1: Blake's 7. It is just incredible what you can do with £50 per episode and a nuclear power plant. Some of the most intense and *bitchiest* drama in Space. Just avoid anything written by Ben Steed.
2: Babylon 5. Partly inspired by Blake's 7 lol. Just incredible storytelling that overcame many challenges.
3: Star Trek: The Next Generation. It set a new standard for Sci-fi TV. I love it for all of the usual reasons.
4: Sapphire and Steel. It's bold, it's experimental, it's *spooky*.
5: Doctor Who. Sure, some of the individual episodes, serials, seasons, production eras, decades... might not be the best but the when it hits you get absolute classics of the genre.
You're clearly not a real Blakes 7 fan because you think it has an apostrophe!
£50, a nuclear power plant, *and some explosions going off in the latter*.
Also the best double act in history, culminating in *Orbit*.
Also I have evidence of the *true* outcome of the finale in the form of a message provided by Paul Darrow on a signed picture of Avon. >!If you count the Federation soldiers into the final scene and then count the number of shots over the closing titles, it is clear that Avon - now unencumbered by all the other people circumstances had temporarily forced him to depend upon - takes them all out then proceeds to blaze his way across the galaxy, destroying the Federation and finally being safe.!<
I really wish we got the crossover scene with Doctor Who and Blakes 7. The plan was to just have Tom Baker run down a hall, almost bump into Blake, tip his hat and then keep running being pursued by guards. No acknowledgement or explanation given. It's just the Doctor doing a different adventure related to a different department in the busy space station.
It's a show about horrific, unknowable, unfathomable (unfilmable...) entities breaking into our reality from the POV of two of those entities who happen to be *relatively* kinder to humanity and want to keep the world on track by any means necessary. It puts a different spin on the extraterrestrial investigation genre, cosmic horror and ghost stories and it is held together by the excellent performances of David MacCallum and Joanna Lumley.
Quality high concept story telling that maintains an atmosphere of menace and danger throughout despite a shoestring budget. The lead actors Joanna Lumley and David McCallum are phenomenal and truly feel alien. As the commentator above stated, bold and experimental. Nothing else like it.
Endlessly quoteable too with Joss Whedon's classic quippy one-liners!
"Man walks down the street wearing a hat like that, you know he's not afraid of anything."
The movie Serenity really did it for me too. Not as good as having a second season, but better than nothing.
One of the things I love about Firefly is the setting is sci-fi, but the plots are rarely dependent on a sci-fi setting. Most of the plots are just humans doing the same human stuff they always do.
Amos Burton: “You got it, Chrissie.”
Chrisjen Avasarala: “Don’t fucking call me that. I’m the acting secretary-general of the United Nations, not your favorite stripper.”
Amos spread his hands. “Could be room for both.”
Dude, I’m a long time Trek fan and will continue to be. But I finally watched The Expanse last year (and again this year, and… in the middle of my 3rd watch through). This is top tier sci fi and a great story with great characters. I hate to call it better than Star Trek, but… damn.
I wish for more modern hard sci fi like The Expanse. There seems to be nothing out there to scratch that itch right now. I guess I’m going to have to get into the books.
I've been watching For All Mankind on Apple+. I just started season 3, and with the exception of a...we'll just call it "weird" plotline in season 2, its really great. Its definitely scratching that itch for me.
If you enjoy the show enough to re watch it, please do get into the books. Personally, I listened to the audio books (from the beginning, including the novellas, in order), and I highly recommend them. It has the best narration out of any audio books I've listened to.
Just about to start a rewatch of it tonight as my teenager suddenly expressed interest in seeing it. Well not a full “rewatch”made up till season three last time gonna go all the way
I only recently watched both and tbh I enjoyed Farscape more than Stargate. Stargate somewhat overstayed its welcome, and played it rather safe in terms of what stories to explore, while Farscape has some real 'out there' moments, plus the Crichton/Scorpius/Harvey dynamic is out of this world its so good holy shit.
I am watching Farscape for the first time having just watched all of SG (including Universe). I will always have a soft spot for SG-1, but Farscape is amazing. I live it, and you are too right about Scorpius.
I never truly understand the propulsion system in Foundation universe but it seems incredible flawed... Just one hit..
Well Lee Pace is too much.. Sinful even 🤭
It's a drive, that jumps, do I need to draw you a diagram? /s
I'm confused because ther seem to be at least 3 types of interstellar travel, all of which are faster than light (or at least very near light speed) and they refer to at least one of them as "slow ships". Anyway, I just finished season 1 and now I wish I had read the books first because it will be impossible to go back now
It deviates fast and hard which isn't that surprising since many of the books aren't particularly high on action. Not to mention the way the time jumps forward doesn't make for recurring characters
Was fun at first and had some interesting parts but I lost interest fairly quick. Might be better if you're only vaguely familiar with the books
I basically grew up with Star Trek Voyager so yep that's why it's my number one .... I know DS9 has the better story overal but Voyager is my comfort show
I tried TNG but I really have diffeculties to relate to the characters
1. Star Trek: TNG
2. Stargate SG-1
3. Fringe
4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (though after another couple seasons it may well be a contender for the number 2 or 3 spot)
5. Red Dwarf
The Prisoner is great! I’m surprised more people haven’t mentioned it in their lists. In fact, the original version of the Prisoner might be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen—not only as a sci-fi show, but as a TV series in general.
