10 Forgotten Sci-Fi Gems More Awesome Than You Remember

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For a long time, the genre of science fiction has been a significant part of television, contributing to some of the most popular and recognizable series throughout its history. Starting with pioneering shows such as the original “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who”, all the way to contemporary masterpieces like “Black Mirror” and “Stranger Things”.

While many sci-fi shows may not hold such a warm place in our collective memory (or be remembered at all), the passage of time can blur our perception. Factors like behind-the-scenes turmoil, a brief run, or the audience’s expectations may have colored our view of a show, leading us to overlook its merits. In some cases, a show might have been too innovative for its era and could resonate more strongly in today’s cultural context.

Here, we’re looking at 10 old sci-fi shows that are better than you remember.

10
‘Lexx’ (1996)

Initially presented as a quartet of movies produced for television, Lexx was later transformed into a conventional TV series. It centers around a band of eccentric characters on board a sentient spaceship, which also serves as the universe’s most formidable weapon. The show garnered varying opinions during its run and continued for four seasons.

‘Lexx’ Was Highly Unconventional at the Time

The show named Lexx showcased an unabashed quirkiness, explicit content, and economical visuals, which made it challenging for mass audiences accustomed to sleeker productions like Star Trek and Stargate to embrace. Nevertheless, it has managed to build a devoted niche fanbase over time.

Reflecting on it now, it’s clear that it was a pioneer in its field, as evidenced by the popularity of contemporary science fiction series such as “Rick and Morty” and “The Orville”.

9
‘SeaQuest DSV’ (1993 – 1996)

From 1993 to 1996, and set in the future year of 2018, the television series SeaQuest DSV featured Roy Scheider as a submarine commander guiding his team through perilous underwater journeys involving exploration and colonization. The show seamlessly combined science-fiction, action, and adventure with marine biology and advanced technology.

‘SeaQuest DSV’ Fared Far Better Overseas

The series SeaQuest DSV was innovative and captivating, offering a great viewing experience, however, it encountered frequent interruptions due to sports broadcasts and other TV events, which tarnished its image. Some of the show’s creators even attributed these interruptions to the eventual cancellation of the series.

Remarkably, it seems to have achieved more significant popularity in Europe, particularly in countries like Poland where three separate television channels from various corporations simultaneously broadcast the series without affecting their viewership numbers.

8
‘Sliders’ (1995 – 2000)

The TV series titled “Sliders” revolved around a team who traversed different realities via wormholes, which they called “sliding.” These alternate dimensions ranged from ones where the British won the American Revolution to societies dominated by technology or strange social structures. Essentially, the show’s possibilities were only as vast as the creativity of its scriptwriters.

The Strong Storytelling Began to Fade

Regrettably, as the series progressed, it became quite clear that human creativity has its boundaries, and the storylines and plot twists started to grow less compelling, eventually tarnishing the show’s once-great reputation. However, revisiting its early episodes reveals a wealth of thoughtfully crafted narratives, intriguing themes, and well-developed character interactions that are certainly worth your time.

7
‘Dark Skies’ (1996)

Dark Skies is a series centered around the idea of UFO cover-up theories. By blending science fiction with political intrigue, it follows a young pair as they collaborate to expose the government’s efforts to hide the truth about extraterrestrial life.

‘Dark Skies’ Lived in the Shadows of ‘The X-Files’

Recognizing the massive fan base for The X-Files, NBC decided to create Dark Skies as a potential rival show. However, it couldn’t keep pace with the colossal success of The X-Files, and was doomed to exist in its wake, eventually slipping into obscurity. Regrettably, this series contained numerous creative ideas, thought-provoking themes, and captivating narratives that failed to garner the recognition they should have received.

6
‘Max Headroom’ (1987 – 1988)

The British TV film “Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future” introduced us to the satirical series titled “Max Headroom.” This series unfolds in a futuristic dystopia, where a single television conglomerate holds power. Max Headroom, the AI host with glitches, serves as our guide, offering insightful commentary on media, technology, and consumerism that resonated deeply with ’80s counterculture and cyberpunk enthusiasts.

‘Max Headroom’ Faced Tough Competition

The show, finding it hard to match the popularity of shows like Dallas and Miami Vice, only ran for two seasons. However, if you can get past the incredibly old-fashioned computer graphics, the sharp humor in Headroom’s commentaries is surprisingly relevant today, making it worth giving another look.

