10 Sci-Fi TV Shows That Changed Television Forever

Relegated to the sidelines for far too long, sci-fi television was once considered as far outside the auspices of popular culture as one could imagine. Then, a little series titled Star Trek boldly ventured where no one had gone before — Space, the final frontier. While even that series was initially met with skepticism, the passage of time has unquestionably validated Gene Roddenberry’s visionary premise.

Despite its somewhat rocky start, science fiction has flourished over the years, producing captivating entertainment that masterfully blends its pulp fiction roots with some genuinely profound storytelling, especially on television. From the depths of space to the intricacies of alternate dimensions, science fiction has evolved into an indispensable facet of TV, and these are the ten series that changed it all.

10 The Mandalorian Breathed New Life Into Star Wars and Television Both

Star Wars didn’t take long to cement itself as one of the biggest franchises ever to hit the silver screen. On television, however, it took a bit more work. Departing from the more traditional Star Wars narrative model, The Mandalorian arrived in 2019. It deftly balances homage to the franchise’s legacy while also exploring new aspects of its well-established universe.

More of a space western than a space opera, The Mandalorian’s episodic format harkens back to the days of vintage serials while still maintaining a narrative intricacy that rivals most other prestige television. Pedro Pascal’s enigmatic performance shines through despite being obscured behind a mask, and when he’s paired with Grogu’s irresistible charm, audiences can’t look away. Thanks to its blend of adventure, humor, and fantastic performances, The Mandalorian has revitalized the Star Wars universe, which is a lot more than the most recent film trilogy can say.

9 The Handmaid’s Tale Is Sci-Fi at Its Most Prescient

Emerging as an indispensable narrative for our times, The Handmaid’s Tale has reshaped the landscape of television storytelling throughout its run. Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s haunting novel of the same name, this series has poignantly reflected contemporary societal fears. Its portrayal of a dystopian America, where women are enslaved for reproduction in a totalitarian regime, has cut uncomfortably close to reality.

For five seasons, Elisabeth Moss has delivered a commanding performance as June Osborn, giving a face to the grim reality of oppression. In an era currently rife with societal tensions, The Handmaid’s Tale has transcended its genre to become a necessary tale that urges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while sparking vital conversations about power, oppression, and resistance.

8 Stranger Things is Simple Sci-Fi Storytelling Elevated to the Highest Level

Over the past decade, Netflix has emerged as a pivotal force in reshaping television storytelling. One of the biggest reasons for this is its monumental hit series, Stranger Things. Through its mesmerizing blend of science fiction and horror, the series has reignited the pure thrill of adventure reminiscent of classic Steven Spielberg films, only this time on television.

Each Stranger Things season unfurls a compelling tale propelled by its young cast’s remarkable talents. With countless nods to ’80s genre nostalgia, the series has captured the essence of a bygone era while still managing to introduce modern audiences to its timeless appeal. Most importantly, Stranger Things has proven the powerful magic inherent in simple sci-fi storytelling.

7 Black Mirror Is Sci-Fi Seen Through A Glass, Darkly

From one Netflix series to another, Black Mirror has become a groundbreaking anthology that has reshaped the landscape of television. This series, created by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, serves as a chilling reminder of society’s complicated entanglement with technology. From its inception, Black Mirror has captivated audiences worldwide with its twisted takes on the dark side of modern advancements and how they might complicate human nature.

Whether Black Mirror delves into the consequences of intrusive technology or human incompetence hijacking utopian ideals, each episode offers a haunting glimpse into a possible future. As the series has evolved, its impact has only grown stronger. Thanks to its eerily accurate predictions and thought-provoking narratives, Black Mirror is a seminal work in science fiction television.

6 Lost Broke the Internet First

Lost emerged as a seminal force in reshaping television at a critical junction in the medium’s history. Before Lost, prestige TV had just begun to take root with cable television series like The Sopranos and Oz over on HBO. Then Oceanic Flight 815 crashed into a mysterious beach and proved network television could reach nearly the same heights thanks to showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who captivated audiences with their ambitious series’ scope and fantastical sci-fi elements.