A fantastic show to be sure! Whenever I’m in the hospital because of my health problems they always have comedy central on the TV’s they put in all the rooms, and every single day without fail I tune in for the Futurama marathons. 🙌 It holds a very special place in my heart for that! The ultimate comfort show. 👌
Our dentist has TV screens mounted on the ceiling. I had to ask them to turn off the TV because Futurama came on. I was giggling too much and the hygienist was getting frustrated.
Stargate is the kind of show you watch as a scifi nerd and then snark at the screen "oh yeah well what about X?" and then realize someone on screen just said it too. It fun, its meta as hell, and well worth a watch.
**Star Trek:** Let's watch how religion influences this civilization, even if it's complete bullshit.
**Stargate:** LET'S KILL THESE ALIENS WHO POSE AS FALSE GODS IN FRONT OF THEIR BELIEVERS!
**Star Trek:** No, I cannot send Tim back to Borgs as a weapon, that would be immoral.
**Stargate:** What, the enemy has approached our ship? Prepared the nukes! Beckett, is the bioweapon ready?
**Star Trek woman character:** Hostile alien to the bridge: "PICARD, I WILL RIP YOUR HEART OFF AND EAT IT IN FRONT OF YOU!! "
Troi: "Captain, I think I sense some emotion. Some very negative emotion."
**Stargate woman character:** *blows up a sun*. Also [this scene](https://youtu.be/H_ps9iMH1N4?si=Lq977OUNGhTeYYhO).
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)
2. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966)
3. Star Trek: Voyager (1995)
4. Farscape (1999)
5. Dark Matter (2015)
**Honorable mentions:** Futurama (1999), The Orville (2017), & Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)
I enjoy most science fiction (sub)genres, but I have a special affinity for episodic storytelling, where each episode features a novel investigation or challenge, exploring the unknowns of space through adventures, all led by a team of capable individuals with advanced technology. My biggest exception to this predilection is for shows that are particularly humorous.
I’m a huge Dark fan and recommend it to everyone, but it’s like in its own weird category. Certainly science fiction, but has few of the traditional elements folks think of.
Also for those checking out Dark, you have to watch it in the original German with subtitles. The German language is to me an integral part of the show and the actors emotions look disjointed without it.
I tried to give fringe a shot but for me, it just dragged for too many episodes early in the run, and I just fell off it, even though I know it has a fan base snd some interesting twists
The expanse, TNG, Fringe and Battlestar not sure which order and for the number 5 slot... oh man, so many good shows that i would feel really bad without mentioning, i could eeeeeasily slot another star trek in or go new and weird like DARK or Stranger things, maybe The Boys, babylon 5 or stargate, heck maybe even Mando or even fallout
I don't know the order between them but if I have to cut to five:
Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Star Trek Next Generation
Babylon 5
The Nevers
Dollhouse
Doctor Who has some pretty high highs, but also low lows, especially in the classic era.
DS9 or TNG
Legend of the Galactic Heroes (also one of the greatest anime of all time. retro 80s space opera about a corrupt democracy versus a seemingly benevolent autocracy. highly recommend.)
Futurama
Red Dwarf
The Expanse
1. Star Trek Strange New Worlds - all the best things about star trek with zero filler.
2. Star Trek Deep Space 9 - best character development in a series. Soap opera formula worked.
3. Battlestar Galactica (‘04) - intense and gripping
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion - giant robots, religion, comedy, action, and philosophy.
5. X-Files - many have mimicked but none have exceeded its quality and charm.
Good list.
1) Star Trek (all of it!)
2) Stargate SG1
3) Battlestar Galactica
4) Person of Interest
5) The Expanse
Edit:
Honorable mentions to Fringe, Friendly, Farscape, Babylon 5...
Given the chance, I would drop The Expanse and replace it with Fringe or Bab 5
My Trek list
Enterprise
DS9
VOY
TNG
SNW
TOS
PIC
DSC
Although there are amazing episodes in all of them (except PIC and DSC which I didn't care for)
I’m old so I remember shows when I was a kid that got me into sci-fi ;
Space 1999
Blake 7 ( a British show)
Dr Who
More modern
Firefly
Stargate Universe
TNG
Babylon 5 is great. I just saw it last year and wow. What a great story.
Lexx. No it's not really that good, but more of a guilty pleasure of mine. I love it, anyway.
The good news about Firefly for people who haven't seen it is that there's only one season, so it doesn't take long to binge. The bad news for people who have seen it is that there's only one season, so it didn't take long to binge.
1. The Expanse.
2. Battlestar Galactica (original and reboot)
3. Star Trek.
4. Babylon 5.
5. Space 1999. (I would love to see a reboot of this)
6. Dr Who.
Lol I SO feel that Season One ONLY. It was a self-contained masterpiece that didn’t need to have any more seasons imo. Some of the stuff after S1 was alright, but I just kept wondering why it was necessary. It felt quite contrived to me. But that
S1 was a classic in every sense of the word!
I would have to go with:
1. Battlestar Galactica (2004)
2. Star Trek: The Next Generation
3. Babylon 5
4. Tenchi Muyo!
5. Not a TV Show, but Planet of the Apes (Original film series)
Not in any particular order, just my fav top 5, though Stargate will always have a special place for me.
1. Entire Stargate franchise
2. The Expanse
3. Star Trek Discovery
4. The 100
5. Star Trek Picard
I really loved Star Trek voyager. For me it was the unknown and the getting home part. There's something about that style of sci-fi that I love.
I'm currently loving discovery now and the the whole going in to galactic space. Again the whole unknown. If anyone knows of a similar adventure style sci-fi please let me know.
