Top 10 Sci-Fi Shows That Deserve a Second Chance
For this list, we're taking a look at those science fiction series we regularly find ourselves re-watching in the hopes of a return to the small screen. We know there's sometimes a fine line between fantasy and science fiction, but for this list, we're solely focusing on the sci-fi genre, which means shows like Believe, which are fantastic in their own right, won't be eligible.
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#10: “Jericho” (2006-08)
It’s not often we have a post-apocalyptic show without any sort of monsters in it, and despite its nuclear landscape, Jericho was a breath of fresh air. Cancelled after just one season, Jericho masterfully balanced action and drama, and hooked fans with its unique take on familiar territory. Purely through fan persistence, a petition convinced the network to renew the show for a second season, but it was canceled yet again after only seven episodes. While the story went on in the form of comics published by IDW, we’re still hopeful for a return of the series proper.
#9: “Caprica” (2009-10)
When the fantastic 2004 Battlestar Galactica remake came to a close after a successful run, everyone was begging for more, and we got it in the form of the prequel series; Caprica. There was a tremendous amount of world building in Battlestar Galactica, where we got to learn about the Twelve Colonies of Man, which had a population of around 50 billion before they were all but wiped out by the Cylons. In Caprica, we go back to the Capital of the Colonies, and get a glimpse of life over 50 years before the end of an empire. Caprica was more than just a Galactica spin-off, but sadly it was canceled not long after the premiere due to low ratings.
#8: “Ascension” (2014)
We only had six episodes of this engaging mystery mini-series set on a spaceship. While that’s all it was commissioned for, there was still hope that we’d get a full season, similar to how Battlestar Galactica originally started as a mini-series. The 60s theme combined with a futuristic setting provides for a unique viewing experience, and the twists and turns do not disappoint. It’s the kind of sci-fi that makes you think, and invites you to come up with your own theories as you watch. And the cliffhanger ending left us begging for another season to continue this intriguing story.
#7: “Alphas” (2011-12)
Another series canceled after a nail-biting cliffhanger, Alphas is a standout entry in the modern superhero genre. All the characters are well developed and distinct, which is rare in shows with ensembles of this size. It’s a slower paced take on the genre than we’re used to, drawing on elements of the crime-solving procedural. But the pacing allows time for the characters to breathe and really contemplate their intentions – and what side they should be on. With more and more superhero shows being developed, we’d love to see Alphas return to deliver some closure.
#6: “Dollhouse” (2009-10)
From concept to execution, Dollhouse had so much going for it, and could have gone on to become one of series creator Joss Whedon’s best shows had it not been prematurely canceled. Thankfully, Whedon was able to close the series with a satisfying conclusion, but we still didn’t get to see a lot of ideas come to fruition that had been hinted at during the course of the show. Focusing on a number of Actives or Dolls who could change their personality and consciousness to take on different roles, from sexual partner to assassin, depending on the needs of high paying clients, it could have run for years without getting stale.
#5: “Almost Human” (2013-14)
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Almost Human took the most entertaining parts of the buddy cop genre, mixed them with sci-fi, and gave it to viewers in a streamlined, engaging episodic series that all types of audiences and genre enthusiasts could enjoy. The show relied on the magnetic chemistry between its two leads, with John Kennex, a police detective being assigned a new partner: an android. John hates androids, offering viewers a lot of interesting, albeit uncomfortable interactions between this odd couple. There’s plenty of exciting action, balanced with equally engaging drama and a unique premise.
#4: “Other Space” (2015)
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There’s funny, then there’s laugh-out-loud funny, and that’s exactly what Other Space has to offer. When the series creator is the director behind hits like Bridesmaids and Spy, you know you’re in for a treat. The characters are odd in the best possible way, and the interactions between them are hilarious. Though the “finding a way back home” conflict could otherwise have been serious, the quirkiness of the scenarios adds a layer of depth to the standard sitcom formula, which had us hopping from one episode to the next without breaks in between.
#3: “Stargate Universe” (2009-11)
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How many times are we going to have to sit through an entire season or two, completely enamored by the plot lines and characters, only to have the show canceled without a proper ending? SGU transitioned the Stargate franchise into a different but just as entertaining new format. The crew’s sense of exploration mimicked our own, as the entire universe was the show’s playground, and the possibilities were limitless. The series had phenomenal acting and intriguing plot lines, and was the best possible outcome when it came to the merging of familiar themes and concepts found in other shows with the distinct characteristics and mythology of the Stargate universe.
#2: “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (2008-09)
Let’s face it; Terminator on Terminator action will never get old, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles provided that in spades. The show serves as a worthy sequel series to T2, and presents us with an engaging family drama that features conflicted and complex characters, simultaneously on the run and trying to take down Skynet once and for all. The visual effects and sound design are top notch, and viewers get that familiar sense of dread mixed with thrill when a Terminator comes on screen. The series was well received by critics and viewers alike, and we don’t see any reason why it can’t pick up where it left off.
#1: “Firefly” (2002-03)
If it weren’t for Fox airing the episodes out of their intended order, this show would have secured its fan base from the get-go and would have had the long run it deserved. We can’t fault any of the episodes, and they all provide the perfect blend of tragedy, drama, comedy and action, with incredibly well developed characters brought to life by an unbelievably talented ensemble cast. You’re basically watching a western in space, and that premise works wonderfully. This Joss Whedon show has captured the hearts of fans all over the world, and we’re dying to see the Serenity crew back on screen sometime soon.