From its gripping pilot, directed by J.J. Abrams, to its polarizing conclusion, Lost kept viewers on the edge of their seats for six seasons. While its ending might have disappointed some fans, the series unquestionably boasted a rich tapestry of lovable characters and spine-tingling moments. Moreover, the complex mythology inspired a vibrant online community of theorists, which would become the hallmark of any successful sci-fi series from that point onward. That’s why Lost remains a milestone in serialized science fiction television.

5 Battlestar Galactica Mixed Thrills With Philosophy

In 2004, one series emerged as a transformative force in 21st-century sci-fi television, reshaping the genre and captivating audiences worldwide. That show was Battlestar Galactica. Ronald D. Moore’s reimagination of the 1978 series broke new ground, expanding the realm of science fiction and nerd culture on television.

Set against the backdrop of post-9/11 anxieties, Battlestar Galactica’s dark and gripping narrative struck a significant chord with everyone who watched it, earning the series immense critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase. By exploring a philosophical debate between the themes of survival, identity, and societal collapse, the series grounded itself in the complexities of the human condition, even if the vast majority of the series was set in the cold recesses of space.

4 The Twilight Zone Was There at the Beginning

During the advent of television in the 1950s, The Twilight Zone revolutionized the medium by blending social commentary with some out-of-this-world science fiction premises. Rod Sterling’s ingenious approach to weaving political themes into otherworldly scenarios captivated audiences while defying network censorship. Sure, the series eventually became too metaphor-heavy for its own good, but its enduring impact remains unquestionable.

From alien invaders to monsters on the wing of an airplane and beyond, The Twilight Zone tapped into its audience’s primal fears and delivered some memorable, iconic twists. Each episode offered a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature. Today, the series remains a chilling reminder that ordinary settings can transform into nightmares at the drop of a hat.

3 Doctor Who Has Transcended the Genre and Medium of Television

Only one science fiction series has transcended the traditional lifespan of television series with its unparalleled longevity and popularity: Doctor Who. Across its astounding 60-year tenure, the series has undergone numerous iterations but has always continued to showcase its premise’s enduring appeal, in which a charming alien traverses time and space in a battered blue box accompanied by a rotating cast of companions.

Doctor Who balances whimsy with profundity at its best while captivating an audience’s imagination with its endless creativity. From the series’ humble beginnings to its current status as a legitimate British institution, Doctor Who remains a testament to the power of science fiction and the enduring legacy of a timeless hero’s story made especially for television.

2 The X-Files Made Fans Want to Believe

Thanks to its innovative blend of conspiracy theories, supernatural mysteries, and jaw-dropping horror elements, The X-Files remains one of science fiction television’s most prominent innovators. Led by David Duchovny’s Mulder and Gillian Anderson’s Scully, this pop-paranoia series captivated television viewers with its ability to morph into a different genre every week, whether it focused on a “monster-of-the-week” or was knee-deep in one of its serialized story arcs.

Despite The X-Files’ shape-shifting narratives, the show maintained a consistent treatment of its paranormal phenomena, which, in turn, earned it some serious sci-fi credibility. Simply put, The X-Files made fans want to believe in the unknown in a manner, unlike any series that came before or after it. Therefore, the show’s status as a trailblazer in science fiction television is forever secured.

1 Star Trek Went Where No Series Had Gone Before

Was there ever any doubt about this top spot? Even viewers who aren’t particularly fans of Star Trek can’t deny what the original series accomplished following its debut in 1966. Gene Roddenberry’s visionary creation practically shaped the very fabric of science fiction television when it introduced audiences to a universe of boundless exploration and optimism, anchored by the iconic characters of Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock.

Star Trek’s influence continues to reverberate today, not only in terms of the countless science fiction series that owe a debt of gratitude to its groundbreaking legacy but also because of the numerous Star Trek spin-offs that continue to be released to this day. Sure, there’s an argument to be made that Star Trek: The Next Generation was more popular (and effective) than the original series, but that series remains the one that started it all, securing its spot as the most critical cornerstone in sci-fi television.