Fans of Battlestar Galactica We already know how fascinating and complex the world of science fiction can be - and how many similar shows there are out there. Considering the number of Battlestar Galactica spinoff series, the intrigue of surviving in space while questioning the fate of humanity clearly keeps audiences hooked. However, when viewers finish watching Battlestar Galacticathere are options out there now to help fill that void.
Whether you're craving space politics, high-stakes missions, or philosophical musings on artificial intelligence, there are a handful of shows that can offer another penetrating look at some of these important questions. From previous shows to those that were undoubtedly inspired Battlestar GalacticaIt's easy to fill a viewing queue with worthy companion watches.
10
Babylon 5
1993-1998
Fans of Battlestar Galactica I often meet Babylon 5 so intriguing. Both shows go beyond the surface of spaceships and star battles, featuring complex narratives, morally ambiguous characters, and in-depth explorations of humanity's struggles and triumphs. As Galactic, Babylon 5 weaves a complex and long narrative which spans multiple seasons, filled with political intrigue, war, and spiritual themes.
Babylon 5 presents the manipulations of the Shadows and Vorlons, which echo the religious and existential dilemmas of the Cylons. About that, Babylon 5Captain John Sheridan faces the heavy challenges of leadership as Adama, while rival ambassadors G'Kar and Londo Mollari's complex and evolving relationship reflects the moral gray areas of Battle Star Galactic characters like Caio Baltar and Number Six. Babylon 5 also pushes boundaries with its innovative special effects and mature storytelling - qualities that Battlestar Galactica fans will appreciate it.
9
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
1993-1999
It's hard to go down the rabbit hole with one intricately plotted show based on a 1990s space station without talking about the other intricately plotted show based on a 1990s space station. With its serialized narrative and morally ambiguous characters, DS9 paved the way for modern science fiction dramas. Set on a space station at a critical crossroads of galactic politics, the show delves into war, religion and the fight for peace in an era when other Star Trek the series often ran for cover.
Also unlike the previous Star Trek show, DS9 never afraid to go beyond traditional archetypesexploring the imperfections and moral gray areas of its characters. DS9Captain Benjamin Sisko is not your typical heroic Starfleet captain; he struggles with moral decisions in episodes like “In the Pale Moonlight,” where he compromises his values for the greater good of the galaxy. Fans of BSG will also recognize nuances of the Twelve Colonies' struggle for survival in DS9the ongoing Dominion War storyline. Both programs emphasize how communities face challenges together and highlight the often grim sacrifices necessary for both peace and survival.
8
For all humanity
2019-present
What if the space race never ended? That's the brilliant premise behind For all humanitya show that rewrites history by imagining what would have happened if the USSR beat the US to the moon in 1969. From that turning point, a butterfly effect of change spread over the following years and decades, as the series dives deep into alternations. historical scenarios of humanity's continued determination to conquer space. Although not a traditional science fiction series For all humanity intelligently weaves the human struggles of space exploration with the social and political dramaechoing the themes they made Battlestar Galactica so convincing.
Whether it's Ed Baldwin fighting with teams of astronauts and cosmonauts on the Moon or Mars or NASA chief Margo Madison being torn between duty and personal connections, the show delves deep into human issues and emotional arcs reminiscent of Commander Adama's impossible decisions. shepherding humanity. survival. Considering the show is fronted by former Galactic creator and showrunner Ronald D. Moore, it's no surprise that the BSG the vibrations are so strong For all humanity.
7
Raised by wolves
2020-2022
For those who like Battlestar GalacticaThe mind-blowing visions and the mystical hands of fate, Raised by wolves could be the next logical step. Executive produced by legendary director Ridley Scott, the show follows two androids, Mother and Father, tasked with raising human children on a barren alien planet after Earth's collapse. As the colony develops, religious conflicts and mysterious entities threaten its survival. Like few programs in recent memory, Raised by wolves takes a deep dive into existential questions about faith, survival, and human nature with equal parts haunting visuals and introspective philosophical depth.
Raised by wolves also takes the Galactic flag by pitting science against religion, with atheist androids tasked with guiding the next generation of humanity away from religious fanaticism. Fans of conflicted Cylons like Six and Boomer will see clear parallels in Mother, a reprogrammed android with extraordinary powers whose fierce, protective instincts often conflict with her machine logic. It doesn't always make sense (the less said about a main character who turns into a tree, the better), but it's hard not to get carried away by it. Raised by wolves' profound strangeness.
6
Foundation
2021-present
Based on the classic novels by Isaac Asimov, Foundation explores nothing less than the rise and fall of civilizations. The series centers on Hari Seldon (brilliantly played by Jared Harris), a mathematician who uses advanced predictive modeling to predict the collapse of the Galactic Empire and establishes a plan to mitigate the coming dark ages.
