One of the most beloved and influential genres in popular culture, Science fiction it has produced several of the best television shows of all time. Dealing with futuristic and imaginative concepts along the lines of time travel, extraterrestrial life, or rogue artificial intelligence, the best science fiction shows leverage other genres along the lines of drama, horror, or comedy to produce a layered offering that makes use of a theoretical premise. unique. From violent, blood-filled sci-fi shows to underrated hidden gems, there’s something for every type of fan.
However, while a compelling central premise is the best start a show could hope for, maintaining consistent success over multiple seasons is another matter entirely. For every science fiction television show that has produced a consistent level of excellence across multiple episodes, there are two genre offerings that have dipped in quality after a promising first season. Either way, whether these premieres served as the foundation for a blockbuster show or simply ended up as a “what could have been” footnote, several science fiction television shows have produced a near-perfect first season.
10
Western World (2016-2022)
Created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy
HBO Western World is a dystopian science fiction western based on the film directed by Michael Crichton, Western World. The series revolves around high-paid guests who visit a Western theme park filled with human-like androids to live out wild fantasies. Western World would later introduce a futuristic half of the 21st century where the world is ruled by an artificial intelligence called Rehoboam. The series was incredibly popular during its four seasons, but was canceled by HBO in November 2022.
- Release date
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October 2, 2016
- Seasons
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4
- Network
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HBO Max
A dystopian epic that channels elements of classic Westerns and science fiction, Western World is one of television’s most prominent case studies in wasted potential. Depicting an alternate near-future where Android “hosts” are indistinguishable from real humans and are used to populate period-themed amusement parks, the first season of HBO’s star-studded offering is often praised as one of the best seasons of television ever produced. It’s a shame the rest of the show couldn’t keep up this pace.
Given the drop in quality attributed to later seasons of Western World venturing beyond the parks, it’s no surprise that the show’s masterful debut is often overshadowed by criticism aimed at later episodes. It’s a shame too. Tthe excellent standard of construction and global performance found in Western Worldthe first seasonall set against the backdrop of an intricately crafted and infinitely exciting narrative, it remains a benchmark of the genre.
9
Altered Carbon (2018-2020)
Created by Laeta Kalogridis
Altered Carbon is set in the distant future, at a time when a human’s consciousness can be stored in a device called a Stack and transferred to different bodies, allowing people who have the means to become functionally immortal. Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman and Anthony Mackie), the former member of a rebellion against Stack technology, is awakened and released from prison so he can be hired by a rich man to solve the man’s own murder. The Netflix original series is based on the 2002 novel of the same name by Richard K. Morgan.
- Release date
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February 2, 2018
- Seasons
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2
A Visually Compelling Case Study in Cyberpunk TelevisionNetflix Altered Carbon takes place 360 years in the future, in a reality where an individual is able to transfer his consciousness from one body to another. Leaning heavily on the influence of iconic sci-fi offerings in the Blade Runner, The show’s first season stars Joel Kinnaman as Takeshi “Tak” Kovacs, as a former rebel awakened to solve a murder. It’s a unique and compelling fusion of genres, especially in the first season.
Although Altered Carbon was canceled after a second season in which Marvel star Anthony Mackie took on the role of Kovac’s latest iteration, an abrupt conclusion does little to detract from the excellent quality of the show’s debut. The season features some legitimately jaw-dropping visuals. Fusing these elements into a mind-bending existential commentary to complement a compelling narrative and a courageous performance from Kinnaman, Altered Carbon the first season rarely leaves fans wanting more.
8
Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
Created by Glen. Larson
The 2004 science fiction TV series Battlestar Galactica is a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same title. Created by Glen A. Larson, the original Battlestar Galactica features a fictional human civilization living in a distant star system called the Twelve Colonies. They are in constant battle against a cybernetic race called the Cylons, who want to exterminate the human race. A massive attack was launched, and only those who managed to get aboard the Battlestar Galactica and its fleet survived. They sail through space in search of the mythical 13th colony called Earth. Battlestar Galactica is under the command of President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Colonial Fleet Officer Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos).
