10 Older Sci-Fi TV Shows That Are Still Extremely Entertaining

Some science fiction TV shows have gotten even better with time and are great for rewatching. One of the most fun things about watching an old science fiction show or movie is seeing how they imagine the future. Back to the future proved that self-tying shoes and flying cars may not be one of humanity’s top priorities, but watching a show about the future, set in the past, can be both scary and hilarious.

Viewers have also always been curious about discovering other planets or alternative realities. Some series tend to approach the subject with caution and trepidation, while others focus on a more light-hearted approach. But, the true beauty of the best science fiction shows is embracing all of the suspension of disbelief that the genre so gracefully offers. Although some classics like Star Trek doesn’t even need to be mentioned, some relatively old programs of the last 20 years or else it should not be forgotten either.

10

Warehouse 13 (2009-2014)

It’s about what’s in the boxes

One of the crown jewels of the Syfy channel, this action comedy had one of the highest-rated premieres in the network’s history. The mix of historical facts with elements of the supernatural made this show not only fun, but also educational. There was undeniable chemistry between the two leads, Eddie McClintock and Joanne Kelly, as the will-they-won’t-they trope was enjoyable to watch.

The premise of having a huge storage unit full of otherworldly artifacts has limitless potential. This was evident in the fact that it ran for an impressive five seasons and included things like Marilyn Monroe’s magic hairbrush and Agatha Christie’s typewriter, to name just two. Each episode featured a raucous journey through historywith a host of familiar faces from the world of science fiction TV. Kelly Hu, Joe Morton and Kate Mulgrew appear in this fun show.

9

Sliders (1995-2000)

The quantum leap went wrong

A miscalculation during a wormhole jump leads a group of friends (and a few stragglers) to travel between alternate Earths. Using a handheld device with its own set of rules, they find themselves in worlds where men are ruled by women and the English won the Revolutionary War.

They find interdimensional doppelgängers, alien species, and alternate versions of historical figuresas they try to return home. The series has gone through a few different networks and casting iterations, which can be felt between certain seasons.

However, there are many stand-out episodes that remain as entertaining today as they were in the late ’90s. Jerry O’Connell led the cast for most of the show’s run, bringing his goofy yet charming brand of leading man energy. With lots of laughs and wild worlds to explore, Sliders introduced an innovative concept that has stood the test of time.

8

Fringe (2008-2013)

What’s underneath

JJ Abrams was one of the creators of this atmospheric show that balanced the line between reality and a parallel universe. Part of the era’s science fiction resurgence in prime time, Fringe it combined elements of a mystery-of-the-week format with a common thread that held everything together. Joshua Jackson and Anna Torv lead the cast with supernatural charisma and chemistry.

Both “Over Here” and “Other Side” are places filled with gripping stories, and whenever they overlap, drama is sure to arise. The show developed a cult following over its five-year rundelighting viewers with standalone episodes as well as season-spanning mysteries. Fringe it may seem somewhat withdrawn in its lack of excessive ostentation, but beneath the surface there is a world of fascinating stories to be discovered.

7

3rd Rock of the Sun (1996-2001)

How aliens see earthlings

There aren’t many shows that embrace the science fiction genre, but this one managed to make it work in a non-gimmicky and highly entertaining way. The stellar cast includes John Lithgow, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Jane Curtin, who are given hilarious material to work with.

A simple concept of an alien expedition wanting to study Earth roots the show in a kind of palatable reality which works within the light-hearted comedy genre. Its eight Emmy awards speak volumes about the quality of the show.

Audiences quickly form a bond with these “aliens from outer space” and enjoy how they adapt to their new Earthly ways. There’s no-holds-barred comedy, a quirky romance, and a cameo from William Shatner that’s a wonderful payoff to a long-running joke. With episodes all lasting less than half an hour, it’s a binge-worthy classic that puts a humorous spin on an often serious genre.

