Movies

9 Great Sci-Fi Shows That Are Already Finished

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It’s quite a drag having to wait several months or years for fresh episodes of your beloved TV shows from the science fiction genre. However, these timeless series can offer a full binge-watching experience right away. Shows like “Severance” and “Fallout” might be worth the delay between seasons, but some viewers are still searching for something to fill their free time in the interim.

In essence, science fiction stands out as a genre because it provides a peek into potential future worlds, while mirroring our own society. With the multitude of streaming platforms now at our disposal, an abundance of science fiction narratives are accessible for viewing. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling tale to keep you engaged over a long weekend or an intergalactic saga that traverses the cosmos, these science fiction series cater to various preferences.

9. Lost

Aired From September 22, 2004 To May 23, 2010 — 6 Seasons

Shortly following its debut in 2004, the series “Lost” ignited a cultural craze, with people eagerly discussing it each week at their water coolers, trying to decipher the true events surrounding the castaways from Oceanic Airlines Flight 815. The show features an engaging group of characters, whose lives become intertwined after they find themselves stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash. Over the course of six seasons, these characters encounter numerous puzzling occurrences as they strive to unravel the secrets hidden within the island.

Watching Lost as it originally aired was undeniably entertaining, but I believe the series gains more value when you binge-watch it. The extensive roster of characters and intricate backstory can make it easy to overlook crucial details between seasons or even episodes. Although some might find Lost’s series finale contentious, binge-watching the show uncovers that Lost generally addresses most of the questions it posed.

8. The Expanse

Aired From December 14, 2015 To January 14, 2022. — 6 Seasons

In the science fiction series “The Expanse,” penned by James S.A. Corey, we initially delve into a gripping space-set whodunit. However, it swiftly expands into an expansive cosmic opera. The show boasts a substantial group of characters, yet frequently zeroes in on Captain James Holden (Steven Strait) and his crew onboard the Rocinante. This band of individuals prove to be captivating protagonists as they navigate complex galactic political struggles that ensnare them.

With each passing season, the world of The Expanse expands, as new characters and intricacies are introduced. The series found a satisfying conclusion in 2022 with its sixth season, mirroring the events portrayed in the sixth book, Babylon’s Ashes. Although there are three more books in the series, they occur after a 30-year time leap. The show effectively concludes the characters’ stories while leaving room for potential future developments.

7. Farscape

Aired From March 19, 1999 To March 21, 2003 — 4 Seasons

When American astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder) accidentally travels through a wormhole, he lands on the opposite side of our Milky Way galaxy. Not long after, he meets a living spaceship named Moya and her motley crew of alien inhabitants, including ex-Peacekeeper officer Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black). As Crichton strives to return to Earth, he and his freshly formed allies face encounters with the Peacekeepers and grapple with various incidents connected to their past lives.

The majority of episodes in the series, known as Farscape, feature standalone tales, yet it predominantly unfolds over season-long narratives as Crichton grapples with his new existence. This intriguing show, produced by The Jim Henson Company, boasts a diverse cast of alien characters, some of which are crafted using animatronic puppets. Originally intended to span five seasons, the series was unfortunately cut short after four, but the mini-series Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars serves as a satisfying conclusion to the storyline.

6. Orphan Black

Aired From March 30, 2013 To August 12, 2017 — 5 Seasons

Shortly after the start of Orphan Black, Sarah Manning uncovers her own identity as a clone and is drawn into a shadowy realm of unlawful human cloning and research. Tatiana Maslany plays Sarah and all her clone counterparts, masterfully crafting each one as a distinct character. Indeed, Orphan Black is an engaging series to watch primarily due to Maslany’s exceptional acting skills, where she seamlessly switches between portraying various clones impersonating other clones while maintaining their individuality.

Through unexpected turns and shocking disclosures, “Orphan Black” delves into somber topics, providing a thrilling ride from beginning to end. The biotech company responsible for creating the clones, as well as the religious organization intent on their destruction, pose threats to Sarah and her clone sisters at every turn. However, the bond they form in their struggle becomes the core of the series.

5. Babylon 5

Aired From February 22, 1993 To November 25, 1998 — 5 Seasons

Focusing on the inhabitants of a space station called Babylon 5, this show delves into various contemporary political and societal matters that still resonate today. The central station in the narrative acts as a focal point for diplomacy and commerce, while its characters grapple with authoritarianism and confront potential wars and interstellar disputes. Essentially, Babylon 5 revolves around an ensemble cast, with characters joining and leaving as the storyline unfolds.