Very similar Battlestar Galactica, Foundation isn't afraid to make big changes when it comes to charting the story of man told across eons of time and space. Both programs address existential threats and the costs of reconstruction, weaving intricate plots that challenge moral and ethical boundaries. Fans of GalacticHuman-Cylon conflict will likely resonate with Foundationthe exploration of the fragility of humanity. The expansive (and expensive) world-building coupled with the intricate political intrigue make it a must-see for fans of cerebral sci-fi.
5
The Expansion
2015-2022
Here's another show created just for fans of the gritty, hard sci-fi encoded in GalacticIt's DNA. Like this BSGBrazil’s “disorganized fleet” sailing into the unknown, The Expansion focuses on authenticity, especially in relation to space physics and politics. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system amid rising tensions between Earth, Mars and the asteroid belt, the concept of limited resources in space, a critical aspect of BSGalso rings true in The Expansionwhere factions compete for survival and power.
While BSG focuses on humanity's survival against the Cylons, The Expansion introduces the Protomolecule, a mysterious alien technology that could threaten all life. The tension and stakes feel familiar but new. Meanwhile, the blurred inner lines of antiheroes like BSGGaius Baltar of the government are echoed in the intricate political motives of everyone from Earth's chief executive, Chrisjen Avasarala, to Belter's disheveled, desperate revolutionaries. For a show with such high stakes, deep character drama, and thought-provoking storytelling, The Expansion delivery.
4
Space: above and beyond
1995-1996
Space: above and beyond is a cult classic from the 90s that deserves more attention. Set during a war between humans and an alien species known as the Chigs, the show follows a group of Marine Corps space aviators as they fight for Earth's survival. The military aspects and camaraderie within the United States Marine Corps' 58th Space Cavalry Squadron will instantly remind fans of Starbuck, Apollo, and the rest of GalacticColonial Fleet. The despair of war is also intense between the two shows, with an ever-present specter of death hanging over 58's battle-scarred and combat-weary soldiers.
While often separated by nearly a decade and unique in their presentation, these two series share threads that make them equally captivating for fans of smart, action-packed science fiction. Both shows explore themes of survival, morality, and human connection in interstellar settings, offering experiences that complement each other beautifully. It only lasted one season before its dark ending and controversial cancellation, but Space: above and beyondstrong character work and moving narrative make it worth watching.
3
Western World
2016-2022
The Cylons fight with humanity, as do the hosts of this chaotic HBO production. Focusing on the convergence of artificial intelligence and human consciousness in a theme park inhabited by android hosts, what begins as a thrilling adventure transforms into a profound exploration of free will, morality and identity. Westworld hosts like Dolores and Maeve struggle to gain autonomy, wrestling with what it means to be alive. Both shows also ask viewers to question how humans treat sentient beings and reflect on the morality of their decisions, offering sci-fi fans plenty of food for thought.
Perhaps the strongest connection between the two shows is their shared love of twisty, question-filled narratives. Battlestar Galactica kept fans on the edge of their seats with thrillers like the mystery of the Final Five Cylons or the complex fate of Kara Thrace, Western World uncovered multiple timelines and hidden agendas with ferocious narrative complexity. Viewers can discuss whether Western World stuck on the landing or got bogged down in story arc muck for most of its run, but the sci-fi intrigue of Western World it was rarely missing.
2
Firefly
2002
Before Battlestar Galactica dominated the science fiction scene, Joss Whedon Firefly captured fans' imaginations with its unique blend of space travel mixed with Western tropes. The show follows the quirky crew of the Serenity as they skirt the boundaries of the law while battling their own internal conflicts. Another one-season wonder from Fox, FireflyThe witty dialogue, lovable characters, and engaging setting make it a fan favorite which has survived 20 years later despite the short lifespan of the network.
At their core, both shows are about finding connections in hostile worlds. In fact, it could be argued that the close bond between the Serenity crew and the Galactica survivors, with unity and relationships forged under shared adversity, may have even helped boost both shows' popularity among hardcore fiction fans. scientific. Be it the camaraderie between Mal and Zoe in Firefly or the unshakable bond between Apollo and Starbuck in Battlestar Galacticathe theme of family is central. Fans drawn to the emotional heart of Battlestar Galactica we can appreciate Firefly's focus on relationships that provide meaning in their chaotic universes.
1
Dark Matter
2015-2017
Dark Matter begins with a central mystery when six crew members wake up on a spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. As secrets are revealed – including betrayals – they must determine if they can truly trust each other. The twists and turns Dark Matter will keep viewers hooked as the team struggles with their lost humanity and collective trauma.
Each crew member on board the Raza struggles with questions linked to their mysterious stories.
Determining whether someone with a dark past can redeem themselves or what sacrifices are worthy of survival are questions both shows ask, to great effect. With all this mystery, it's no surprise that plot twists are also a major part of Dark Matter's appeal. Like Boomer's identity as a sleeper Cylon or the truth behind Earth's location in BSG, Dark Matter offers a constant stream of jaw-dropping twistsfrom secret conspiracies to shocking character backstories.