10 Best Sci-fi Shows of the 2000s

As a lifelong fan of sci-fi and someone who’s been through more alien encounters than I care to remember, let me tell you about these shows that have left indelible marks on my interstellar journey.

The 2000s were an outstanding era for science fiction, thanks to the significant strides made in Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). As a result, television productions within this genre saw improvements in visual appeal compared to the ’80s and ’90s. This boosted creativity among industry professionals, leading to an influx of new ideas for shows. Ultimately, viewers found themselves with a rich variety of options to choose from.

In the past decade, I’ve noticed a significant leap in progressiveness and storytelling depth within this genre. More often, we’re seeing complex female protagonists taking center stage, and the stories themselves are veering away from action-packed adventures towards rich character development and exploration of relationships. This shift has sparked an increase in fanfiction, a trend that continues to thrive today as fans delve deeper into the intricacies of these characters’ lives.

In the late 2000s, it seemed like every major network was jumping on the sci-fi bandwagon, airing at least five different series. While I appreciate the enthusiasm, it’s clear that not all shows were created equal. Many of them tried hard, but only a handful truly stood out due to their superior production quality and captivating storylines. What sets these gems apart is their unique take on science fiction, offering something fresh amidst the genre’s saturated landscape.

10 Eureka (2006 – 2012)

In Eureka, Oregon, Deputy U.S. Marshal Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) finds himself in this small town while returning his unruly teenage daughter Zoe to her mother. He discovers that the inhabitants of Eureka are brilliant inventors behind most global innovations. Then, a scientific mishap incapacitates the town’s sheriff, and Carter is appointed as the temporary replacement, even though he lacks their intellectual prowess. However, Carter demonstrates his street-smart skills to handle the tasks effectively.

An Ordinary Man Babying Geniuses

Despite being packed with fresh ideas and occasionally dark themes, this masterpiece from James Paglia, known for his work on shows like ‘The Flash’ and ‘Scream’, is a must-watch for dedicated science enthusiasts. Over five captivating seasons, you’ll embark on a journey through a picturesque small town filled with intellectually gifted residents. Yet, you might find yourself questioning their actions, as they seem to make mistakes that one would think they’d avoid given their intelligence. This is a question that the protagonist, Carter, also ponders. So, prepare to witness a good man’s slow descent into uncertainty. The visuals are equally impressive, earning it an Emmy nomination.

The series could have continued beyond Season 5, but unfortunately, production had to stop due to the executives at the newly acquired parent company of SyFy finding it financially unfeasible to produce further episodes. Despite passionate fan protests, no changes were made.

Stream it on Prime Video

9 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008 – 2009)

The dismal reception of “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” necessitated a new television series that would offer consistent storytelling with the highly praised AI film, “Terminator 2”. This series was titled “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles“. The narrative primarily focuses on Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) and her son John (Thomas Dekker), as they tirelessly work to thwart the development of an early variant of Skynet, the AI computer system that is fated to lead a war against humanity in the future.

No Schwarzenegger, No Problem

Initially, there was doubt that “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” would captivate audiences without its main character, but Lena Heady proved her skills admirably in filling his boots. Beyond Heady’s impressive performance, the series offers valuable lessons on safety measures relevant today. The show also carries a hazy and tense mood with non-stop action, making it an engaging watch for diverse viewers.

8 Fringe (2008 – 2013)

Just like how the CIA might appear more intriguing and exciting in books or movies, the FBI can sometimes seem that way too – but not as much in reality. The series “Fringe” takes us back to our imagination, though. It revolves around Agent Olivia Dunham (played by Anna Torv), a troubled scientist named Walter Bishop (John Noble), and Walter’s son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) – all of whom are part of the Fringe Division within the FBI. Their team delves into fringe science as they explore peculiar events, many of which are linked to an alternate universe.

The Multiverse Like You’ve Never Seen it Before

Initially branded as a duplicate of “The X-Files,” Fringe swiftly established its unique identity as the must-watch series for those interested in diving into technological singularity and multiversal theories. Captured beautifully with spring hues, this show is a thrilling, dramatic rollercoaster ride filled with intense emotions and sobering disclosures. Initially dialogue-heavy, it quickly gains momentum, maintains its grip, and leaves a lasting impression. Joshua Jackson’s performance as Peter reaches new career heights, and the supporting cast provides solid support.

Stream it on Max

7 The Middleman (2008)

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself deeply engrossed in the story of Wendy Watson (Natalie Morales) in “The Middleman”. Her life appears to be on a downward spiral until she’s approached by an enigmatic figure known as The Middleman. This man isn’t your typical job recruiter; he’s a freelance fixer, handling everything from erratic scientists to extraterrestrial threats in the realm of sci-fi.

One of the Best Sci-Fi Duos

Located within a lively city neighborhood, “The Middleman” masterfully blends the mysterious aspects of science with poetic elegance and a delightful touch of humor. This show caters not only to sci-fi enthusiasts, but also film lovers, as it incorporates numerous witty pop culture references linked to the movie business. One standout scene involves a murderous ape dispatching members of the Cosa Nostra while quoting lines from “The Godfather,” as well as “Scarface” and “Goodfellas.” It’s nothing short of pure entertainment. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend giving it a stream.

6 Lost (2004 – 2010)

The show, titled “Lost,” initially appears to follow a typical castaway tale, but quickly deviates and carves out its unique narrative on an uncharted island. Set in the backdrop of the wreckage of Oceanic Airlines Flight 815, which was bound from Sydney to Los Angeles, the series unfolds as the survivors grapple with their predicament, stranded on a remote island in the South Pacific. Initially thinking they are the sole inhabitants, they soon discover that sinister figures inhabit the island.