- Cast
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Grace Park, Katee Sackhoff, Mary McDonnell, Tahmoh Penikett, Tricia Helfer, Edward James Olmos, Aaron Douglas, James Callis, Alessandro Juliani, Michael Hogan, Jamie Bamber, Kandyse McClure
- Release date
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October 18, 2004
- Seasons
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4
An epic reimagining of Glen A. Larson’s original series of the same name, released at the height of television’s “golden age,” Battlestar Galactica is known as one of the best science fiction shows of all time. The series debuted as a three-hour miniseries followed by four full television seasons. Battlestar GalacticaThe first season received rave reviews and established the show as a name to watch.
A top-notch cocktail of political drama and science fiction which invites philosophical reflection on the nature of life, religion and other important existential topics, Battlestar Galactica the maiden voyage never misses a beat. While the rest of the series remained impressive, the first season of the series is a standout entry into the genre. Featuring some of the best science fiction quotes imaginable and a compelling cast of diverse characters, Battlestar Galactica The first season is a passionate love letter to science fiction’s most celebrated elements.
7
Lost (2004-2010)
Created by Jeffrey Lieber, JJ Abrams and Damon Lindelof
Widely considered one of the greatest television shows of all time, the ABC show Lost is one of the most influential science fiction outings of the 21st century. Depicting the aftermath of a plane crash on a mysterious island in the South Pacific Ocean, Lost it ran for six seasons between 2004 and 2010. The show received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations along the way for the excellent quality of television it offered, especially in its inaugural season.
The first season of Lost won six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
The first season of Lost raised the bar for the five that would follow with a near-perfect debut. It’s a glorious cocktail of science fiction and supernatural elements that grabs the viewer’s attention by the throat with a mystery that keeps them guessing and doesn’t let go until the credits roll. The show’s rich characters and engaging narrative combine for an electrifying viewing experience, one that left fans instantly hooked and clamoring for more in no time.
6
Misfits (2009-2013)
Created by Harold Overman
Misfits is a British science fiction comedy-drama series that mixes science fiction with dark comedy. It centers on five young offenders who gain supernatural abilities after a bizarre electrical storm. Set during community service, the show explores how each character deals with their new powers, shining a light on the darker sides of having special abilities.
- Cast
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Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Joseph Gilgun, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, Antonia Thomas, Karla Crome, Nathan McMullen, Robert Sheehan, Matt Stokoe, Natasha O’Keeffe
- Release date
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November 12, 2009
- Seasons
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5
- Streaming Services
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Hulu
A hidden gem of modern British television that helped launch the careers of stars like Iwan Rheon and Robert Sheehan, the sci-fi comedy-drama Misfits It’s a fantastic show. Follow the adventures of a group of colorful young criminals who gain supernatural abilities after a mysterious electrical storm. Although the show ran for five seasons and featured several iterations of the main cast, the E4 original never came close to replicating the success of the show’s first season.
Making the most of the cast’s excellent performances with a good dose of British humor, Misfits A bunch of super-powered undesirables proved to be the perfect group to take the show’s first season to success. Sheehan particularly shines as the immortal Nathan Young. The character brought to life one of the most iconic faces on British television, courtesy of some of the most outrageous lines ever heard on television.
5
The Boys (2017–present)
Created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
Gender subversion to end all gender subversionsthe first season of Amazon Prime The boys proved to be a line in the sand for all superhero adaptations in the future. While The boys Not a strict sci-fi offering in the traditional sense, the show features genetically enhanced superhumans as its central premise. It’s a status quo that makes it more than worthy of inclusion when it comes to discussing impeccable first seasons of sci-fi shows.
A glorious satirical superhero like no other, The boys the first season plays out like a self-aware cocktail of cynical social commentary and unflinching violence. Introducing audiences to two of the most inimitable faces in current popular culture, Karl Urban’s Billy Butcher and Antony Starr’s omnipotent superhero Homelander, the first season ripped up the playbook of what was acceptable to show on television with spectacular results. . The first season received almost universal critical acclaim, serving as the basis for one of the most popular and influential shows of all time.
