This reboot does its own thing instead of just copying the old show, and that’s what makes it work. The first season is more about the Robinsons trying to fix their broken family, but later seasons pick up with bigger stories and more action. What really keeps you hooked, though, is the cast – Parker Posey steals scenes as Dr. Smith, and the bond between Will and the Robot gives the show its heart. | © Netflix
Stargate SG-1 may feel slower compared to flashier modern sci-fi like Atlantis, but that’s part of its charm. The show thrives on world-building, long arcs, and a cast that plays off each other with humor and heart, making the characters impossible not to root for. While later seasons shift the team dynamic, the series never loses the sense of adventure or the limitless potential of stepping through the Stargate. | © Sony Pictures Television
Farscape is one of the most imaginative sci-fi shows ever made, blending humor, drama, and weirdness into something totally unique. With stunning visuals, groundbreaking puppetry from the Henson Company, and a cast of unforgettable characters led by Ben Browder and Claudia Black, it quickly became a cult classic. Its bold storytelling and complex arcs made it a must-watch for fans who wanted their space adventures with heart, danger, and a touch of the bizarre. | © Shout! Factory
Among all the Disney+ Star Wars projects, Andor stands out as the smartest and most gripping of the bunch. With layered storytelling, incredible acting, and a fearless dive into politics and rebellion, it pushes the galaxy far, far away into more grounded and thought-provoking territory. It’s edge-of-your-seat sci-fi that proves Star Wars can be just as powerful without lightsabers. | © Lucasfilm
At first glance, it looked like just another kids’ cartoon, but The Clone Wars quickly proved to be far more than that. Mixing the spirit of the original trilogy with the fast-paced action of the prequels, the series added real depth to the Star Wars universe. With rich character arcs, standout battles, and surprisingly emotional storytelling, it became a must-watch for fans of all ages. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The Mandalorian captures the authentic Star Wars atmosphere fans had been craving – gritty, serious, and free from unnecessary gimmicks. With incredible visuals, practical effects blended seamlessly with CGI, and characters that feel instantly iconic, it set a new standard for the franchise on TV. It’s proof that Star Wars can still deliver fresh stories while staying true to its roots. | © Disney+
Babylon 5 delivered one of the most ambitious sci-fi story arcs ever seen on TV, weaving a five-season narrative full of political intrigue, alien conflict, and moral dilemmas. The characters, especially Londo and G’Kar, remain unforgettable, with performances that still resonate decades later. Even with a modest budget, its space battles, music, and deep themes make it a classic every sci-fi fan should experience. | © Warner Bros. Television
Few sci-fi shows of the 21st century have matched the ambition of The Expanse. Starting on Syfy before Amazon swooped in to give it a proper ending, the series grew into a sprawling space epic with political intrigue, gripping character drama, and jaw-dropping visuals. Its commitment to scientific realism made it stand out from the crowd, and by the time it wrapped, it had cemented itself as one of the smartest and most rewarding space stories. | © Prime Video
When Doctor Who returned in 2005, it didn’t just revive a cult classic – it reinvented it for a whole new generation. The time-traveling adventures of the Doctor and their ever-changing companions blended humor, emotion, camp, and high-stakes sci-fi in a way no other show could. Across its run, the revival became the definitive version of the franchise, endlessly rewatchable and forever iconic. | © BBC One
Animated sitcoms are everywhere, but none mix sci-fi and comedy quite like Futurama. Matt Groening’s series has been running on and off for decades, and it’s stayed fresh thanks to clever writing, great characters, and a steady stream of inventive storylines. It’s silly, smart, and surprisingly heartfelt, the kind of show you can always come back to. | © Fox Network
Adapting Isaac Asimov’s legendary novels was never going to be easy, but Apple TV+ took the challenge head-on and delivered something bold. The series doesn’t stick perfectly to the books, yet the changes bring fresh stories and a sense of scale that feels massive on screen. With strong performances, stunning visuals, and an epic scope, Foundation has quickly become one of the standout sci-fi shows of the 2020s. | © Apple TV+
The franchise started back in 1978, but it was the 2003 miniseries and the 2004 series that showed just how great Battlestar Galactica could be. It delivered thrilling space battles and sci-fi spectacle, but what really set it apart were the layered character arcs and heavy themes it tackled head-on. Few shows in the genre have ever been this smart, this gritty, or this consistently gripping. | © Sky One
If the original series laid the groundwork, The Next Generation proved just how far Star Trek could go. With a stellar cast led by Patrick Stewart and some of the franchise’s sharpest writing, it quickly became the definitive Trek for a new era. Its mix of bold ideas, great characters, and endlessly rewatchable adventures cemented it as one of the best space shows ever made. | © Paramount Pictures
Cowboy Bebop is more than just an anime classic – it’s one of the most stylish and thoughtful space shows ever made. Mixing noir, western, and sci-fi influences, it dives into themes of identity, loneliness, and redemption while still delivering cool action and unforgettable music. Decades later, it’s still held up as a masterpiece that set the bar for what anime could be. | © Netflix
Firefly might have lasted only one season, but it built a legacy most long-running shows would envy. Joss Whedon’s space western mixed humor, scrappy characters, and the grit of frontier storytelling with classic sci-fi adventure. Two decades later, the fandom is still going strong, proof that you can’t keep a good crew, or their ship, grounded. | © 20th Television
Space has always been the perfect backdrop for bold storytelling, from epic battles among the stars to intimate stories about survival, hope, and humanity. Over the years, television has given us some of the most unforgettable space adventures ever put on screen. These shows capture the wonder of the cosmos while reminding us just how small we really are.