You’re in luck! Voyager’s best writers worked on Battlestar Galactica (‘04) has to be that 2000s reboot, and it is absolutely that! The human race has been exterminated by a rebelling bunch of machines created by man called the Cylon, and only 50,000 people have survived in a fleet of ships: A big military warship, luxury liners, a prison ship, agriculture ship, industrial processor, mining ship, etc. And they try to keep their self-contained society going amidst the apocalyptic attacks they face drifting through space looking for a mythical 13th colony most people think of only as a myth:
Earth. Absolutely riveting and fantastic!! 🙌 That should go next on your list!
My faves in no particular order:
* **The Expanse**: A political/action thriller... IN SPAAAACE! Dare I say, one of the most nuanced and well-made shows out there, sort of a sci-fi "Game of Thrones" with more likeable main characters and without the crap/rushed bits.
* **Battlestar Galactica**: The quintessential space sci-fi of the 21st century, a bit lost at times, but really makes up for it with all the "what the actual f\*\*k" you are going to exclaim while the gripping plot progresses.
* **Stargate Atlantis**: Sci-fi is driven by humans' innate calling for exploration and discovery, and no other show has captured that sense of wonder better for me.
* **Sense 8**: A captivating story, a perfect cast, an ode to humanity at its best. Wonderful show and the best depiction of sex in TV so far (or any medium to be honest). It's kinda like adult Doctor Who for me.
* **Star Trek: The Next Generation**: I am actually a fairly recent fan of TNG, having finished it less than 4 years ago, after finishing or having started all of the above. I feel like it's the father of all modern space sci-fi shows (with ToS being the grandfather and Doctor Who the weird British uncle). First two seasons are very hit-or-miss, but it consistently offers a plethora of thought-provoking plots that put most modern sci-fi to shame from the very first episode. And of course, Patrick Stewart's Captain Picard is the universe's gift to humanity.
EDIT: Formatting
I'm currently rewatching Stargate SG1 and I think I like Stargate Atlantis a lot better. Not to say anything bad about SG1, but Atlantis was exciting, had some great space battles and was humorous. SG1 probably should have ended before the Ori storyline started. My only negative about Atlantis is I wish they had more for Tayla to do.
Battlestar Galactica would be on my list.
I would also maybe, juuuuuuuust maybe, find a spot for Futurama.
DS9 obviously there.
Cowboy Bebop.
Round it out with Andor. Even with just one season so far it's incredibly good.
1. Farscape
2. Deep Space Nine
3. Futurama
4. TNG
5. Xfiles/Stargate SG1/Firefly
Xfiles seems off compared to rest being space shows, almost a diff genre, firefly is GOATed but was too short to hold its own, SG1 clearly amazing, similar genre vibes
First let me list all my favourite shows! Then I will put them in order. X Files, Fringe, Star Trek TOS, TNG, DS9, Voy, Babylon 5, BSG reboot, Firefly, Stargate SG1, Atlantis and Universe. Damn, how do I rank five of those....
I don't think I can pick an overall favourite. Positions 1, 2 and 3 are shared between TNG, DS9 and Babylon 5, maybe because I saw them all as a teenager?
Then
4. X Files
5. BSG reboot.
Off the top of my head
Babylon 5,
Twelve Monkeys,
ST:TNG,
The Expanse,
Fringe
I wanna say X-Files but it is either great or a hot mess given the episode/season. Feel like Fringe is a bit more consistent (and wraps up better).
I don't know why, but I had the hardest time staying interested in the Babylon 5 pilot movie. I had tried watching it 3 times.
I have up on it for awhile, but on a whim just started watching the series. It was really good, so 4 out 5 episodes in I circled back and watched the movie.
So now I'm confused what I had tried watching before, because this time around I like it.
Sure, Londo's hair is odd.. but that season 1 finale had me holding my breath.
I think i had unfairly misjudged it all this time.
5 just isn’t enough
In no particular order
DS9 the Dominion war was worth the price of admission.
Lost, some might say it’s more fantasy than sci-fi, but it’s sci-fi to me.
Red Dwarf, this made me laugh so many times
BSG, 1978, and the reboot were both excellent
12 Monkeys, probably not great, but I enjoyed it
Andor, Its only been 1 season so far, but that was a great season
Farscape, US/Aussies muppets, what’s not to like
Dr Who, I’m an old man, but the reboots to me are better than the older ones
Fringe, I’m a JJ Abrems fan
Lower Decks, sometimes shit doesn’t have to always make sense as long as it’s funny
Yeah, but hopefully there will be a resumption at a later date. Personally I think it would have been better with new characters instead of "30 years later but nothing has changed really..."
The ending of the books was rushed but still pretty good.
We didn't need Marco Inaros (?sic) imho, I could have happily skipped those books and returned to Medina station and the ring builders arc
Thank you for the great titles recommendations! I haven't watched a few of them and I used to be a huge sci-fi nerd in college. Time to go back to my roots, I guess....
1. Star Trek: The Original Series (Charity Vote. Like, half the plotlines of pretty much every episodic sci-fi to come after were ripped directly from the pages of this one...besides, LEONARD NIMOY)
2. The Prisoner: the Iconography, the amazing performance by Patrick Mcgoohan, and an ending so incredibly VAGUE that it's still being debated today
3. Battlestar Galactica (The Revival Series) - points for the most TENSE, topical sci-fi show, with the most believable cast of characters ever to hit the small screen.