5
‘Alien Nation’ (1989)

After the relatively successful release of the 1988 movie Alien Nation, which blended the “buddy cop” concept with science fiction aspects, the TV show titled Alien Nation was broadcast from 1989 to 1990. This series is set in a future where aliens and humans are trying to live harmoniously on Earth. The storyline focuses on an unconventional police team as they tackle a string of complex crimes that involve both sociological and scientific factors, as well as issues between the two species.

‘Alien Nation’ Serves as a Thought-Provoking Social Commentary

In an innovative blend of police drama and science fiction, the series presents a unique perspective where extraterrestrial beings, referred to as “Newcomers,” are depicted as immigrants settling in America. This allegory serves to highlight marginalized communities within our own society. The show offers insightful social critique, addressing prejudice and discrimination, making it strikingly resonant with contemporary issues that seem particularly poignant in today’s political landscape.

4
‘Threshold’ (2005)

The series, titled Threshold, centers around a clandestine government unit, who delve into a sequence of inexplicable occurrences following the U.S. naval crew’s encounter with an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO). Filled with suspense and enigma, it garnered praise from critics, yet its short run was cut short due to stiff competition and dwindling audiences—resulting in numerous plotlines left unanswered and heightening the sense of mystery.

There Were Conflicting Opinions on How ‘Threshold’ Should Play Out

The makers of the series “Threshold” desired it to be structured as a long-running narrative with ongoing storylines and character progression. However, the network preferred standalone episodes similar to hit shows like “Law & Order” and “The Closer“, which have self-contained plots.

Because of its brief duration, the series Threshold didn’t leave as lasting an impression as many shows of its era. However, for those open to revisiting it, you might discover yourself drawn in by its unique approach to alien invasion, seamlessly merging intelligent science fiction with gripping narrative and a talented acting ensemble.

3
‘Space: 1999’ (1975 – 1976)

Space: 1999 narrates the challenges faced by a crew of lunar researchers when an unprecedented explosion propels their base out of Earth’s orbit, leaving them stranded in deep space. Through this journey, they encounter extraterrestrial beings, menacing artificial intelligence, and hazardous celestial events.

Expectations Were Out of This World

An astounding £6.8 million (equivalent to approximately $11.5 million back then) was poured into the production of this show, an impressive figure for the 70s. Notable British actors like Brian Blessed, Joan Collins, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing graced the screens with their appearances as guests.

Initially, the series received high acclaim and aired for two seasons. It garnered recognition for its daring concept and spectacular visual effects. Unfortunately, its run was abruptly ended when its primary investor decided to redirect funds towards another venture. Despite the short duration of its airtime, it left some viewers wondering if it truly failed—yet it was an exceptional series. In 2019, a continuation in audio format emerged as a radio drama, offering fans more insights into the space-faring crew’s adventures.

2
‘Caprica’ (2010)

In a prequel spin-off to “Battlestar Galactica,” the series “Caprica” is set 58 years prior to the main storyline. Debuting on Syfy in 2010, it struggled with low viewership from the start, yet provided a captivating blend of philosophical exploration, well-developed characters, and intriguing narratives delving into the essence of technology and human identity.

‘Caprica’ Is More of a Slow Burn

The series failed to deliver the action-packed scenes typical of shows like Battlestar Galactica, and instead opted for character growth and examining the struggles both inside and outside the team, which left some fans of the original series unsatisfied. However, it provides a rare and captivating viewing experience for those who prefer a deeper emotional aspect in their science fiction.

1
‘V’ (2000)

The story orchestrates itself around an unexpected visit by extraterrestrial beings to our planet. Pretending to be benevolent, it quickly unfolds that their intentions might not be as pure as they seem. Delving into concepts of unquestioned faith, control mechanisms, and media impact, the series skillfully merges science fiction mystery with incisive social critique.

‘V’ Is a Remake of the Classic 1983 Miniseries

V updates the classic series for 2009, giving it a fresh perspective based on contemporary societal anxieties and political context. Like many remakes, it drew both praise and criticism compared to the original. Nevertheless, when viewed as a standalone production, it offers an engaging storyline and a distinctive twist on the extraterrestrial invasion theme that many viewers found captivating.

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2025-04-13 20:02