The Power of Twists

The captivating aspect of Lost lies in its unpredictability. No matter how much you believe you understand, the creators keep proving that your understanding isn’t as profound as you might think. As a result, an abundance of fan theories about different storylines have emerged.

The sci-fi thriller cleverly builds suspense primarily through atmosphere, brief exchanges, and telling looks. Characters hint at things more than they explicitly say them, and when the truth eventually reveals itself, audiences are left speechless. Well done to the writers for adding a touch of supernatural intrigue to enhance the storyline; without it, some aspects might have been hard to comprehend.

Stream it on Hulu

5 The 4400 (2004 – 2007)

In The 4400, an unexpected orb of light mysteriously lands in the Mount Rainier, Washington region, bringing back 4400 individuals who had vanished in 1946. These people haven’t aged a day since then and possess unique abilities, all while lacking any recollection of their past. Unaware of modern society’s complexities, these 4400 attempt to lead ordinary lives. However, the question remains whether sinister forces will allow them to do so.

Inspired by the Best of the Best

What makes them act this way? Could they shock us further? Will those opposing them prevail? These questions make viewers eagerly follow The 4400. The show explores a wide range of scientific concepts, from genetic mutations to drugs and technology, always adding suspense to the mix. Many of the main characters are also compelling enough to tug at your heartstrings.

The show takes a hint from some outstanding science fiction films, which adds to its appeal. Notably, Season 1 shares similarities with the concluding part of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” As for subsequent seasons, they offer distinct elements that keep viewers hooked throughout.

4 Firefly (2002)

In the year 2517, humanity has established themselves in a fresh star system. The primary figures of this story are the crew aboard the spaceship Serenity, which belongs to the Firefly-class. It’s worth noting that these characters were once on opposing sides during a civil war. However, an unusual turn of events led to the unification of the United States and China, forming a central government known as The Alliance.

Fun Dialogue and Heavy Themes

In the unique blend of Space Opera and Western styles, Firefly offers a captivating mix of dialogue that ranges from sharp wit to Mandarin curses, as well as well-developed characters. The merging of Eastern and Western cultures adds a fresh perspective, while tackling themes like class struggle and political discord elevates the series intellectually. There’s no shortage of action and excitement either, making it a favorite among directors like Joss Whedon, who went on to be sought by the Marvel Cinematic Universe early in its development. Despite only having one season, the film Serenity provides a satisfying conclusion to the storyline.

Stream it on Hulu

3 Torchwood (2006 – 2011)

In my opinion, Torchwood isn’t just another spinoff from the beloved series Doctor Who; it’s a thrilling journey into the clandestine world of an unconventional team of alien-hunters based out of Cardiff’s Torchwood Institute. As the charismatic protagonist, Captain Jack Harkness (played by John Barrowman), straddles the line between immortal adventurer and cunning rogue, often employing methods that would make The Doctor raise an eyebrow. This intriguing character was first introduced in the 2005 reboot of Doctor Who.

Doctor Who for Adults (without Doctor Who)

The spinoff may have a scientific foundation, but it frequently presents itself as thought-provoking by tackling complex themes such as existentialism, sexuality, and moral decay. It often delves into philosophy, which might be more than typical for a sci-fi show, yet this approach gives it a sense of realism, despite its outlandish storylines.

Watching it now could potentially lead to an excessive emotional bond, similar to the original viewers’ experience. Fans became so emotionally invested that online demonstrations, verbal attacks, and threats were directed at the writers when the character Ianto Jones was written off. The conflict escalated to a level reminiscent of Waterloo, with writer James Moran responding sharply. Fortunately, things didn’t escalate further.

Stream it on Max

2 Star Trek: Enterprise (2001 – 2005)

In the television series known as “Star Trek: Enterprise”, events unfold prior to those depicted in “Star Trek: The Original Series”. This show is set in the 22nd century, a full century before its predecessor, and follows the crew aboard the first starship ever capable of achieving warp five speed. Named the Enterprise, this spacecraft carries Earth’s explorers as they venture through the cosmos, encountering various alien species along their journey.

Revitalizing in Multiple Ways

For enthusiasts of “Star Trek”, the introduction of “Enterprise” was a refreshing change since it deviated from established franchise norms in numerous aspects. Not only did it portray an earlier era, but it also omitted the “Star Trek” prefix and incorporated the popular tune “Faith of the Heart” by Russell Watson.

To clarify, this series is likely the best choice for casual Star Trek fans as it takes place before all other shows, eliminating the confusion or need to catch up on past events that often accompanies delving into well-established franchises. Furthermore, there are numerous standalone episodes, allowing viewers to pick and choose their entry points with ease.

Stream it on Paramount+

1 Battlestar Galactica (2004 – 2009)

In this new take on the 1978 TV show, Battlestar Galactica, we find ourselves in a distant star system. Here, humans inhabit a collection of planets referred to as the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. The story revolves around Commander Bill, a member of the Colonial Fleet, and President Laura Roslin, as they steer the crew of the Galactica, leading a convoy of refugee survivors on a journey through space in pursuit of Earth.

Meticulously Crafted

Battlestar Galactica is filled with intelligent plot twists, a healthy dose of unexpected humor, and heartfelt friendship storylines. The special effects are enjoyable and less reliant on gimmicks compared to other science fiction shows. From the meticulous costume design to the expert sound mixing, every aspect of the show is executed at a cinematic level. It’s no wonder that it garnered an impressive 19 Emmy awards during its broadcast. Without a doubt, it represents the pinnacle of television and serves as a significant symbol of the Golden Age of Television.