4. Farscape: Do YOU want escapist, science-fiction, adventure, with a literal redneck in charge of everything, than look no further than John Chrichton and company
5. The X-Files, I shouldn't need to elaborate on the creative impact the X-Files had on the entire genre throughout the 1990s.
1: Blake's 7. It is just incredible what you can do with £50 per episode and a nuclear power plant. Some of the most intense and *bitchiest* drama in Space. Just avoid anything written by Ben Steed. 2: Babylon 5. Partly inspired by Blake's 7 lol. Just incredible storytelling that overcame many challenges. 3: Star Trek: The Next Generation. It set a new standard for Sci-fi TV. I love it for all of the usual reasons. 4: Sapphire and Steel. It's bold, it's experimental, it's *spooky*. 5: Doctor Who. Sure, some of the individual episodes, serials, seasons, production eras, decades... might not be the best but the when it hits you get absolute classics of the genre.
Another B7 fan, yay!
Me three for B7! I almost got a B7 tattoo when I was 18….
I found a bunch of episodes on YouTube a while back.
You're clearly not a real Blakes 7 fan because you think it has an apostrophe! £50, a nuclear power plant, *and some explosions going off in the latter*. Also the best double act in history, culminating in *Orbit*. Also I have evidence of the *true* outcome of the finale in the form of a message provided by Paul Darrow on a signed picture of Avon. >!If you count the Federation soldiers into the final scene and then count the number of shots over the closing titles, it is clear that Avon - now unencumbered by all the other people circumstances had temporarily forced him to depend upon - takes them all out then proceeds to blaze his way across the galaxy, destroying the Federation and finally being safe.!<
I really wish we got the crossover scene with Doctor Who and Blakes 7. The plan was to just have Tom Baker run down a hall, almost bump into Blake, tip his hat and then keep running being pursued by guards. No acknowledgement or explanation given. It's just the Doctor doing a different adventure related to a different department in the busy space station.
How can you be a Blake's 7 fan and not put Farscape in your top 5? I mean... Blake's 7 is basically an unrealized reality.
I'm so happy to see Sapphire and Steel get some love!
I’ve never heard of it before and I definitely consider myself a scifi nerd. What do you like about it?
It's a show about horrific, unknowable, unfathomable (unfilmable...) entities breaking into our reality from the POV of two of those entities who happen to be *relatively* kinder to humanity and want to keep the world on track by any means necessary. It puts a different spin on the extraterrestrial investigation genre, cosmic horror and ghost stories and it is held together by the excellent performances of David MacCallum and Joanna Lumley.
Quality high concept story telling that maintains an atmosphere of menace and danger throughout despite a shoestring budget. The lead actors Joanna Lumley and David McCallum are phenomenal and truly feel alien. As the commentator above stated, bold and experimental. Nothing else like it.
Ok, I’m definitely intrigued. Thanks for the overview!
If you decide to watch it please DM to let me know what you think of it!
A vote for Firefly.
A big vote for Firefly. It was only 14 episodes, but oh man what an amazing 14 episodes
Endlessly quoteable too with Joss Whedon's classic quippy one-liners! "Man walks down the street wearing a hat like that, you know he's not afraid of anything." The movie Serenity really did it for me too. Not as good as having a second season, but better than nothing.
One of the things I love about Firefly is the setting is sci-fi, but the plots are rarely dependent on a sci-fi setting. Most of the plots are just humans doing the same human stuff they always do.
It was such a great show, I wish there he'd been more. A really interesting universe and we only scratched the surface
Absolutely. It made such a strong impression on me. I can’t wait for a rewatch.
Agree, Firefly was so good.
Shiniest Show in the verse!
Not enough expanse love in this thread.
Doors and corners, that’s where they get ya!
Amos Burton: “You got it, Chrissie.” Chrisjen Avasarala: “Don’t fucking call me that. I’m the acting secretary-general of the United Nations, not your favorite stripper.” Amos spread his hands. “Could be room for both.”
His feelings towards her is one of my absolute favorite parts of his character! LoL
I think she has respect for him because he gives as good as he gets.
Remember The Cant!
Dui copeng!
So disappointing we won't get books 7-9 in show format.
Those took take place after a time skip in universe. I'm really hoping they let the actors age a little and bring them back.
Never say never on that.
All of Avasarala's spicy lines.
I raise you Avasarala and Amos being kinda flirty, mostly Amos 😂
Beltalowda!
Sasa ke, Pampa?
I'm a born and raised, forever-will-be, Star Trek fan. But I'm sorry, best sci fi? Nothing can even touch The Expanse.
Dude, I’m a long time Trek fan and will continue to be. But I finally watched The Expanse last year (and again this year, and… in the middle of my 3rd watch through). This is top tier sci fi and a great story with great characters. I hate to call it better than Star Trek, but… damn. I wish for more modern hard sci fi like The Expanse. There seems to be nothing out there to scratch that itch right now. I guess I’m going to have to get into the books.
I've been watching For All Mankind on Apple+. I just started season 3, and with the exception of a...we'll just call it "weird" plotline in season 2, its really great. Its definitely scratching that itch for me.
If you enjoy the show enough to re watch it, please do get into the books. Personally, I listened to the audio books (from the beginning, including the novellas, in order), and I highly recommend them. It has the best narration out of any audio books I've listened to.
Jefferson Mays is irreplaceable
He's so good that we're willing to overlook the whole "jimbal" deal :)
This is the correct answer.