Instead of many shows from that era, “Babylon 5” stood out by developing extensive storylines that occasionally altered the show’s established dynamics. Originally planned for five seasons, “Babylon 5” grew into a franchise encompassing not just those five seasons but also six movies, an animated direct-to-video film, a spin-off series called “Crusade,” and multiple unsuccessful spin-offs and reboot attempts.

4. Fringe

Aired From September 9, 2008 To January 18, 2013 — 5 Seasons

Fringe, similar to The X-Files, features FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) and her team tackling puzzling cases that delve into fringe scientific concepts. Initially, the series starts with standalone mysteries in each episode, but as the story unfolds, it delves deeper into its overarching mythology.

As a diehard film enthusiast, I can’t help but gush over the mind-bending journey presented by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci in their creation, Fringe. This captivating series delves into subjects ranging from sinister human experiments to the enigmatic realm of parallel universes. Despite facing the ominous specter of cancellation following its fourth season, Fringe was miraculously revived for a final 13-episode run to tie up loose ends and bring closure to the storyline. With characters that are as compelling as they are complex, and mysteries that keep you guessing, Fringe continues to be an oddly delightful and engaging watch, culminating in a fitting finale that resonates deeply with its characters.

3. Stargate SG-1

Aired From July 27, 1997 To June 22, 2007 — 10 Seasons

Watching all 10 seasons and two movies of “Stargate SG-1” might not be a fast, one-sitting kind of show, but it’s definitely worth the time for some truly captivating science fiction narratives. Developed by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, “Stargate SG-1” continues the storyline from the 1994 film “Stargate,” focusing on the escapades of Colonel Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) and his team at Stargate Command (SGC). The core of SGC is a colossal gateway, known as a Stargate, which facilitates travel to various planets across the cosmos.

Initially, in the early stages, the series SG-1 predominantly focuses on standalone episodes, where Jack O’Neill and his team embark on a new planetary adventure every week. However, as the storyline unfolds, it begins to weave in more ongoing plotlines, delving deeper into the lore of the Stargates. Drawn from multiple ancient mythologies, Stargate SG-1 crafts an intriguing cosmos, and its characters develop a strong sense of camaraderie across the 10 seasons.

2. 12 Monkeys

Aired From January 16, 2015 To July 6, 2018 — 4 Seasons

Set partly in a post-apocalyptic survival scenario and partly shrouded in the enigma of time travel, “12 Monkeys” expands upon the narrative initially presented in the 1995 movie. The series revolves around James Cole (Aaron Stanford), a resourceful survivor from a bleak future who is unwittingly drawn into a scheme aimed at altering the past. In Cole’s timeline, a catastrophic virus ravaged Earth’s population in 2017, and a faction of scientists has been tirelessly working on a means to traverse time and halt the calamity.

Scientist Dr. Cassie Railly (Amanda Schull) finds herself drawn into the world of Cole, leading them both on an intriguing journey with a diverse group of individuals as they strive to protect the destiny of humanity. The show, 12 Monkeys, is often overlooked but offers exceptional time-travel elements, shocking plot developments, and memorable characters that make it perfect for a week or two of continuous viewing. With each season delivering a rich narrative, the series culminates in a fulfilling conclusion that neatly wraps up all the unresolved threads.

1. Star Trek: The Next Generation

Aired From September 28, 1987 To May 23, 1994 — 7 Seasons

Exploring the space voyages led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his Enterprise team, Star Trek: The Next Generation marked a fresh beginning for the renowned Star Trek saga. Initially facing some initial turbulence, it later offered some of the finest science fiction TV ever produced. To this day, Captain Picard and his fellow space explorers continue to be among the most endearing characters in Star Trek, and many of their adventures remain relevant and enjoyable.

In terms of variety, TNG offers everything from intricate period dramas in the holodeck, gripping sci-fi tales, and poignant family narratives. It beautifully wraps up its story across seven seasons, though four feature films further explore the Enterprise-D crew’s journey. TNG stands independently as an engaging series, making it ideal for filling the gap until the next season of Severance arrives.

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2025-05-31 01:28

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