10 Most Underrated ‘90s Sci-Fi TV Shows

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The 1990s were an exceptional era for science fiction enthusiasts, particularly those who leaned towards television series over films. Pioneering shows such as “Stargate SG-1,” “Babylon 5,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “The X-Files” signified a transformation of the genre, moving it towards more complex narratives and stunning visuals, courtesy of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) advancements. Additionally, serialization gained traction during this period, offering viewers the pleasure of following extended storylines.

The advancements made in science fiction expanded its popularity beyond its traditional audience, especially as pseudo-science became popular in the 2000s. Shows like “Lost” and “Eureka” drew massive audiences due to this trend. However, despite these modern hits, some ’90s sci-fi shows didn’t receive enough recognition for their impact on the genre. These television productions boasted high production values and provided solid foundations for future creators with their compelling concepts.

10
‘Mann & Machine’ (1992)

Prior to his reign as the “King of Police Dramas,” Dick Wolf created “Mann & Machine,” a tale centered around a female cyborg police officer who was paired unwillingly with a detective harboring a dislike for robots. With no other option, they were forced to find a way to cohabit. A significant aspect of the gynoid’s character evolution involved her gradually learning to accept emotions.

Hinting at the Future of Law Enforcement

Mann & Machine shares similar themes as movies such as Terminator, Cyborg, Universal Soldier, and Robocop within the science fiction genre. Despite being filled with familiar tropes and action-packed dialogue like “Freeze, or I’ll shoot,” it’s not just a light-hearted adventure. Instead, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of issues such as police brutality and women’s empowerment in a serious manner. The unlikely duo may not always seem perfect together, but the storyline remains compelling.

9
‘Space: Above and Beyond’ (1995 – 1996)

Glen Morgan and James Wong, prominent figures in the writing team for The X-Files, developed a brief but Emmy-recognized science fiction series spanning the years 2063 – 2064. Titled Space: Above and Beyond, this series revolves around the “Wildcards,” who belong to the United States Marine Corps 58th Squadron of the Space Aviator Cavalry, frequently finding themselves in dangerous missions aimed at safeguarding Earth from alien invasions.

Study Time

Space: Above and Beyond offers a visual and auditory delight with its music reminiscent of an orchestra and color grading that’s easy on the eyes. It also stimulates the mind, tackling complex ideas such as Trojan asteroid fields and panspermia that may prompt viewers to delve into further study. With terms like these casually used, buckle up: it’s like hitting the books in space! Familiar faces like R. Lee Ermey, Coolio, and David Duchovny make appearances, making any fan of celebrities overjoyed.

8
‘Legend’ (1995)

The story revolves around Ernest Pratt, a dime novel writer set in the Old West. Intriguingly, he chooses to step into the shoes of his fictional character, Nicodemus Legend – the genius from his novels. This decision is sparked by a misunderstanding. As he navigates this new role, it proves challenging, but luckily, real-life inventor Janos Bartok (played by John de Lancie) enters the scene to help him bring the outlandish sci-fi ideas from the books to life. United, they combat injustice.

Great Innovations, Handled by Solid Leads

Finding good sci-fi westerns can be challenging, but viewers will find the series Legend a welcome change of pace. The show features some creative technology, and with Richard Dean Anderson having starred in a similar program (MacGyver), he fits seamlessly into his leading role. What truly stands out is that the show sticks to a proven formula. Pratt and Bartok make up an intriguing duo due to their contrasting personalities, which adds enjoyment as we witness their interactions. Essentially, this sci-fi series offers something for all TV enthusiasts.

7
‘Nowhere Man’ (1995 – 1996)

The main character in Nowhere Man is Thomas Veil, played by Bruce Greenwood, who one day finds himself in an unfamiliar situation where nobody seems to recognize him. His home life has changed as his wife has moved on with someone else, his photography studio has been taken over by another person, and his credit cards are no longer valid. This sudden change may be connected to a photograph he took depicting American soldiers inflicting cruelty upon civilians.

The Search Often Leads Nowhere

1995 saw a fiery critique of questionable military actions, which was surprisingly forward-thinking. The first season of this gripping drama about injustice ends with an unexpected turn that lingers, in contrast to the fleeting memories of Veil’s family members. Keep an eye out for Bruce Greenwood, who would later voice Batman, delivering a powerful performance that drives the entire series.