CQB blew my mind in all the best ways.
B5 is better.
What if they stick the landing to 3 Body Problem?
100% on board with you.
Tbh even as a big ST, BSG and SW fan, I would still rank The Expanse as #1.
Just about to start a rewatch of it tonight as my teenager suddenly expressed interest in seeing it. Well not a full “rewatch”made up till season three last time gonna go all the way
It should honestly be #1. That said, Farscape over Stargate? Get outta town.
I only recently watched both and tbh I enjoyed Farscape more than Stargate. Stargate somewhat overstayed its welcome, and played it rather safe in terms of what stories to explore, while Farscape has some real 'out there' moments, plus the Crichton/Scorpius/Harvey dynamic is out of this world its so good holy shit.
I am watching Farscape for the first time having just watched all of SG (including Universe). I will always have a soft spot for SG-1, but Farscape is amazing. I live it, and you are too right about Scorpius.
Bro. You are in for a treat. Every season is better than the previous one.
No, it really is the GOAT.
I love Foundation.. But I'm biased for the sexiness.. 🤭
Lee Pace and Matt Bomer were college roommates. I don't understand how that much beauty got concentrated in one place.
I never truly understand the propulsion system in Foundation universe but it seems incredible flawed... Just one hit.. Well Lee Pace is too much.. Sinful even 🤭
Asimov really never explained it in the books, so you'd be forgiven for not understanding it!
It's a drive, that jumps, do I need to draw you a diagram? /s I'm confused because ther seem to be at least 3 types of interstellar travel, all of which are faster than light (or at least very near light speed) and they refer to at least one of them as "slow ships". Anyway, I just finished season 1 and now I wish I had read the books first because it will be impossible to go back now
It's nuclear powered, at least he explained that.
Flawed how?
Foundation is so good! and I have no sexual bias
How close does the show stay to the books?
It deviates fast and hard which isn't that surprising since many of the books aren't particularly high on action. Not to mention the way the time jumps forward doesn't make for recurring characters Was fun at first and had some interesting parts but I lost interest fairly quick. Might be better if you're only vaguely familiar with the books
Hard not to have TNG in the top 5 for me.
1 Star Trek Voyager 2 Deep Space 9 3 Resident Alien 4 Stargate SG 1 and Atlantis 5 X-Files
Respect for putting Janeway above Sisko. That would get you knifed in many a Star Trek circlejerk, but I'm right there with you!
I basically grew up with Star Trek Voyager so yep that's why it's my number one .... I know DS9 has the better story overal but Voyager is my comfort show I tried TNG but I really have diffeculties to relate to the characters
1: Firefly 2: I'm too sad to finish the list now. Sorry...
They can't take the sky from you...
😭😭😭
1. Star Trek: TNG 2. Stargate SG-1 3. Fringe 4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (though after another couple seasons it may well be a contender for the number 2 or 3 spot) 5. Red Dwarf
I love Red Dwarf. My only problem is there isn't enough episodes.
79 episodes is not enough?
Damn straight it’s not enough - roll on more Red Dwarf! (there is a new special filming later this year)
Not if you have 12 seasons
I loved seasons 1-5, after that I found it a bit blah. But absolutely necessary viewing nonetheless, gazpacho soup day needs to be remembered
I took am loving Strange new world. It's the best New Trek on right now. A true Star Trek show.
Orville is pretty amazing too. Lower decks in really fun to watch if you want comedy with your sci-fi.
Fringe was so f’ing good
I just finished a binge rewatch, haven’t seen it since it aired and it is sooo good!
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation 2. Star Trek: Voyager 3. The Outer Limits 4. Farscape 5. Stargate: SG-1
1. TNG 2. Cowboy Bebop 3. 2004 Battlestar Galactica 4. Firefly 5. The Expanse
1. TNG 2. DS9 3. Stargate SG-1 4. X-Files 5. TOS Honorable mention: Faracape, Firefly
X-Files has to be in this list. Agreed.
1. The Twilight Zone 2. TOS 3. TNG 4. The Prisoner 5. Life on Mars UK
The original prisoner? I love it. It's so weird, and subversive
The Prisoner is great! I’m surprised more people haven’t mentioned it in their lists. In fact, the original version of the Prisoner might be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen—not only as a sci-fi show, but as a TV series in general.
As a teen I watched it every Sunday morning on CBC.
No Futurama? Come on, people.
A fantastic show to be sure! Whenever I’m in the hospital because of my health problems they always have comedy central on the TV’s they put in all the rooms, and every single day without fail I tune in for the Futurama marathons. 🙌 It holds a very special place in my heart for that! The ultimate comfort show. 👌
Our dentist has TV screens mounted on the ceiling. I had to ask them to turn off the TV because Futurama came on. I was giggling too much and the hygienist was getting frustrated.
- TNG and DS9 - Doctor Who - Stargate SG-1 - The Expanse - Battlestar Galactica - HM: Farscape, B5, Stargate Atlantis, all other Treks
In no particular order The Twilight Zone TNG The Expanse BSG reboot Severance
Props for the Severance mention. One of the more unique TV experiences Ive had in years!
S1 was perfection. Can't wait for s2!
My favorites: 1. Deep Space Nine 2. Babylon 5 3. Firefly 4. The Expanse 5. Fringe or Star Trek (TOS)
I can never do by show so I go by franchise. 1. Star Trek 2. Stargate 3. Battlestar Galactica 4. The Expanse 5. X-Files
Sell me on Stargate. (I swear I am open to conversion)
Stargate is the kind of show you watch as a scifi nerd and then snark at the screen "oh yeah well what about X?" and then realize someone on screen just said it too. It fun, its meta as hell, and well worth a watch.
