Top 10 Best Science Fiction TV Shows

The 1930s marked the origin of the science fiction genre in movies and television industries. Numerous scientific installments have helped it in augmenting its reach among the audiences. There was a time when Hollywood was considered a place only for drama, comedy, and horror genres. The sci-fi contents were often ignored during that period. But their prominence improved in the 70s. Nowadays, a large portion of moviegoers has a special place for them in their hearts.

When it comes to the television industry, not many sci-fi installments are found in the 70s and 80s. The reason behind this situation is easy to understand. Makers did not have enough budget or technical knowledge to produce these contents at that time. Many people believed that investing in a sci-fi project was a total waste of money. But now, times have changed. The world of television has witnessed the arrival of some fantastic science fiction shows in the last few years.

Here is the list of the top 10 best science fiction tv shows of all time!

Star Trek

Star Trek (1966-69)

The original Star Trek series is considered a landmark in the early sci-fi period. It revolutionized the entire genre with its amazing performances, top-notch visuals, outstanding plots, and iconic musical score. It was also one of the most expensive shows at that time. Gene Roddenberry, the godfather of the Star Trek universe, is responsible for creating this epic space adventure. Characters like James T. Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Scotty, and many more have immortalized in the hearts of the fans.

Counterpart

Counterpart (2017-19)

Counterpart is one of those unlucky shows that faced cancellation due to low ratings. Despite delivering two outstanding seasons, the show was closed for good. The plot is focused upon a character named Howard Silk. He works in the Office of Interchange at a UN facility. His work requires him to monitor the parallel Earths (Alpha and Prime). These two worlds find themselves in a Civil War. The residents of the Prime world blame the Alpha for unleashing a deadly virus that wiped out millions of people from their planet. Veteran actor, J. K. Simmons, was praised for his performance in this series. The supporting cast also does a fine job here.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror (2011-19)

Expect the unexpected in this breathtaking and shocking dystopian sci-fi series! It showcases the unforeseen outcomes of modern technologies in the human world. Set in an alternate reality, all episodes are different from one another. They are filmed in an anthology format. It enables them to explore and satire on our society. Some episodes provide dark atmospheres to the viewers. The remaining ones are more light-hearted. Various notable performers like Hayley Atwell, Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Toby Kebbell, and many more have starred in it.

The 100

The 100 (2014-20)

Can you guess the total number of episodes this sci-fi series has produced? Just kidding! Its first season was decent. But it rocked the world of television with its next six installments. The series displays the aftermath of a destructive nuclear apocalypse. The remaining humans have no option but to leave the planet. They make a space station named the Ark for themselves. But 97 years later, their resources reduce drastically. As a result, they send 100 criminals for ensuring if the Earth is habitable or not. It has been praised for its visuals, performances, and gripping storyline.

The Expanse

The Expanse (2015-present)

The show’s original streaming network, Syfy, canceled it after delivering three spectacular seasons. But thanks to Amazon for not letting this masterpiece die. It has witnessed a high spike in its popularity after getting transferred to the latter network. It is set in a futuristic world where humans start to reside on different planets of the Solar System. They colonize various planets like Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter. The remaining population resides on the Earth. The lead cast finds themselves getting involved in a conspiracy that brings all the worlds on the brink of a Civil War.

Orphan Black

Orphan Black (2013-17)

Orphan Black is one of the most prominent sci-fi shows that has emerged in the last few years. It generated a global fanbase during its run. They identify themselves as #CloneClub. The show gained worldwide prominence largely due to its lead actress, Tatiana Maslany. She portrays the characters of the Project Leda clones. One of her clones, Sarah, discovers an illegal cloning experiment that has scattered different clones in various parts of the world. Maslany has received an Emmy Award for her mesmerizing performance in the show.

Stranger Things

Stranger Things (2016-present)

Stranger Things is hailed as one of the biggest sci-fi shows in the last few years. It is well-known for flawlessly blending sci-fi moments with horror elements. In this show, a secret research facility in the town of Hawkins, Indiana gets the attention of its residents after the occurrence of various supernatural events. The facility secretly experiments on The Upside Down, an alternate dimension. As a result of their experiment, some children get unique superpowers. One of them is Eleven. She escapes from the facility and helps in finding Will Byers. He gets abducted by one of the demogorgons.

Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty (2013-present)

Rick and Morty are one of the craziest and wildest sci-fi series of all time. It showcases the adventures of a mad scientist, Rick, and his fainthearted grandson, Morty. Their interdimensional journey leads them to serious troubles all the time. It has received a huge positive response from the audience and the critics. It has been praised for its humor, satire, parodies, voice performances, animation, and unpredictable storylines. It has also received some criticism regarding its adult tone. But we know that the fans do not give a damn about its 18+ contents.

Doctor Who

Doctor Who (1963-89) (2005-present)

Doctor Who is among the longest-running BBC shows ever. People have watched it for many years. Even after all these years, this series is still going strong. Can you believe that it has dispatched 26 seasons to the viewers? It focuses on the adventures of an extraterrestrial being named ‘The Doctor’. He is a Time Lord who is tasked with eradicating different enemies and protecting the people of Earth. He has been accompanied by various other characters in all these years.

Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Battlestar Galactica is one of the best shows that have appeared during the golden age of television shows. It literally laid the foundation for all the sci-fi shows that we are watching today. It helped in rejuvenating the science fiction genre in the world of television. Set in a different star system, the humans have colonized themselves on various planets, also known as Twelve Colonies. They work together to neutralize the threats launched by Cylons. The most interesting fact is that the latter race was generated by none other than humans. The show has garnered critical acclaim for its costumes, performances, visuals, musical score, and direction.