6
‘VR.5’ (1995 – 1997)

In the VR.5 scenario, telephone engineer Sydney Bloom (Lori Singer) inadvertently stumbles upon the ability to transport herself and others into a fully immersive virtual reality environment simply by phoning them. Once inside, she can uncover every secret they have kept, but post-experience, they will be left with no memory of the event. However, this intriguing talent catches the attention of a shadowy organization that intends to exploit her abilities.

One of the Best Sci-Fi Protagonists

This thought-provoking psychological sci-fi thriller paved the way for the more visually sophisticated VR series that followed, yet its intricate storylines merit your focus. The adrenaline-pumping action primarily unfolds within the VR realm, fostering a tangible feeling of confinement, but you’ll find yourself captivated by it. The ominous menace emanating from the many antagonists effectively amplifies Sydney’s mounting anxiety, leading her to take actions that may leave you bewildered and intrigued. Brace yourself as Sydney delves deep into your consciousness.

5
‘Dark Skies’ (1996 – 1997)

Do you recall the action-packed sci-fi thriller by John Carpenter titled They Live? Picture something akin to that, but with events unfolding on a larger scale. Here, it’s revealed that aliens have been covertly residing among us since the 1940s. They’ve subtly manipulated significant historical events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the rise of The Beatles. Will there be someone brave enough to expose their presence?

A Promising Show That Was Eclipsed by Greater Competition

Dark Skies was initially produced by NBC to rival The X-Files. It received stiff competition, but it’s still worth showing some empathy towards. Fans of the genre will appreciate the creative approaches taken by the writers in exploring scientific concepts, and their clever nods to classic alien films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The show also stood out for its calming music, which even earned an Emmy nomination. In a universe without The X-Files, this series could have flourished.

4
‘Earth 2’ (1994 – 1995)

In the year 2192, Earth has become inhospitable for life, forcing most of humanity to live on massive space stations orbiting our planet. A small band of individuals contemplate relocating to a distant planet that’s 22 light-years away, yet the government is resistant to this idea. With little time left to prepare and set off, can these people successfully embark on their journey?

Chasing Greener Pastures

At first glance, Earth 2 might appear as a typical space series, but what truly sets it apart is its thoughtful exploration of environmental destruction and misuse of power, making it incredibly pertinent for today’s world in the 2020s. The most striking aspect is its meticulous character development – we are introduced to all characters (and species) thoroughly before witnessing any kind of conflict, which makes a reboot an exciting prospect.

3
‘RoboCop: The Series’ (1994)

Titled “RoboCop: The Series”, this spin-off was initially based on an abandoned script for “RoboCop 2”. It was somewhat overshadowed by the two live-action sequels released in the ’90s, but it’s still worth a look. Similar to the cinema adaptations, the show primarily focuses on the titular law enforcement officer, who tackles crimes in his crime-ridden city.

As Good as the Movies

Following his success as a heartthrob in American soap operas like Santa Barbara and Falcon Crest, Richard Eden took on the role of a stern, straight-edge robotic lawman in this captivating series. In the TV adaptation of RoboCop, Eden is spellbinding – he’s both upright and principled yet capable of being ruthless and using his strength when needed. Unlike the films, this version of RoboCop employs non-lethal tactics. The result is that we get to encounter a variety of intriguing recurring villains. We eagerly await news about a new series in production, hoping that RoboCop will finally break free from development limbo.

2
‘TekWar’ (1994 – 1996)

In the year 2044, the series TekWar centers around Jake Cardigan (Greg Evigan), a former police officer who was falsely accused of drug trafficking with tek and murdering his comrades during a raid. After serving time in cryo-prison, he embarks on a new career as a private investigator, determined to prove his innocence.

Getting the Job Back, By All Means Necessary

Greg Evigan delivers his character with the necessary air of authority, skillfully portraying Jake’s charm and unyielding bravery, while the other cast members equally shine in their roles. The futuristic scenes are presented convincingly, giving a sense that these events could be happening down the street. Unfortunately, this fantastic tale spans just two seasons.

1
‘Prey’ (1998)

In “Prey,” a bio-anthropologist and her team uncover and delve into a hidden, humanoid species that seems eager to overtake humanity. This series was greenlit by ABC after they decided to cancel Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. As part of their agreement with Warner Bros. Television, the network needed to produce a new show.

Will Humans Win?

Prey distinguishes itself from other science fiction series through its rapid pace, abundant Darwinian intricacies, and flamboyant editing, coupled with captivating artistic design. It’s not just a tale about strange species; it derives significant impact from its unexpected plot twists, visual allure, provocative (and sometimes sinister) pseudo-science, and incisive critique of human recklessness.

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2025-01-09 03:04