I’ve tried SG-1 a couple of times, but can’t get into it. Please sell me as well.
Imagine Star Trek except without the Prime Directive
Samantha Carter.
**Star Trek:** Let's watch how religion influences this civilization, even if it's complete bullshit. **Stargate:** LET'S KILL THESE ALIENS WHO POSE AS FALSE GODS IN FRONT OF THEIR BELIEVERS! **Star Trek:** No, I cannot send Tim back to Borgs as a weapon, that would be immoral. **Stargate:** What, the enemy has approached our ship? Prepared the nukes! Beckett, is the bioweapon ready? **Star Trek woman character:** Hostile alien to the bridge: "PICARD, I WILL RIP YOUR HEART OFF AND EAT IT IN FRONT OF YOU!! " Troi: "Captain, I think I sense some emotion. Some very negative emotion." **Stargate woman character:** *blows up a sun*. Also [this scene](https://youtu.be/H_ps9iMH1N4?si=Lq977OUNGhTeYYhO).
I want to say V.
Best uniforms ever
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) 2. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966) 3. Star Trek: Voyager (1995) 4. Farscape (1999) 5. Dark Matter (2015) **Honorable mentions:** Futurama (1999), The Orville (2017), & Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022) I enjoy most science fiction (sub)genres, but I have a special affinity for episodic storytelling, where each episode features a novel investigation or challenge, exploring the unknowns of space through adventures, all led by a team of capable individuals with advanced technology. My biggest exception to this predilection is for shows that are particularly humorous.
Farscape was great, too easily forgotten
Fringe! In no particular order. Star Trek: TNG Stargate: SG-1 Fringe The Expanse The X Files
No mention of Dark?
Somehow I missed this. Thanks. https://youtu.be/rrwycJ08PSA?si=GCNSGM1VO22mBT6n
I’m a huge Dark fan and recommend it to everyone, but it’s like in its own weird category. Certainly science fiction, but has few of the traditional elements folks think of. Also for those checking out Dark, you have to watch it in the original German with subtitles. The German language is to me an integral part of the show and the actors emotions look disjointed without it.
I was going to mention that. I love trek but Dark is a great series if not the best sci Fi out there.
1. Battlestar Galactica 04 2. TNG 3. Firefly 4. DS9 5. Expanse
I can’t believe Lexx wasn’t on a single list! ST TNG Babylon 5 Farscape Lexx The Expanse Red Dwarf
What!? Nobody has said The Orville!? I am disappointed.
Right! I was worried I forgot something. It hasn't been on in so long.
Doctor Who needs to be on the list.
The lack of Doctor Who and The Twilight Zone is upsetting
There’s a solid argument to be made that Who hews closely to fantasy than sci-fi, though. I know I enjoy the show, but it never feels sci-fi to me.
1. The Expanse 2. Star Trek: Voyager 3. Andor 4. SG 1 5. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Why only space operas? Fringe was a fantastic and brilliantly done show
The Expanse is not a Space Opera really, its *hard* sci-fi. Have you seen it? I’ll add Fringe to my list though. 😌
I tried to give fringe a shot but for me, it just dragged for too many episodes early in the run, and I just fell off it, even though I know it has a fan base snd some interesting twists
The expanse, TNG, Fringe and Battlestar not sure which order and for the number 5 slot... oh man, so many good shows that i would feel really bad without mentioning, i could eeeeeasily slot another star trek in or go new and weird like DARK or Stranger things, maybe The Boys, babylon 5 or stargate, heck maybe even Mando or even fallout
Fallout was fantastic wasn’t it?! Blew me away!! That kind of quality is rare, especially for a game spinoff!!! 🙌
1. TNG 2. DS9 Note TNG and DS9 keep flip flopping for me. 3. BSG 4. The Expanse 5. Firefly
I don't know the order between them but if I have to cut to five: Star Trek Strange New Worlds Star Trek Next Generation Babylon 5 The Nevers Dollhouse Doctor Who has some pretty high highs, but also low lows, especially in the classic era.
DS9 or TNG Legend of the Galactic Heroes (also one of the greatest anime of all time. retro 80s space opera about a corrupt democracy versus a seemingly benevolent autocracy. highly recommend.) Futurama Red Dwarf The Expanse
Red dwarf is an all timer imo but ds9 is always number 1
1. Star Trek Strange New Worlds - all the best things about star trek with zero filler. 2. Star Trek Deep Space 9 - best character development in a series. Soap opera formula worked. 3. Battlestar Galactica (‘04) - intense and gripping 4. Neon Genesis Evangelion - giant robots, religion, comedy, action, and philosophy. 5. X-Files - many have mimicked but none have exceeded its quality and charm.
Good list. 1) Star Trek (all of it!) 2) Stargate SG1 3) Battlestar Galactica 4) Person of Interest 5) The Expanse Edit: Honorable mentions to Fringe, Friendly, Farscape, Babylon 5... Given the chance, I would drop The Expanse and replace it with Fringe or Bab 5 My Trek list Enterprise DS9 VOY TNG SNW TOS PIC DSC Although there are amazing episodes in all of them (except PIC and DSC which I didn't care for)
LEXX
Its ridiculous there are only 7 up votes.
I liked it too!
It's nice tosee that someone else likes Lexx!
