I don’t watch much TV these days, but I used to watch it all the time, and there is nothing better than finding a favorite show and binge watching it from start to finish, which is why I own many of my favorites on DVD. I thought it would be fun to share my top five favorite shows for Sci-Fi Month! One of these is new, but the rest are fairly old, and can all be found on DVD or on certain streaming sites. Obviously, this is a short list and there are many worthy SF shows that I haven’t mentioned, but these are my personal favorites. Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Firefly
Created by Joss Whedon
Air dates: September – December 2002
I have to admit I didn’t see Firefly until it came out on DVD. Somehow, I missed it on TV. But it didn’t take long to join the huge group of indignant fans who couldn’t believe this show was cancelled after only nine episodes. If you’re a Joss Whedon fan like me, then I’m sure you’ve already seen it. But if not, take a look below. It really was an amazing show that unfortunately didn’t do well enough on broadcast TV and was given the ax when the numbers just weren’t there. Plus, Nathan Fillion:-D
2. Torchwood
Created by Russell T. Davies
Air dates: 2001 – 2006
It’s odd that I ever even found this show, because I have to admit I’m not a big Doctor Who fan (Torchwood is a spin-off, in case you didn’t know). But after one episode with Captain Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper, Owen Harper, Ianto Jones and Toshiko Sato, I was hooked. Unfortunately, after two wonderfully addictive and creative seasons, Torchwood took a big dive and killed off several key characters in a couple of “mini series” seasons which I just couldn’t get behind. And so, I think fondly of Seasons 1 and 2, which are some of the best TV around, in my opinion.
3. Battlestar Galactica
Developed by Ronald D. Moore
Air dates: 2003 – 2009
This is another show I missed during its TV air, but I caught up with it on DVD. That was back when you could order the DVDs from Netflix and they’d mail them to your house (do they even do that anymore?) I may break down and purchase this show at some point because I’d love to see it again. I’m not a huge fan of military SF, but this show had so much more: complex characters, cool world-building and tons of emotion. The original Battlestar Galactica from the 1970s was actually quite campy, so if you’re going to watch it, make sure you watch the remake!
4. Star Trek: the Next Generation
Created by Gene Roddenberry
Air dates: 1987 – 1994
I was a bit too young to get into the original Star Trek, but when ST:tNG came out, I guess it was the right time, because I watched it religiously through all seven seasons. It seems very dated these days (just take a look at the trailer below) but I still catch episodes now and then on BBC America, and they bring back so many fond memories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtmsI07AMsE
5. Stranger Things
Created by the Duffer Brothers
Air dates: 2016 – ?
Like so many others, I’ve firmly established my place on the Stranger Things bandwagon. I adore this show, not only for its likable characters, but its top-notch production quality, editing, musical score and of course, the story. I know Season 2 is already in production and will air next year some time, and I for one cannot wait!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY
There you have it, my favorite sci-fi TV shows of all time! Let me know what yours are in the comments:-D
This list reminds me how much I love STTNG, Firefly and the early seasons of Torchwood (apparently those audiobooks are amazing). I couldn’t quite get into ST and BSG 🙁 My favourites: The original series Star Trek. Xfiles (though that was a mix of genres).
I loved X Files, too, it nearly made the list:-)
Love Nathan Fallon but never watched Firefly but I know it has a huge fan base which is amazing for only 9 episodes…lol. I liked what I saw of Tourchwood but never watched it all and I loved Stranger Things, can’t wait to see what happens next. 🙂
Torchwood is one of those shows that gets better as you get to know the characters and their stories. Time for a rewatch!
I don’t watch much sci-fi TV, but Orphan Black is one of my favorite shows right now and would probably qualify for the cloning and biological / medical mystery aspects. It’s action-packed, funny, emotional, and above all well-acted, especially with the same actress playing ALL of the female clones. (And she won an Emmy for her work on the series this year – finally!) So definitely watch Orphan Black when you have a chance.
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Orphan Black is definitely a glaring omission on this list, simply because I have never seen it *shame face* One of these days…
So glad to see Firefly here 🙂 And I can’t wait for more Stranger Things, once I started watching it I knew there would not be enough episodes.
Yeah, I’m so curious to see what ST season 2 is going to be like. I’m sure it will be just as good as the first season:-)
Every single one is one of my favs. Have your tried Defiance from SyFy?
No, I don’t think I’ve heard of it, but I’ll check it out! Thanks for the recommendation:-D
I was too much a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica to get into the remake. Every time I try t to watch it, I just find myself mourning the bits that are missing or messed up. I couldn’t agree more on Torchwood, though. I didn’t mind the Children of Earth mini-season, but when they killed off Ianto Jones, I was done.
I never watched the original BS, so I guess seeing the remake with fresh eyes made a difference. And yep, poor Ianto, that one episode where like three characters die at the end just killed me.
