracted a lot of attention.
It’s romance and science fiction mixed at their best, a young nurse from 1945 mysteriously goes back in time to 1743 and is forced to marry a romantic Scottish warrior. She it torn between two different men.
It’s the ideal time to start watching the series, the critics response was vastly positive. If you like science fiction and romance then, you are welcome.
Young Justice
Created by: Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman
Genre: Superhero, Teen Drama
Running Time: 22 mins
Original Channel: Cartoon Network
Young Justice was created by the duo of Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman, the show was on air from 2010 to 2013. There are 43 episodes of this animated superhero series.
Teenage superheros make for a great series, this show has proven that, what they all have in common is that they try to prove themselves that they can be the members of the Justice League.
Another highly rated series that you should give a chance especially if you like animated superhero series.
The Venture Bros.
Created by: Jackson Publick, Doc Hammer
Genre: Adventure, Dark Comedy
Running Time: 22-24 mins
Original Channel: Adult Swim
The Venture Bros. is on air from 2004, so far there have been 63 episodes and 3 specials. The show was created by Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer.
The heroic scientist Dr. Rusty Venture goes on escaped with his bodyguard and his two over-enthusiastic sons. Another animated show, third in a row and another great science fiction action and dark comedy.
Great show with 5 seasons so far, fingers crossed for many more to come.
Justice League
Created by: Bruce Timm, Paul Dini
Genre: Superhero
Running Time: 20-23 mins
Original Channel: Cartoon Network
Justice League was created by both Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, it’s one of the best superhero series out there. The TV show had 52 episodes, it was on air from 2001 to 2004.
Seven of our most beloved superhero form the arguably strongest superhero team. Superhero fans, this one is for you.
2 seasons of this animated superhero show, it received a lot of praise.
Stargate SG-1
Created by: Brad Wright, Jonathan Glassner
Genre: Military Science Fiction
Running Time: 42 mins
Original Channel: Showtime, Syfy
Stargate SG-1 was firstly on Showtime for the first 5 seasons and then continued on SyFy for the remainder. The show was created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner. It has 214 episodes and 2 movies.
After a Stargate is discovered, a team gets formed in order to explore the universe. It is a really cool series with a lot of interesting episodes with interesting civilizations.
Explore, explore and explore…it’s all about adventure and fictional civilizations.
Arrow
Created by: Mark Guggenheim, Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg
Genre: Superhero
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: The CW
Arrow is a new superhero series that started airgin in 2012. The show was developed by the trio of Greg Berlanti, Mark Guggenheim and Andrew Kresberg.
Oliver Queen is s spoiled billionaire that gets stuck in a deserted island, he stays there for 5 years, upon his return he decides with his newly acquired abilities to fight and rid the town from the criminals.
46 episodes so far, it is a great superhero series. It received a great reception.
Orphan Black
Created by: Graeme Manson, John Fawcett
Genre: Thriller
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: BBC America
Orphan Black had its debut last year, thus far it had 20 episodes. It was created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett.
A hustler witnesses a suicide of a girl that like just like her. Her life drastically changes overnight. Tatiana Maslany plays the role of her life in this exciting thriller.
Another new series that is highly appreciated. It’s the right time to start watching it.
Person of Interest
Created by: Jonathan Nolan
Genre: Crime
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: CBS
Person of Interest was created by Jonathan Nolan, Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson are one of the main characters of the show. The series started airing in 2011, so far there have been 68 episodes.
A billionaire recruits a former CIA agent in order for him to prevent violent crimes. One of the best crime series that are currently on air.
The series received the highest ratings for any pilot in the last 15 years. Subsequently it’s fair to say that the reception was very positive.
Misfits
Created by: Howard Overman
Genre: Action, Supernatural
Running Time: 45 mins
Original Channel: E4
Misfits was created by Howard Overman, the series started airing in 2009 and lasted until 2013. 37 episodes and 5 seasons is the total of the this action and supernatural drama.
Young offenders get struck by a lighting while working community work, they soon start developing superpowers. An interesting concept for a series, well done Howard Overman.
Not enough episodes…great show with a great reception.
Star Trek
Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Genre: Science Fiction
Running Time: 50 mins
Original Channel: NBC
Star Trek was created by Gene Roddenberry, the series was on air from 1966 to 1969. In that period there have been 79 episodes. It was followed by Star Trek: The Animated Series, other related series are ST: The Next Generation, ST: Deep Space Nine, ST: Voyager and ST: Enterprise.
Captain Kirk alongside his companions travel through the Universe to explore and protect the United Federation of Planets. This show is what science fiction is all about, consequently there is a big Star Trek fan-base.
Star Trek left behind three great seasons, if by any chance you have missed the show then you should really watch it.
Life on Mars
Created by: Matthew Graham, Ashley Pharoah, Tony Jordan
Genre: Time Travel
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: ABC
Life on Mars was originally created by the trio consisted of Tony Jordan, Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah. The show lasted for only one year, 17 episodes is the total of this police procedural.
Sam Tyler wakes up in 1973 after having a car accident in 2006. Slowly he finds out that a lot has changed in 33 years.
The pilot had 11 million viewers but from the 9th episodes, the viewers per episodes has not gone above 6.2 million. It is an interesting time travel show that deserves your attention especially if you like series and/or movies with time travel.
Quantum Leap
Created by: Donald P. Bellisario
Genre: Mystery, Action/Adventure
Running Time: 45 mins
Original Channel: NBC
Quantum Leap was on air from 1989 to 1993, the series had 96 episodes in that timeline.
A scientist named Sam Becket leaps into a body of a different person from a different period each week. It’s a very intreresting idea for a series, the show received a lot praise.
Another time travel series that you will enjoy.
Babylon 5
Created by: J. Michael Straczynski
Genre: Space Opera
Running Time: 43 mins
Original Channel: PTEN, TNT
Babylon 5 was created by J. Michael Straczynski, the series was on air from 1993 to 1998. A great series that lasted for 5 seasons.
There are 5 dominant civilizations, Humans, Narn, Minbari, Centauri and Vorlons. It’s a five year saga in a space station.
110 episodes and 6 movies says it all, great drama series.
Farscape
Created by: Brian Henson, Rockne S. O’Bannon
Genre: Science Fiction
Running Time: 44 mins
Original Channel: Sci-Fi Channel
Farscape was created by both Brian Henson and Rockne S. O’Bannon, the series was on air from 1999 to 2003.
An astronaut gets himself in quite some problems, he finds himself in an alien starship. Ben Browder does a great job in this science fiction series.
88 episodes through the 4 years, this series concludes our list, have a good one.