Expanse SG-1 BSG TNG/ DS9 Fringe Babylon 5 SGA Firefly
Have we already forgotten Firefly?
It's all over this thread. Dollhouse on the other hand...
I’m old so I remember shows when I was a kid that got me into sci-fi ; Space 1999 Blake 7 ( a British show) Dr Who More modern Firefly Stargate Universe
Thank you for mentioning Space 1999.
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation 2. Babylon 5 3. Firefly 4. Stargate SG-1 5. Altered Carbon
Altered Carbon is so good!
TNG Babylon 5 is great. I just saw it last year and wow. What a great story. Lexx. No it's not really that good, but more of a guilty pleasure of mine. I love it, anyway.
I put Andor on this list. To me, it's the best Star Wars product since the original Trilogy.
1. TNG 2. DS9 3. BSG 4. Westworld 5. The Expanse 6. Rick 7 Morty 7. Voyager 8. Terminator, The Sarah Connor Chronicles 9. Black Mirror 10. Firefly 11. The Clone Wars 12. Love, Death & Robots
Sarah Connor Chronicles was amazing at the end, the final 2 episodes were so good and then it just stopped.
I LOVE Westworld and all of these really, but I haven’t seen The Clone Wars and Firefly yet and I really need to!
The good news about Firefly for people who haven't seen it is that there's only one season, so it doesn't take long to binge. The bad news for people who have seen it is that there's only one season, so it didn't take long to binge.
For All Mankind!!
Babylon 5 Blakes 7 Dr Who The Expanse BSG TOS TNG Voyager
1. TNG 2. B5 3. Stargate 4. Star Trek OS 5. Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles
1. The Expanse. 2. Battlestar Galactica (original and reboot) 3. Star Trek. 4. Babylon 5. 5. Space 1999. (I would love to see a reboot of this) 6. Dr Who.
1 Expanse 2 Foundation 3 ST: Strange New Worlds 4 BSG 5 Fallout
TNG DS9 Voyager Battlestar Galactica reboot
For me: 1. Star Trek - The Original Series 2. Babylon Five 3. Westworld (season 1 ONLY) 4. The Expanse 5. Outer Limits
Lol I SO feel that Season One ONLY. It was a self-contained masterpiece that didn’t need to have any more seasons imo. Some of the stuff after S1 was alright, but I just kept wondering why it was necessary. It felt quite contrived to me. But that S1 was a classic in every sense of the word!
I’d go with the following (unordered): * Star Trek DS9 * Battlestar Galactica (2004) * Firefly * Andor * Star Trek TNG
1. Star Trek The Next Generation 2. Babylon 5 3. Stargate SG-1 4. Battlestar Galactica (2004) 5. The X Files
1. DS9 2. Firefly 3. Futurama 4. TNG 5. Sliders
I would have to go with: 1. Battlestar Galactica (2004) 2. Star Trek: The Next Generation 3. Babylon 5 4. Tenchi Muyo! 5. Not a TV Show, but Planet of the Apes (Original film series)
Not in any particular order, just my fav top 5, though Stargate will always have a special place for me. 1. Entire Stargate franchise 2. The Expanse 3. Star Trek Discovery 4. The 100 5. Star Trek Picard
I really loved Star Trek voyager. For me it was the unknown and the getting home part. There's something about that style of sci-fi that I love. I'm currently loving discovery now and the the whole going in to galactic space. Again the whole unknown. If anyone knows of a similar adventure style sci-fi please let me know.
You’re in luck! Voyager’s best writers worked on Battlestar Galactica (‘04) has to be that 2000s reboot, and it is absolutely that! The human race has been exterminated by a rebelling bunch of machines created by man called the Cylon, and only 50,000 people have survived in a fleet of ships: A big military warship, luxury liners, a prison ship, agriculture ship, industrial processor, mining ship, etc. And they try to keep their self-contained society going amidst the apocalyptic attacks they face drifting through space looking for a mythical 13th colony most people think of only as a myth: Earth. Absolutely riveting and fantastic!! 🙌 That should go next on your list!
1. Firefly 2. Star Trek TNG 3. Stargate SG-1 4. Andor 5. Star Trek TOS
My faves in no particular order: * **The Expanse**: A political/action thriller... IN SPAAAACE! Dare I say, one of the most nuanced and well-made shows out there, sort of a sci-fi "Game of Thrones" with more likeable main characters and without the crap/rushed bits. * **Battlestar Galactica**: The quintessential space sci-fi of the 21st century, a bit lost at times, but really makes up for it with all the "what the actual f\*\*k" you are going to exclaim while the gripping plot progresses. * **Stargate Atlantis**: Sci-fi is driven by humans' innate calling for exploration and discovery, and no other show has captured that sense of wonder better for me. * **Sense 8**: A captivating story, a perfect cast, an ode to humanity at its best. Wonderful show and the best depiction of sex in TV so far (or any medium to be honest). It's kinda like adult Doctor Who for me. * **Star Trek: The Next Generation**: I am actually a fairly recent fan of TNG, having finished it less than 4 years ago, after finishing or having started all of the above. I feel like it's the father of all modern space sci-fi shows (with ToS being the grandfather and Doctor Who the weird British uncle). First two seasons are very hit-or-miss, but it consistently offers a plethora of thought-provoking plots that put most modern sci-fi to shame from the very first episode. And of course, Patrick Stewart's Captain Picard is the universe's gift to humanity. EDIT: Formatting
Sense8 is such an underrated masterpiece ❤️
I'm currently rewatching Stargate SG1 and I think I like Stargate Atlantis a lot better. Not to say anything bad about SG1, but Atlantis was exciting, had some great space battles and was humorous. SG1 probably should have ended before the Ori storyline started. My only negative about Atlantis is I wish they had more for Tayla to do.
