Rediscover 10 Underrated Sci-Fi Shows From the 2010s

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Enjoying the evolution of science fiction on small screens has been an exhilarating journey for fans of this genre. Since the 1950s, each passing decade has left a lasting impact on television, but the 2010s stand out as a distinctive era. By the time the decade began, the field of science fiction was already teeming with choices. Titans like “Doctor Who” and “Stranger Things” took over the genre and reshaped the limits of speculative storytelling with their compelling narratives. They essentially defined what science fiction means today.

Even with numerous popular science fiction series capturing attention, some lesser-known but equally exceptional ones surfaced during the same period. These shows managed to cultivate a dedicated fanbase, yet were either terminated prematurely or slipped into anonymity. In this compilation, we highlight 10 overlooked sci-fi series from the 2010s that warrant renewed recognition and acclaim.

10
‘Class’ (2016)

In the universe shared with the legendary Doctor Who, created by Patrick Ness, there’s a lesser-known series called Class. This show takes place at Coal Hill Academy, where a group of students find themselves dealing with both the challenges of teenage life and the recurring invasions from alien forces. As the world’s guardians in the making, these young individuals work together to maintain balance between their ordinary lives and extraordinary encounters.

Young Heroes Face Cosmic Challenges

Although set within the same universe as “The Sarah Jane Adventures” and “Torchwood”, fellow successful spin-offs of “Doctor Who”, “Class” did not garner widespread popularity due to its focus on less prominent characters. However, it distinguishes itself in the sci-fi genre with its intricate storytelling and resonant emotional dimensions. The skillfully integrated sci-fi elements, coupled with a compelling narrative and strong performances from the cast, make it a noteworthy rewatch.

9
‘Warehouse 13’ (2009 – 2014)

The series, titled “Warehouse 13,” focuses on Secret Service agents named Pete Lattimer and Myka Bering. They are enlisted by a covert government organization, known as the Warehouse, located in South Dakota’s barren lands. This mysterious facility safeguards an astounding array of artifacts boasting remarkable powers that can prove harmful if misused. Their mission involves tracking down additional such artifacts and averting worldwide calamity.

Lighthearted and Witty and Mysterious

This science fiction show skillfully blends the extraordinary with the realistic by combining aspects of sci-fi and supernatural genres with traditional detective storytelling, resulting in an unusual, engaging journey. The main characters, portrayed by Eddie McClintock and Joanne Kelly (who work as a team of warehouse staff), along with numerous mission retrievals, help build the suspense and comedy throughout the series. The show ran for four seasons, was momentarily canceled, but later returned for a final season to wrap up the story in a satisfying manner.

8
‘Colony’ (2016 – 2018)

In a grim, not-too-distant future version of Los Angeles, an extraterrestrial takeover has resulted in the city being partitioned into districts, each governed by rigid authoritarian powers. The narrative revolves around Will Bowman, a previous FBI agent, and his wife Katie, who unwillingly become entangled in a struggle on opposing fronts. They’re compelled to make a difficult decision: either ally with the resistance against the alien conquerors or work together with them to locate their lost son, who was torn apart during the invasion.

Exploration of Humanity Under Occupation

The series, titled “Colony,” initially presents a captivating yet intricate plotline that leaves viewers on tenterhooks. It delves into the depiction of a society subject to occupation, offering a nuanced perspective. The ambiance is charged with shifting alliances, power struggles, and ethical quandaries, creating an intense tension. The performances by Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies as the principal characters are multidimensional and profound. Regrettably, the show faced difficulties in maintaining viewership and was unfortunately terminated after three seasons.

7
‘Defiance’ (2013 – 2015)

In the year 2046, after aliens have transformed Earth using advanced terraforming technology, creating a barren world devoid of plants and animals with a completely new terrain, the story unfolds. This transformation also spawned a new species that now cohabit with the remaining human population. The narrative follows Nolan, a former Marine, and his adopted alien daughter as they navigate life in this altered reality, known as Defiance.

Creative World-Building and Intricate Plot

The series presented a captivating science fiction landscape that was remarkably similar to our own reality yet brimming with fresh and inventive elements. Rather than relying on suspense or unexpected turns, it delved into power struggles, intricate politics, and advanced alien technology to sustain the story. Despite its potential, Defiance was ultimately overshadowed by other sci-fi TV series and was eventually terminated after three seasons.

6
‘Travelers’ (2016 – 2018)

In a unique twist, Brad Wright’s series “Travelers” explores a world plunged into an ice age due to a societal collapse. These aren’t ordinary operatives; they’re time-traveling agents called “travelers,” who have been sent from the future. Their mission is to inhabit the minds of specific individuals from the past, preventing the catastrophic events that ultimately led to their grim present. However, they encounter unforeseen dangers along the way.

