Top 10 SyFy Channel Shows

Top 10 SyFy Channel Shows

Blurring the line between fantasy and reality, natural and supernatural, normal and paranormal, these are the shows that defined a network. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Syfy channel shows.

For this list, we’re focusing on shows that had their most successful runs on the Syfy channel. Showslike “Stargate SG-1,” while super popular, are therefore excluded. However, since we’re focusing on scripted series, we will be excluding reality shows.

#10: “Being Human” (2011-14)

A remake of the British show of the same name, this version moves the setting to Boston and features three roommates – Aidan, Josh, and Sally – who just happen to be a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost respectively. And while it could’ve turned into a tired retread of the same old themes, “Being Human” is actually a refreshing take on the supernatural genre, with vampires living in fear of infected blood, warring werewolves, and a ghost who gets turned into a zombie by a witch…didja get all that? This riveting supernatural drama ran for four seasons on Syfy, finally ending its run in 2014.

#9: “Tripping the Rift” (2004-07)

Airing at a time when Syfy was not only struggling to be seen as a credible source of comedy, but also as a source of any original content, this animated show about all things science-fiction was just what the doctor ordered. Spoofing “Star Trek,” “Star Wars,” and everything in between, it was a hit with the college demo. Fans loved watching the hilarious adventures of Captain Chode McBlob and his crew aboard the Spaceship Bob as they concocted money-making schemes and avoided the Dark Clown Empire.

#8: “Defiance” (2013-)

A post-apocalyptic Earth in the not-so-distant future? Check. A rich setting where humans coexist with alien species? Check. A tie-in MMORPG game? Check. That’s right; this ambitious and unique show which debuted in 2013 follows the denizens of Defiance, a city constructed over the remains of St. Louis. Law-keeper Nolan, his adopted alien daughter Irisa, alien gangster Datak and human mayor Amanda are just a few of the color characters trying to cohabit in the city. With great effects, undeniable science fiction themes and a solid cast, this show gives fans exactly what they want.

#7: “Alphas” (2011-12)

If you had extraordinary abilities what would you do? Would you turn to a life of crime, or would you rise up to lead a group to prevent such crimes? In Dr. Lee Rosen’s case, it’s the latter, and this thrill ride sees him and his group of special individuals working for the Department of Defense to investigate the criminal activity undertaken by other Alphas. The show really dialed up the suspense, however, with the introduction of the enigmatic group “Red Flag.” Despite excitement from fans and interesting storylines, the show was cancelled in 2012 after only two seasons, ending on a cliffhanger which angers fans still.

#6: “Eureka” (2006-12)

Telling the tale of reluctant sheriff Jack Carter and his teenage daughter Zoe after they stumble upon a secret town filled with the world’s best scientists, “Eureka” promises to deliver an exciting scientific breakthrough with practically every episode – how many shows can say that? Aside from the gizmos, gadgets and technological wonders, fans tuned in to watch the romantic tension between the Sheriff and Dr. Allison Blake, who happened to be involved with the suave Dr. Nathan Stark. Running for five seasons, “Eureka” was filled with futuristic inventions, mad scientists, and an out-of-place lawman who doesn’t understand any of it…All of which made it a surprise hit that meshed science-fiction drama with comedy.

#5: “Sanctuary” (2008-11)

Starting off as a successful web series, this show became the highest rated premiere on Syfy to that point – beating the record previously held by “Eureka.” The plot travels with Dr. Helen Magnus and her team as they try to track creatures and people with supernatural powers. Magnus herself is actually 157-years-old, having grown up in Victorian era England where she was trained by her father to protect the Abnormals. With a werewolf, an invisible man, vampires and Bigfoot, this show features all the unique monsters we’ve come to expect, but in totally new ways. Though it was a darker entry for Syfy, fans took a quick liking to this supernatural creature-fest.

#4: “Warehouse 13” (2009-14)

Explained by some as a combo of “The X-Files,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Moonlighting,” this show was a breakout success for Syfy, garnering huge ratings with its premiere and running for a total of five hit seasons. This record-setting dramedy follows Secret Service agents Myka Bering and Pete Lattimer on their assignment at a secret warehouse in Middle-of-Nowhere, South Dakota, which contains supernatural artifacts and gadgets from historical figures, like Lewis Carroll’s looking glass or Edgar Allen Poe’s pen. A Syfy standout not only because of its own accomplishments, “Warehouse 13” also succeeded thanks to crossover episodes it shared with other Syfy hits like “Alphas” and “Eureka.”

#3: “Stargate Atlantis” (2004-09)

The very successful spinoff of the long-running “Stargate SG-1,” this Canadian/American Syfy channeladventure was less successful than its parent series but was a hit with fans nonetheless. Airing for five seasons, “Atlantis” told the current-day tale of Lt. Colonel John Sheppard and his crew as they investigated far-away planets thanks to the famous portal known as the Stargate – and, more specifically, focused their attentions on the Lost City of Atlantis. A spinoff popular enough to spawn its own spinoff in “Stargate Universe,” “Atlantis” is an award-winning addition to the Syfy catalogue.

#2: “Farscape” (1999-2003)

An Australian/American creation of Jim Henson Productions, this odd show was notable for featuring many animatronics and puppets designed by Henson’s Creature Shop. The quirky space opera finds American astronaut John Crichton in a distant part of the galaxy via a wormhole. The lost space-man quickly finds himself caught in a conflict with the militant Peacekeepers, residing aboard a living ship called Moya while fleeing from his newfound enemies. A cult favorite with unsubstantial ratings, “Farscape” was abruptly cancelled after four seasons, leaving fans on a cliffhanger. But fortunately, an impressive fan campaign convinced Syfy to give the show’s loyal audience the conclusion they needed by way of “The Peacekeeper Wars” mini-series.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Z Nation” (2014-)
- “Haven” (2010-)
- “The Dresden Files” (2007)
- “Helix” (2014-)

#1: “Battlestar Galactica” (2004-09)

Whoever says the original is always better has clearly never watched this Syfy channel remake. This version of the ‘70s classic started with a successful mini-series in 2003, before becoming a full series in 2004. Though some fans of the original were initially skeptical of the modern twist, they quickly warmed up to it, as each riveting new episode trailed the crew of the Galactica as they fled the killing machines known as the Cylons. Known for its far-reaching themes that spanned politics, religion, psychology, adventure and more, this successful remake also spawned its own prequel series “Caprica.” Needless to say, this epic space story was the perfect show for the 21st century. So say we all.

Do you agree with our list? Which Syfy show is your favorite? For more spectacular top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.