As a seasoned aficionado of sci-fi television, I must say that these classic shows truly transport us to different eras and worlds. From the thrilling time travels in “Timeslip” to the intriguing partnership between humans and aliens in “Alien Nation,” each series offers unique perspectives on life beyond our own.
Was there perhaps no other period more suited for the thriving of science fiction than the 1970s and ’80s? It’s not just about the iconic sci-fi films that emerged during this time, but rather the captivating television series that took us on adventures to distant realms from our living rooms, week after week. Let’s embark on a nostalgic trip by highlighting some of the most remarkable sci-fi TV shows from those years.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
An excellent example of a spin-off that rivals the original is “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” which could arguably be the peak representation of Gene Roddenberry’s acclaimed franchise. Sir Patrick Stewart’s Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard elevates this Emmy-winning series, chronicling the adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D crew, to a level of excellence.
The Six Million Dollar Man (1974-1978)
Characters from popular TV shows are often remembered for their catchphrases, but Steve Austin from “The Six Million Dollar Man” stands out due to an iconic sound effect: “na na na na na na na.” The series, inspired by Martin Caidin’s novel “Cyborg,” features Lee Majors as Austin – a pilot who underwent mechanical enhancements after a severe crash during a test flight, making him stronger, faster, and more advanced.
V (1984-1985)
In the Emmy-nominated miniseries from NBC in 1983 titled “V,”, Earth is secretly invaded by reptilian aliens, who initially pose as peaceful visitors. However, their true intentions – to wipe out humanity and exploit Earth’s resources – are eventually exposed. This alien invasion narrative continued in the 1984 miniseries “V: The Final Battle ” and extended into a single-season series called “V,” where Robert Englund delivered one of his finest performances as a friendly alien character named Willie.
Mork And Mindy (1978-1982)
One of Robin Williams’ greatest TV performances originated in a Season 5 episode of Happy Days, in which Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) is visited by an eccentric alien named Mork, who’s from the planet Ork. Soon after, the character landed his own spin-off called Mork & Mindy, in which he moves in with a human woman named Mindy McConnell, played by Pam Dawber, in 1970s Colorado.
Knight Rider (1982-1986)
One of the most endearing unconventional pairs in television lore originates from the classic series “Knight Rider,” created by Glen A. Larson. This timeless show could potentially be revived for a modern movie adaptation. The main characters are David Hasselhoff, portraying a seasoned lawman, and Michael Knight, who, following an unsuccessful assassination attempt, receives a new identity and face. He teams up with KITT, an exceptionally powerful car outfitted with sophisticated AI technology, voiced by William Daniels.
Buck Rogers In The 25th Century (1979-1981)
In the realm of comic book legends, one of the most impactful cosmic heroes was translated onto television screens in the hit NBC series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” produced by Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens. Gil Gerard played the leading role, our protagonist Buck Rogers: a contemporary astronaut who is unintentionally hurled into the future, where Earth has succumbed to totalitarian rule following a catastrophic nuclear war.
The Hitchhikers’s Guide To The Galaxy (1981)
The popularly known tale as “Monty Python in space” goes by the name “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Originally penned by creator Douglas Adams as a radio drama, it later evolved into a widely acclaimed novel. Additionally, the 1981 six-episode TV series is highly regarded for its captivating portrayal of a human’s space travels alongside an eccentric band of interstellar voyagers.
Space: 1999 (1975-1977)
During the mid-to-late 1970s, a British television series called “Space: 1999” served as an alternative to “Lost in Space.” This sci-fi drama featured Martin Landau, who won an Academy Award, and Barbara Bain. The storyline revolved around the crew of Moonbase Alpha, who were thrown off course from Earth’s orbit unintentionally, leaving them to search for stability in their new cosmic journey.
Voltron (1984-1985)
Prior to the introduction of the live-action Power Rangers series, there existed the animated Voltron series. This show was later revived on Netflix as Voltron: Legendary Defender. The American-Japanese production shared a similar narrative, where young characters banded together to fight evil by controlling robots that merged into one massive mechanical combatant.
Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979)
Glen A. Larson’s most well-known work could be Battlestar Galactica, a series that follows a team on a quest to find Earth in a bleak future. This Emmy-winning, short-lived cult hit was later revamped into an even more renowned drama for Syfy, introducing a new cast for Battlestar Galactica. Among them was Katee Sackhoff, who reimagined the role of “Starbuck,” originally played by Dirk Benedict.
Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
Donald P. Bellisario skillfully devised an intriguing concept for a time travel tale, known as Quantum Leap. After an accident involving revolutionary technology, Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula), guided by the holographic AI (Dean Stockwell delivering one of his finest television performances), is compelled to leap from body to body and era to era, rectifying past mistakes in hopes that each leap brings him closer to returning home.
Doomwatch (1970-1972)
In contemporary times, not many science-fiction TV series from the 70s (or 80s) hold themes as applicable as “Doomwatch.” This British drama centered around a team of biologists monitoring unusual biological and tech-related catastrophes, making it remarkably relevant today.
The Transformers (1984-1987)
Way back before Michael Bay brought them back into the spotlight with the live-action Transformers films, the Autobots and Decepticons were at their peak of fame when they headlined their own TV show. This animated series, which made its debut in the same year as the original action figures’ release, is particularly memorable for featuring legendary voice actor Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime.
Sapphire & Steel (1979-1982)
Joanna Lumley and David McCallum are the main characters in the TV series “Sapphire & Steel”, created by Peter J. Hammond. Their roles depict interdimensional investigators who take on human forms on Earth to examine peculiar occurrences involving unexplained phenomena.
Red Dwarf (1988-Present)
If you’re seeking a series similar to The Orville, the long-running British comedy Red Dwarf could be just the ticket. With a visual aesthetic reminiscent of a space B-movie and the humor and audience laughter typical of a sitcom, this cult favorite has managed to survive multiple cancellations since its debut in the late ’80s, largely due to its dedicated fanbase.
Blake’s 7 (1978–1981)
If you enjoy science fiction tales featuring underdog teams battling against corruption and tyranny, I’d recommend checking out Blake’s 7, a gripping U.K. series. Over its four seasons on the BBC, it featured Gareth Thomas as the captain of an ensemble cast comprising convicts and misfits who band together to challenge an oppressive government.
Amazing Stories (1985-1987)
Under the guidance of executive producer Steven Spielberg, “Amazing Stories” presents an assortment of extraordinary narratives that delve into the boundless realms of imagination. For instance, a school janitor mysteriously gains knowledge from the classrooms he tidies up. Although it primarily focuses on science fiction, the series occasionally strays towards fantasy and, at times, even horror, such as an episode where a film enthusiast experiences the plot of “Psycho” in real life.
The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982)
In the television series “The Incredible Hulk,” developed by Kenneth Johnson, roles previously played by Edward Norton and Mark Ruffalo in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies were initially portrayed by Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno decades earlier. This Emmy-winning show is renowned as one of the most iconic and entertaining TV series based on Marvel characters.
ALF (1986-1990)
In a more casual and conversational tone: ALF, from the popular NBC sitcom, is famous for his witty sarcasm and love for cats. Yet, when you consider him alongside other alien characters introduced back then (both on TV and in ’80s movies), the way he interacted with his adopted human family was heartwarming.
The Tomorrow People (1973-1979)
British drama “The Tomorrow People,” created by Roger Price, focuses on a group of teenagers who are at the forefront of human evolution, boasting extraordinary cognitive talents like telepathy and teleportation. This coming-of-age series has been revamped on two occasions since its original broadcast — initially in the early 90s and more recently for The CW network.
Max Headroom (1987-1988)
Among the most peculiar pop culture phenomena of the 1980s was Max Headroom, an unconventional TV host characterized by a stuttering computer-generated persona, who was actually Matt Frewer wearing extensive makeup. Making his first appearance in a British cyberpunk satire film produced for television, the character then hosted music video compilations and ultimately starred in a brief, dramatic series set within a dystopian future dominated by TV networks.
UFO (1970-1971)
Unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, are not just theoretical entities but a genuine and potentially dangerous phenomenon, as portrayed in Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s British drama series titled UFO. The storyline unfolds 10 years into the future where it centers around the Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization (SHADO), a group tasked with protecting Earth from covert extraterrestrial threats.