Rewarding Journey Through Time

Despite being a science fiction show that innovatively approaches the time travel theme, “Travelers” is fundamentally a complex, engrossing, and character-focused series. It delves into the human experience through its principal characters who unexpectedly form connections in the past with individuals they’ve never met, and must grapple with their resilience and morality. Its script is intelligent, its narratives are multi-layered, and it offers enough suspense to keep viewers captivated for an impressive span of three seasons.

5
‘Caprica’ (2010)

In the expansive realm of “Battlestar Galactica,” the show “Caprica” functions as a prelude, focusing on the backstory of the Cylons – the intelligent robots that eventually posed an existential threat to human survival. The narrative unfolds primarily on Caprica, where it centers around two key families: the Graystones and the Adamas. As they navigate through personal hardships and mounting mysteries, they delve deeper into their surroundings.

Explores How Technology Progressed

Although Caprica narrated the backstory that molded the legendary Battlestar Galactica universe, it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as its action-packed predecessor. With its impressive world-building and delving into themes like artificial intelligence, sorrow, corporate intrigue, and self-identity, it garnered some acclaim for its moody atmosphere and somber storyline. Thus, it merits a second opportunity to captivate viewers once more.

4
‘Future Man’ (2017 – 2020)

After achieving fame through the “The Hunger Games” series, Josh Hutcherson starred in a comedy/sci-fi/time travel show, where he played Josh Futturman, a socially awkward janitor and avid gamer. However, when Josh is suddenly drafted by a duo of time-traveling fighters from a post-apocalyptic future, he discovers that his pastime comes with a heavy price: the fate of human existence now rests on his shoulders.

Sci-Fi Comedy Willing to Subvert Expectations

Future Man is a hidden treasure within the science fiction genre. It skillfully blends sharp humor, pulse-pounding action, and unexpectedly touching character developments. The series also boasts a self-aware approach and a cheeky tone that creatively reinterprets familiar tropes for an engaging viewing experience from beginning to end. Alongside Hutcherson, the stars Eliza Coupe and Derek Wilson bring their own charisma to their roles. Maybe it was overlooked due to its specialized appeal, but that makes it all the more worthwhile to rediscover.

3
‘Dimension 404’ (2017)

This anthology science fiction series, titled “Dimension 404“, draws significant influence from the classics “The Twilight Zone” and “The Outer Limits“. It delves into the peculiar and unanticipated realms of the genre, offering a unique blend of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. The series comprises just six standalone episodes, each telling a story where characters encounter mysterious occurrences and maneuver through dystopian futures in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

Fascinating Anthology Series

Each installment of the show Dimension 404 seems like a compact film, offering distinct characters and plots that provoke our understanding of reality and stimulate our creative minds. Its cinematic quality and skillful blend of humor, terror, science fiction, and social critique deserve recognition. The series boasts a changing ensemble featuring well-known figures such as Robert Buckley, Constance Wu, and Lea Michele, with Mark Hamill providing the narration.

2
‘Continuum’ (2012 – 2015)

The Continuum, produced by Simon Barry, is a four-season Canadian science fiction television series. It centers around Kiera Cameron, a police officer from 2077 who gets transported to the year 2012 together with a band of terrorists. Her mission is to prevent these terrorists from launching destructive attacks on the government in order to alter the future. As a result, she forms alliances with a brilliant tech expert and a local detective.

Intricate and Thought-Provoking

In its time, the show garnered considerable acclaim from both viewers and critics, yet over a decade on, it continues to be overlooked and forgotten. It stood out for its gripping portrayal of complex time-travel plots and thought-provoking themes related to corporate power. Starring Rachel Nichols in a captivating role, the series boasted strong female characters, meticulous world-construction, and is definitely worth watching if you’re into sci-fi from the 2010s.

1
‘Almost Human’ (2013 – 2014)

Currently, Karl Urban is primarily recognized for his portrayal of Billy Butcher in “The Boys,” but prior to that role, he was the star of an underappreciated science fiction TV series titled “Almost Human.” This show takes place in a future where humans and robots share living spaces, focusing on Detective John Kennex and his advanced android partner, Dorian, as they investigate crimes within their society. Initially wary of technology, Kennex eventually forms a strong connection with Dorian over the course of the series.

Gripping Human-Android Duo

Almost Human is notable for its captivating examination of the bond between humans and artificial intelligence. Although this theme might seem commonplace nowadays, a decade ago it was incredibly intriguing to behold. Regrettably, it only lasted one season, but it showcased an iconic buddy-cop dynamic between Karl Urban and Michael Ealy. The series blended crime procedural and sci-fi elements in a way that was progressive for its time, making the episodes already released definitely worth viewing.

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2025-02-05 04:35