6

Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)

The door to the future

First, it was the original Stargate 1994 film – a huge success that was a big breakthrough for Roland Emmerich. Then came this spin-off, which launched a franchise that lasted decades. Expanding on the worlds built in the original, This 10-season action adventure travels through space and time, exploring new planets and civilizations. Although the film’s stars didn’t get to reprise their roles, actors like Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks made their mark.

The big-budget special effects were very innovative at the time, creating visuals that still look good to this day. The cast of characters features astrophysicists, Egyptologists, military personnel and a multitude of multidimensional beings, providing interconnected stories that excite and entertain. The stakes increase as the seasons progress, with countless lives to be saved and many gate threats to be combated.

5

Quantum Leap (1989-1993)

The original slider

Scott Bakula’s iconic role served as a template used by similar sci-fi series in the years to come. A brilliant doctor is trapped in time, trying to return to his reality. Perhaps, a little ahead of its timethe show took a while to find its core audience, but when it did, it gained a devoted following. Thirteen million viewers tuned in to watch the finale, and even more discovered the show over the years.

As Dr. Sam Beckett “jumps” through many people’s lives across many realities, he tries to change his past so he can fix the future. Each adventure utilizes the fact that he is a highly decorated scholar, martial arts expert, and accomplished artist, taking the audience on a thrilling ride. It’s worth watching, because the futuristic nostalgia is real.

4

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

A journey through space and time

Technically, the pilot stops Battlestar Galactica is a two-part miniseries that aired in 2003. The plot does not hesitate to please the public, as an entire colony of planets is wiped out, leaving only a handful of survivors. With this, those on board the remaining fleet of ships must try to reach “Earth”.

Everything that happens after is a masterclass in sci-fi adventure. The ongoing war with the Cylons takes many turns, with shifting alliances and broken loyalties. The cast has a magnetic screen presenceand interpersonal relationships are as interesting as interstellar ones. Part space opera, part political drama, and add to that, one of the most satisfying and mind-blowing endings, Battlestar Galactica It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

3

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

A franchise that survived and thrived

The first to revive the beloved franchise, this sci-fi juggernaut introduced audiences to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the Enterprise NCC 1701-D. Set in the 24th century, the adventures take the ship to several planets within the Star Trek universe, mixing themes of discovery, war and diplomacy. The time between the end of the original and the beginning of this version meant that many viewers were only then introduced to this iconic franchise.

The successful revival attracted many stars, including Whoopi Goldberg, and even saw the return of Leonard Nimoy. Audiences were enchanted by the Enterprise’s new crew and enjoyed exploring the new worlds and problems they faced. Several spin-offs and reboots followed, and it’s safe to say that without The next generationmay not have happened.

2

Smallville (2001-2011)

Before Superman existed

There have been many successful iterations of Superman’s story, but this was the first to focus so closely on his adolescence. Viewers were able to be by his side as his skills slowly developedand he finally learned about his supernatural heritage. The word “Kryptonite” wasn’t even uttered until the story started a few seasons in, and the relationship with Lois Lane was very slow. Viewers were left waiting a long time before he even put on the blue and red suit.

It began as a mystery-of-the-week format that focused on the individuals affected by the “meteor strike” in a rural Kansas town. The series took its time delving into the mythology that audiences were familiar with. This helped build one of the most complete versions of Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in the character’s on-screen history. His romance with Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) was explored to the fullest, as was his layered relationship with Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). With a host of new and familiar supporting characters and plenty of action Smallville It’s still as fun as it always was.

1

The X-Files (1993-2018)

To believe or not to believe

One of the biggest and most successful television shows of the 1990s, This staple of science fiction introduced the world at large to the paranormal and unexplained. Special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) became household names as every week they faced a new monster or other supernatural event. The juxtaposition between their love of conspiracy theories and their no-nonsense approach has led to many explosive moments between the beloved duo.

As the years passed and they delved deeper into the unknown, viewers became hooked on the mystery as well as the chemistry. The show was a ratings success and won several awards, with its initial season lasting until 2002. Then came a revival, with additional seasons debuting in 2016 and 2018. The legacy of this Science fiction robust is undeniable and is as unnerving and engrossing now as it was in 1993.