The Highwayman (1987-1988)
In the ’80s, we almost had a TV series adaptation of the post-apocalyptic movie masterpiece, Mad Max, and that was Glen A. Larson and Douglas Heyes’ The Highwayman. Starring Sam Jones from Flash Gordon, this show featured him as the head of a team of federal marshals. They traveled across the country in a state-of-the-art 18-wheeler, enforcing justice in a largely lawless future society.
Land Of The Lost (1974-1977)
A quake occurring during a rafting expedition transports Rick Marshall (Welsey Eure), his son Will (Wesley Eure), and daughter Holly (Kathy Coleman) into a realm teeming with dinosaurs and peculiar beings, as depicted in the classic TV series Land of the Lost. This beloved production of Sid and Marty Krofft was revamped as an ABC show for a short while in the ’90s and later adapted into a movie featuring Will Ferrell.
Terrahawks (1983-1986)
The British TV show “Terrawhawks” chronicled the valiant actions of an organization dedicated to safeguarding Earth from an evil force hailing from Mars. Similar to many of producer Gerry Anderson and Christopher Burr’s renowned series (including “Thunderbirds”), this narrative was brought to life using puppets and miniatures, resulting in a visually distinctive approach to science fiction storytelling.
Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1975)
Nowadays, it’s common for some highly praised new Star Trek TV series to be animated. However, it was Star Trek: The Animated Series, the first show from Gene Roddenberry’s space exploration saga to use this medium, that took the lead in this trend. Later on, William Shatner returned to lend his voice to Captain James T. Kirk, as well as several of his co-stars from the original live-action series, which ended before the close of the 1960s.
Small Wonder (1985-1989)
During a period when family sitcoms infused with a sci-fi flair were becoming more prevalent, the show Small Wonder distinguished itself by airing almost 100 episodes in syndication – possibly due to its central character, an enchanting young girl named Vicki, portrayed by Tiffany Brisette. In this series, Vicki is a robot invented by inventor Ted Lawson (Richard Christie), who, along with his family, struggles to conceal her true nature while she pretends to be their daughter.
Timeslip (1970-1971)
On the television series “Timeslip,” characters played by Cheryl Burfield and Spencer Banks, Liz Skinner and Simon Randall respectively, are ordinary English children who stumble upon an extraordinary secret that alters their lives irrevocably. After accidentally passing through a gateway, they find themselves entangled in a voyage spanning different decades of the 20th century. Along the way, they frequently clash with a malicious time-traveler named Commander Charles Traynor, portrayed by Dennis Quilley.
Alien Nation (1989-1990)
A well-known science fiction television series that’s being reimagined today, given its themes that resonate strongly with current issues, is “Alien Nation”. This show is based on the 1988 film of the same name featuring James Caan and Mandy Patinkin. The story revolves around Gary Graham and Eric Pierpoint, portraying a human police officer and his alien partner who have seamlessly blended into society following an Earth landing.
The Bionic Woman (1976-1978)
In the 1970s, Steve Austin from The Six Million Dollar Man wasn’t the only television character with mechanical enhancements. Kenneth Johnson, the creator, introduced another series titled The Bionic Woman, featuring Lindsay Wagner in a groundbreaking role as a female cyborg. She won an Emmy for her performance and even collaborated with Lee Majors in some episodes, reappearing later in TV movies that delved deeper into their shared adventures.
War Of The Worlds (1988-1990)
Similar to H.G. Wells’ influential novel “The War of the Worlds,” published in 1953, the ending showed the Martian invaders being vanquished by something as ordinary as a cold. Greg Strangis’ series carries on the legacy of the classic alien invasion film, suggesting that the bacterial infection merely placed the extraterrestrial adversary in a dormant state, ready to reawaken as an even greater danger to mankind.
Logan’s Run (1977-1978)
In the movie version released in 1976, titled “Logan’s Run”, the story unfolds in a future dystopian world where people are expected to die once they reach thirty years old. A law enforcement officer named Logan (played by Gregory Harrison) yearns for more life and embarks on a journey with a woman called Jessica 6 (Heather Menzies-Urich), in search of the mythical sanctuary that could grant them eternal existence.
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2024-09-02 23:38