8 Sci-Fi Shows Better Than Star Trek: The Next Generation

In 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation – created by Gene Roddenberry and starring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard – revitalized science fiction and reached a high point for the genre. The show, known for introducing memorable villains like the Borg and Q, has remained popular since it first aired and is considered one of the best sci-fi series ever made. While it’s exceptionally well-regarded, a few other shows might be considered marginally better.

While Star Trek: The Next Generation remains a high point for science fiction drama, other shows have also achieved success by trying new things within the genre. Some offered self-contained stories each week, while others delivered truly frightening horror experiences. Whether these shows are better is a matter of personal preference, but they definitely stand out for offering something unique to science fiction fans.

Battlestar Galactica is the Gold-Standard of TV Reboots

Battlestar Galactica takes place in the distant future, with humanity scattered among the stars. The show centers on the last group of humans trying to find the legendary planet Earth. They are relentlessly pursued by the Cylons, machines determined to destroy humanity. Led by President Laura Roslin and Commander William Adama on the ship Galactica, the series tells the story of their dangerous journey and explores the history of the devastating war between humans and their robotic creations.

While sharing similarities with Star Trek, this series offered a grittier take on space exploration, focusing on more believable and challenging problems for humanity. Many consider it the best TV reboot ever, and it set a new standard for science fiction as the 21st century began. It used a dystopian setting to examine difficult decisions our society might face. Similar to The Next Generation, the show skillfully blends compelling character stories, thought-provoking philosophical questions, and potential futures for humankind.

Stranger Things is a Modern Cultural Sensation

As a huge fan of 80s nostalgia and thrilling stories, I was instantly hooked by Stranger Things when it came out in 2016. The show drops you right into the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, and starts with the disappearance of a young boy named Will Byers. Things get really interesting when a mysterious girl, Eleven, shows up, having escaped from a secret government lab. She and Will’s friends, along with the local sheriff, start searching for him, and they soon uncover a terrifying alternate dimension called the Upside Down – and it turns out that’s where Will was taken by some seriously scary monsters!

Inspired by classic ’80s adventure and small-town mysteries, Stranger Things has quickly become a favorite among science fiction fans. While Star Trek traditionally delivered sci-fi in short, connected episodes, Stranger Things feels more like a movie, and that’s one of the reasons it’s been so successful.

Severance is a Unique Take on Dystopic Science Fiction

The show Severance is set in a world where a surgical procedure splits people’s memories, creating separate work and life personalities. Those who undergo ‘severance’ have no recollection of their work life when they’re at home, and vice versa. Mark meets a former coworker, Petey, who claims to have undone the procedure. As Mark and his employer, Lumon Industries, navigate their unsettling workplace, they face strange occurrences like vanishing colleagues and being unable to leave the office.

Since it first came out, Severance has quickly become one of the best original series of the 2020s, largely because of its fresh approach to dystopian stories. The show skillfully blends dark comedy with mind-bending science fiction, turning the anxieties of everyday work life into a captivating thriller.

Dark is a Grim Sci-Fi Mystery Masterpiece

The series Dark is set in the German town of Winden, where a missing child reveals a mysterious cave with the power to transport people through time. The story follows Jonas Kahnwald across different points in his life, and how he’s connected to several families from various eras. As the show progresses, viewers learn about all the families impacted by this strange phenomenon, which ultimately seems to be leading to a catastrophic end.

As a huge fan of cinematic storytelling, I can confidently say that Dark is possibly the best original series Netflix has ever produced. It really taps into that trend of dark, mysterious shows we’ve seen a lot lately, but adds a fantastic supernatural element. It’s a truly mind-bending sci-fi story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, feeling scared, unsettled, and completely confused – in the best way! What I loved most is that, unlike some shows like The Next Generation, every single episode feels crucial to the overall story, making it the perfect binge-watch.

Andor Raised the Bar For Disney Star Wars

The series Andor, set within the Star Wars galaxy, follows Cassian Andor’s journey from a troubled outsider to a key figure in the Rebel Alliance. While the Empire tries to crush growing resistance movements, Andor travels the galaxy fighting back. Meanwhile, political leaders like Mon Mothma work behind the scenes to unite the opposition and formally break away from the Emperor, all while facing danger and distrust.

Unlike The Next Generation, which often focused on philosophical questions, Andor delivers a grittier, more realistic take on science fiction, reminiscent of 1970s dystopian thrillers and spy stories. It delves into the gray areas of morality within the Star Wars universe, making it the most mature and complex installment yet.

The Expanse is a Stunning Cosmic Mystery Series

Set in the future, The Expanse depicts a colonized solar system divided into three main groups: Earth and Luna, governed by the United Nations; Mars, ruled by the Martian Congressional Republic; and the Outer Planet Alliance, a collective of settlements in the asteroid belt known as the “Belters.” The story begins when a detective duo is tasked with finding a kidnapped heiress, believed to have been taken to the belt, as a diplomat simultaneously works to prevent escalating conflict between these colonies.

I honestly think The Expanse is one of the most impressive sci-fi shows I’ve ever seen – you can tell how much care went into every single episode. If you’re a fan of really detailed worlds, it actually goes further than even Star Trek. They’ve thought of everything, from how governments might work in the future to what it would really be like to live in space.

The X-Files Dominated the 1990s of Science Fiction

The TV show The X-Files introduces us to two FBI agents who are complete opposites. Fox Mulder is convinced that the paranormal exists and is driven by the disappearance of his sister, which he believes involves aliens. Dana Scully is a scientist and a skeptic, assigned to debunk Mulder’s theories. But as they investigate strange occurrences across the country, Scully begins to question her beliefs while facing everything from alien encounters to government cover-ups and terrifying creatures.

Whether you prefer The X-Files or The Next Generation really comes down to personal preference. The Next Generation explores philosophical ideas, while The X-Files centers on mysteries and conspiracies. Both shows keep viewers engaged with storylines that gradually build their universes. If you enjoy creatures from folklore, spooky stories, and a bit of horror mixed with your science fiction, The X-Files is an excellent choice.

The Twilight Zone Perfected Anthology Television

Created during the science fiction craze of the 1950s by Rod Serling and a team of writers, The Twilight Zone presented a new story each episode. These tales spanned many genres, including dystopian futures, Westerns, and war dramas. The show’s influence on popular culture is immense, having inspired successful franchises like Terminator and continuing to resonate with audiences today.

While many science fiction shows are excellent, none have had quite the same lasting influence on culture and the genre as Rod Serling’s classic anthology series.

2025-11-18 23:10