4
Stranger Things (2016-2025)
Created by the Duffer brothers
Netflix’s flagship offering and a love letter to 1980s pop culture, Stransgender stuff is undoubtedly the streaming giant’s most celebrated and influential original show. A multi-genre cocktail that channels the influence of virtually every seminal sci-fi offering, the Duffer Brothers’ hit show has been acclaimed by fans and critics alike. It also shows no signs of slowing down as it prepares for its fifth and final season.
None of this would have been possible without an almost flawless debut seasona fact that Stranger Things’ the first ride is like a badge of honor. Focusing on the kidnapping of Will Byers while setting the stage for the explosive series of events that would follow in later seasons, the show’s debut proved to be a smash hit. Introducing fans to the series’ slate of beloved characters against the backdrop of a gripping story that harnesses the best elements of science fiction and horror, Stranger Things’ the first season is as close to a perfect introduction as a television show could hope for.
3
Black Mirror (2011-present)
Created by Charlie Brooker
Black Mirror is a science fiction anthology TV series that shows the dark side of life and technology. The series was created by Charlie Brooker, with the first season premiering on British Channel 4 in 2011. Black Mirror is notable for its dark, satirical twist that provides social commentary, especially on ever-evolving technology. Each episode has a different cast, location, and even reality as it further explores the themes of technological advancement and its potential positive aspects and repercussions of over-reliance on it.
- Release date
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December 4, 2011
- Seasons
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5
One of the main anthologies on television Black Mirror is widely considered one of the most impressive and influential television series of the 2010s. Revived by Netflix for the show’s third season in 2016 after originally airing on the British network Channel 4, Black Mirror has produced six highly successful series to date, with almost every episode telling a standalone sci-fi horror story. A seventh installment in the hit series scheduled for 2025.
[Black Mirror‘s] A veritable wildfire of success can be partially attributed to one of the most successful debut seasons for a science fiction-based offering in television history.
The program’s true success can be partially attributed to one of the most successful debut seasons for a science fiction-based offering in television history. In particular, The National Anthem and Your whole story are often cited as two of the best episodes that Black Mirror already produced. Both received rave reviews that culminated in an impressive 98% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating for the first season.
2
From (2022 to present)
Created by John Griffin
From – Season 1
One of television’s most underrated offerings, Of is controversially the best sci-fi show you’ve never heard of. Led by Lost alumnus Harold Perrineau in a career-high role as Sheriff Boyd Stevens, Epix’s sci-fi horror series revolves around an American town that mysteriously imprisons anyone who enters. The inhabitants are subsequently tormented by terrifying supernatural creatures that inhabit the surrounding forest.
Critics cite Perrineau’s convincing performance along with [From‘s] world-building and intricate storytelling as notable highlights.
A favorite for any sci-fi fan to watch this fallOf the debut season raised the bar for future installments, with a 96% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Critics cite Perrineau’s convincing performance along with the show’s world-building and intricate storytelling as notable highlights. The rare sci-fi offering that’s legitimately scary, Of the excellent first season instantly captures the viewer’s attention and refuses to let go for a moment until the credits roll.
1
Rick and Morty (2013-present)
Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon
Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction/adventure series that follows the intergalactic and interdimensional adventures of supergenius Rick Sanchez and his below-average grandson, Morty Smith. Rick’s daughter Beth, his granddaughter Summer, and his hated stepson Jerry also take center stage more often. Coming from creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the series mixes comedy with science fiction as a way to explore a wide variety of themes aimed at an adult audience.
- Release date
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December 2, 2013
- Streaming Services
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Hulu, Max
Although co-creator Justin Roiland’s ignominious downfall tarnished the show’s reputation overall, Rick and Morty remains the current gold standard for adult animated comedy. With Season 8 of the hit sci-fi comedy underway, Rick and Morty owes much of its lasting success to the show’s debut. This was a near-perfect season of television that quickly established Adult Swim’s offering as one of the funniest shows around.
Earning an impressive 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the unique visuals, wacky characters, and jokes that can be found in Rick and Morty the first season built the foundation upon which all of the show’s future success would be based. It’s a state of affairs that is even acknowledged within the show itself, with self-referential jokes that speak to the show’s need to return to its roots often used in later seasons. It’s one of the most impressive first seasons of any Science fiction gender.