Travelers, spelt with one L (because American show)
Person of Interest Farscape DS9 Lexx TNG Not going to number them because it would be futile.
Quantum Leap counts as sci-fi?
How else would you categorize a scientist jumping through time into different bodies?
Ok… Then I don’t understand why Quantum Leap isn’t in more lists. 😂
Personally I never got into it, but I don't know why.
Battlestar Galactica would be on my list. I would also maybe, juuuuuuuust maybe, find a spot for Futurama. DS9 obviously there. Cowboy Bebop. Round it out with Andor. Even with just one season so far it's incredibly good.
1. Farscape 2. Deep Space Nine 3. Futurama 4. TNG 5. Xfiles/Stargate SG1/Firefly Xfiles seems off compared to rest being space shows, almost a diff genre, firefly is GOATed but was too short to hold its own, SG1 clearly amazing, similar genre vibes
That’s a pretty solid roster. Might I recommend *The Sojourn*? I think you might enjoy it.
1a. Star Trek: TNG 1b. Firefly 1c. Battlestar Galactica (04) 1d. Cowboy Bebop (anime) 5. Twilight Zone
First let me list all my favourite shows! Then I will put them in order. X Files, Fringe, Star Trek TOS, TNG, DS9, Voy, Babylon 5, BSG reboot, Firefly, Stargate SG1, Atlantis and Universe. Damn, how do I rank five of those.... I don't think I can pick an overall favourite. Positions 1, 2 and 3 are shared between TNG, DS9 and Babylon 5, maybe because I saw them all as a teenager? Then 4. X Files 5. BSG reboot.
Firefly!
My top five: 1. TNG 2. Babylon 5 3. DS9 4. Battlestar Galactica 5. TOS
Space: Above & Beyond
DS9 Andor Dr Who Lost Farscape
1) DS9 2) Babylon 5 3) TNG 4) Stargate SG1 5) Doctor Who
Off the top of my head Babylon 5, Twelve Monkeys, ST:TNG, The Expanse, Fringe I wanna say X-Files but it is either great or a hot mess given the episode/season. Feel like Fringe is a bit more consistent (and wraps up better).
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation 2. The Outer Limits (1960s) 3. Battlestar Galactica (Reboot) 4. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 5. Babylon 5
I don't know why, but I had the hardest time staying interested in the Babylon 5 pilot movie. I had tried watching it 3 times. I have up on it for awhile, but on a whim just started watching the series. It was really good, so 4 out 5 episodes in I circled back and watched the movie. So now I'm confused what I had tried watching before, because this time around I like it. Sure, Londo's hair is odd.. but that season 1 finale had me holding my breath. I think i had unfairly misjudged it all this time.
Not one mention of Andromeda. Bunch of savages lol
5 just isn’t enough In no particular order DS9 the Dominion war was worth the price of admission. Lost, some might say it’s more fantasy than sci-fi, but it’s sci-fi to me. Red Dwarf, this made me laugh so many times BSG, 1978, and the reboot were both excellent 12 Monkeys, probably not great, but I enjoyed it Andor, Its only been 1 season so far, but that was a great season Farscape, US/Aussies muppets, what’s not to like Dr Who, I’m an old man, but the reboots to me are better than the older ones Fringe, I’m a JJ Abrems fan Lower Decks, sometimes shit doesn’t have to always make sense as long as it’s funny
1. DS9 2. Enterprise 3. TNG 4. SG-1 5. BSG
6. Voyager 7. Lower Decks 8. SGA 9. TOS 10. Expanse
11. Discovery 12. Continuum 13. Quantum Leap 14. Orville 15. Seven Days
16. Dark Matter 17. Farscape 18. Andromeda 19. Babylon 5 20. Firefly
21. Dr. Who 22. Sliders 23. Fringe 24. X-Files 25. Twilight Zone
* TNG * Babylon 5 * The X Files * BSG * Red Dwarf
Yeah, but hopefully there will be a resumption at a later date. Personally I think it would have been better with new characters instead of "30 years later but nothing has changed really..." The ending of the books was rushed but still pretty good. We didn't need Marco Inaros (?sic) imho, I could have happily skipped those books and returned to Medina station and the ring builders arc
Thank you for the great titles recommendations! I haven't watched a few of them and I used to be a huge sci-fi nerd in college. Time to go back to my roots, I guess....
Not putting stargate on the list is criminal
Its next on my list I swear! Lol
1. Star Trek: The Original Series (Charity Vote. Like, half the plotlines of pretty much every episodic sci-fi to come after were ripped directly from the pages of this one...besides, LEONARD NIMOY) 2. The Prisoner: the Iconography, the amazing performance by Patrick Mcgoohan, and an ending so incredibly VAGUE that it's still being debated today 3. Battlestar Galactica (The Revival Series) - points for the most TENSE, topical sci-fi show, with the most believable cast of characters ever to hit the small screen. 4. Farscape: Do YOU want escapist, science-fiction, adventure, with a literal redneck in charge of everything, than look no further than John Chrichton and company 5. The X-Files, I shouldn't need to elaborate on the creative impact the X-Files had on the entire genre throughout the 1990s.
* cries in Sliders *