You do have to try Orphan Black. This next season will be the last so if you wait, you can binge it all. I absolutely love Stranger Things. It can’t release soon enough.
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Binge watching Orphan Black sounds like the way to go!
Don’t feel too bad, I still haven’t watched Firefly. It’s one of those shows I keep meaning to watch because I know I’ll love it and then I get distracted by something new and shiny 🙁 And I so agree with Barb, Orphan Black is amazing.
Firefly is pretty easy to watch because it’s only 14 episodes total. You’ll be crying at the end because it’s over!
Ah Firefly….! Gone too soon, but still fresh in our hearts 🙂
I saw it on DVD as well, and it’s one of my most treasured box-sets, one I rewatch now and then with the same degree of joy and discovery.
As for Stranger Things I saw the first episode recently and was immediately captivated: good to know it’s such a good show, not just story-wise 🙂
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Stranger Things gets better and better, I hope you get the chance to watch the rest!
Good memories! Like you, I don’t watch TV much anymore but certainly did in the past. Having not seen Stranger Things I’d put Babylon 5 in its place, maybe a little higher in the list. Firefly would definitely be at the top. And as others have mentioned Orphan Black is really good, though I only watched the first couple seasons.
I don’t think I saw much of Babylon 5, but everyone raves about that show. One of these days I’ll go back and watch it:-D
I’ve never seen Firefly. I’m kinda embarrassed to admit it but I see Netflix has it so I may check it out. Everyone says watch it. 🙂 And Torchwood I think I’ve heard of, but didn’t know it was SF. So you’ve given me some ideas for good binges ha ha. I agree about Stranger things- SO good.
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Firefly is really funny on top of being awesome in every other way, so if you love well done humor, you’d love it. Torchwood is really WEIRD but in a good way:-D
Yes, seasons 1 and 2 of Torchwood were great! Still need to watch Stranger Things.
Try to watch Stranger Things before season 2 comes on next year, then you’ll be all caught up!
I’m a bit of an oddball, I think. My favorite Star Trek series is the one most people dislike, Enterprise and TNG is actually down at the bottom, and I know it’s one of the more popular 😛
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SyFy has a couple shows that try to capture the fun of Firefly, namely Dark Matter and Killjoys. Both are fantastic and tackle a different aspect, and they both do a great job! Another favorite of mine is Dollhouse, which was also a Joss Whedon show cancelled before its time.
Thanks for sharing!
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I haven’t watched Firefly – but I know I should do so.
I loved Stranger Things and can’t wait for the next series.
Lynn 😀
I really need to check out Firefly, it has a huge fan base which is amazing for the number of episodes it has. Stranger Things is also very high on my list of things to watch.
I am slowly making my way throught The Original Star Trek series and I am loving it , my goal is to watch every single Star Trek series out there because I am in love with this universe, it is incredibly conforting to me!
Battlestar! Yes, 100%. I actually used to watch that show with my parents, which made for some slightly uncomfortable viewing moments…hahaha. My new favourite sci-fi TV show is Westworld, it’s amazing. You should check it out if you’re in the mood to get back into TV watching.
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I also still haven’t seen Firefly. But then again, I know it’s so short (and unfinished?), so I never brave up to start it cause I feel I’ll have my heart broken xD
I didn’t like Torchwood a lot though, it was just too rough for me. After just a few episodes xD I’m surprised Doctor Who isn’t on your list, although Torchwood is?
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Yeah, I guess I feel intimidated by Doctor Who, it’s been running for so long I don’t have the foggiest idea where to start, lol!
Plus Torchwood is COMPLETELY different from DW, IMO. Much more edgy and less humor.
I loved Torchwood but when I heard about the cast cull I just stopped watching it. I’m a massive Buffy fan so I was keen to see Firefly but I admit that when I watched it, I didn’t really like it much-or Dollhouse for that matter. I watched the first season of the re-made BG and while I liked it, the hallucination conversations eventually drove me mad and I couldn’t continue.
I wasn’t a big Dollhouse fan either. I think living up to Buffy and Angel is nearly impossible to do (although I do love Firefly!)
Eeee I love Stranger Things!!! I’m ashamed to admit the only other one I’ve watched is Firefly. And I only watched that a few years ago. SO GOOD though. Will have to get around to the others some day… better late than never. X-Files is one of my all time fav sci-fi shows. 🙂
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I was such a big Torchwood fan back in the day! Mainly for the characters, but still. Gosh, it had a small but devoted fandom.
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I am not a TV series person, I prefer watching movies. But I do want to watch Firefly. I have heard nothing about great things about that show.
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A fan of Torchwood and not of Doctor Who?
I started ST, but I found it too chaotic and lost patience after S2.
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