Star Trek marked fans across generations, spanning an incredible collection of books, comics, movies, and TV shows. Any die-hard science fiction fan worthy of the designation has somehow found themselves immersed in the universe of Star Trek, in some way, shape, or form.
While there’s plenty of content surrounding the franchise - enough to last a lifetime - there’s no reason for sci-fi fans to stick to Star Trek alone! There are just so many great shows out there that also deserve attention, it would be a shame to not give them a try.
There’s no talk of purists here, simply science fiction lovers who enjoy experiencing new things, and shows that definitely deserve attention. If you’re still skeptical and find it hard to believe any show could ever match the wonders of Star Trek, then take a seat and read on. It’s time to check out this list of awesome sci-fi shows guaranteed to delight any fan of Star Trek!
10. The Man In The High Castle (2015)
Winner of two Primetime Emmys and going strong towards its fourth season, The Man In The High Castle established itself as an absolute showstopper. The premise is fantastic and nothing short of bone-chilling.
The Man In The High Castle gives us a dystopian America, ruled by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The show is set in the ’60s, with the Allies having lost the Second World War. After one of the main characters, Juliana, comes across a film reel that depicts a defeated Germany, she embarks on a whirlwind journey with Joe Blake, a mysterious resistance member.
The Man In The High Castle is a fantastic adventure that takes alternative history to a whole other level. From the acting to the script, this show will glue fans to their seats and keep hearts racing throughout the entire thing.
9. Rick And Morty (2013)
It’s been around for six years, and it’s still one of the most popular series to ever grace our TVs. And Rick and Morty’s popularity is showing no signs of slowing down, amongst younger people and adults alike. Following the remarkable and out-of-this-world (literally and figuratively!) adventures of Morty and his scientist grandfather Rick, the show is hilarious in its own unapologetic way.
Rick and Morty is savage, mad, and creative beyond any pre-established limits. The formula of a dysfunctional 21st-century family is relatable and hits close to home for many fans. Plus, the added frantic adventures of the title characters across space and time, make for an unparalleled viewing experience.
8. The Twilight Zone (1959)
The true definition of “old but gold”, it’s hard to put The Twilight Zone within a single box when it comes to genre. The show is akin to Star Trek in the sense that it defined generations beyond the original time period during which it aired. Fans who still discover the cult favorite in this day and age, easily understand why it remains iconic for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and horror alike.
One of the best things about The Twilight Zone is that it ran for so many episodes (we’re talking over a hundred!) that anyone who wants to give it a try will have their hands full with so much choice. There’s no particular order to follow, and each episode offers its unique, twisted and brilliant share of plot twists, fear, and madness. Dig in!
7. Max Headroom (1987)
The ’80s were a weird and crazy time in general. While many of us still have nightmares with shiny blue eyeshadow and fuschia unitards, the decade did bring us some TV gems. Max Headroom premiered in 1987 and ran for fourteen, very weird, episodes. A sci-fi masterpiece in its own right, the show is set in a dystopian future where network television is the cure for all evils.
Undoubtedly ahead of its time graph-wise, Max Headroom follows an investigative TV reporter, Edison Carter, who becomes part of an experiment that generates a computerized, virtual counterpart of himself. This new personality, Max Headroom, turns into a vital part of Carter’s news show on Network 23. A little beyond wacky, the show will be a delight to any sci-fi fan out there!
6. Warehouse 13 (2009)
Some shows get lost in the confusion of trying to be everything that made previous works so enjoyable. However, every once in a while, we’re blessed with series like Warehouse 13. While it clearly borrows from other fan-favorites like The X-Files and Indiana Jones, the show has its own merits, especially for being so oddly endearing.
Following a pair of US Secret Service agents that suddenly find themselves in charge of a secret location, the show offers plenty to grab onto. As the agents soon find out, they are now destined to protect all the ancient and powerful “Artifacts” a secret authority has collected throughout the years. Not only do they have to protect existing ones, but they must also find other objects with such wacky powers. With five seasons just begging to be streamed, Warehouse 13 sure makes for one hell of an adventure.
5. Firefly (2002)
This one speaks for itself. The brain-child of everyone’s favorite sci-fi weirdo, Joss Whedon, Firefly is an absolute must-watch for any lovers of science fiction. Although it only ran for fourteen episodes, the show remains a cult favorite to this day. Fans fought hard to try and get the series to be renewed for a new season, but to the dismay of many, it didn’t work. However, because of its cult-status, we did get the 2005 movie, Serenity, a bittersweet victory of sorts.
Firefly might be a little bit all over the place with its premise of a futuristic space western, but it’s definitely worth a watch, if not for its over-the-top storyline, at least for the enormous impact and significance it has in the world of science fiction.
4. Doctor Who (1969 & 2005)
Another no-brainer in this list, it’s beyond obvious that sci-fi aficionados must - they simply must! - give Doctor Who a try. The show is nothing short of a long and beautiful love letter to all things science fiction. There are aliens, there’s time travel, there’s space, there are robots… what more can one ask for, honestly? The fact that Doctor Who is now clocking in on 26 seasons, putting together both the original and the revival, says enough.
3. Babylon 5 (1994)
Babylon 5 is sure to hook every Star Trek fan that keeps an open mind, simply because it sends such familiar vibes. It’s a testament to the show’s quality that it ran for four years, proving it could stand as its own stand-alone universe. The name Babylon 5 is taken directly from the Earth Alliance’s space station, during the 23rd century.
The storylines are far from empty and mindless. The show offers intrigue, political intrigue, and racial issues in bulk, making each episode feel like an entire season. The plot is intricate and does a great job keeping viewers entertained and invested in the story and characters. Plus, it offers much of what makes Star Trek such a favorite among fans.
2. Battlestar Galactica (1978 & 2003)
Where to begin with Battlestar Galactica? Well, if you’re up for it, go ahead and give the original 1978 series a try, since it can give you a good background before you sink your teeth into earlier versions. While the original does have its merits and can be credited for beginning a whole new age of science fiction, it’s hardly arguable that the 2000’s material is quite better.
Following a now near-extinct human population, thanks to the attack of the Cyclons, Battlestar Galactica rivals Babylon 5 with its fantastic amount of betrayal, drama, politics, and religion. There’s plenty to go through, including the 2003 mini-series that eventually evolved into a 73 action-packed TV show. Whether you choose to down it all or stick to a single version, you won’t be disappointed!
1. Red Dwarf (1988)
An absolutely delightful mix of science fiction and gritty, dark humor, Red Dwarf has been entertaining audiences for decades. It originally premiered in the late 80s and ran until 1999, until it made its triumphant return in 2009. The show’s formula is intelligent and puts forward more than enough to work with, both on the comedy and sci-fi sides of things.
Red Dwarf follows the adventures of the last human, Lister, and his hilarious, super intelligent cat. Set 3 million years in the future - yes, 3 million - Lister and his cat also count on a hologram of the main character’s roommate to keep them company on their journey through space, characterized by a line-up of weird and wacky creatures. Never has British humor been better incorporated into the world of science-fiction than in Red Dwarf!
