For most TV shows in the sci-fi genre, it’s not uncommon for them to be canceled and fall victim to low ratings that don’t make up for the high production cost of a speculative fiction series. However, one of the best parts of sci-fi is the fact that, since there’s so much world-building and character development to account for, even when a show has just one season, it’s worth watching. It’s disappointing that some of thesci-fi shows that changed the genre foreverdidn’t run for many seasons, buteven their limited run has had a lasting impact.
Despite their cancellation, some of these are still themost influential sci-fi showsof all time, as they have become cult classics or full-blown hits in the time that they’ve been off the air. There are many reasons why a series might not get a full run of episodes, but no matter what the case may be, it doesn’t change how thrilling it is to get lost in the otherworldly settings and stories of these projects. As always, the best works of sci-fi don’t just prioritize the technologies and settings but focus on the characters, grounding the world in realism.
7Firefly (2002–2003)
This Space-Western Has Been A Definitive Work For Generations Of Fans
Fireflyis famously one of thebest sci-fi shows that were canceled, making it an obvious choice for a series that’s a must-watch for sci-fi fans.Led by Nathan Fillion as Captain Malcolm Reynolds,a smuggler working outside the reach of the authoritarian government, the Alliance,Fireflysees him pulled into helping others and doing what’s right, even when he claims he doesn’t want to. The rag-tag crew is filled with people running from something and overflowing with secrets, which punctuate the many adventures of the ensemble as they traverse the galaxy.
Perfectly blending the space and Western genres,Fireflymight primarily take place in space, but most of the planets that Mal and the crew land on are closer to the traditional homesteads of the Wild West. This creates great opportunities for fun visuals, forming interesting juxtapositions between the planets with wealth and power and the people left to fend for themselves. Of all the sci-fi shows that ran for just one season,Fireflymight be the most influential to date.
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6The Expanse (2015–2022)
The Expanse Weathered A Few Cancellations, But Always Maintained Its Quality
After beingrevived by Prime Video following its cancellation on Syfy after season 3,The Expansewent on to run for another three seasons. ThoughThe Expansewas ultimately canceled again before it could adapt all the books in the novel series it’s based on, there are still plenty of stories and thrilling moments to keep audiences invested inThe Expanse. Full of complex political systems and characters that feel textured and real within the otherworldly environment of the narrative, it’s easy to see whyThe Expanseis considered such a landmark sci-fi series.
It’s a logical, well-imagined world that never takes the viewer out of the story,even whenThe Expansetakes you to corners of the universe you’ve never dreamed of. The intersection between social issues, politics, and emerging technologies takes center stage inThe Expanse, similar to our own world. This allows the audience to see themselves onscreen easily. However, this doesn’t mean that the adventures are any less fantastical or thatThe Expansewon’t transport the viewers as they are drawn into every season of the show.
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5Sense8 (2015–2018)
The Wachowskis Crafted An Ambitious But Satisfying Sci-Fi Epic
Created by the Wachowski sisters and J. Michael Straczynski,the minds behind iconic works of science fiction likeThe Matrix,Sense8is one of the most ambitious projects to come out in recent years and far too overlooked. A globetrotting series that connects eight strangers from around the world through an inexplicable psychic link,Sense8celebrates the diversity of its characters while crafting a narrative about the inherent connection between people on Earth. It’s largely thanks to the skilled ensemble of performers that the narrative never gets too unwieldy.
The fact thatSense8was on the air for as long as it was is something of a miracle.
The fact thatSense8was on the air for as long as it was is something of a miracle, as the scale and budget of the project could have easily gotten the series canceled after season 1. However,Sense8did have to pick up the pace and leave some plot holes open-ended to reach a satisfying conclusion in the special after season 2 that served as the series finale. Despite this, each of the characters gets their due and finds the sense of peace they’re looking for, which is what audiences will care about most.
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4The OA (2016–2019)
Brit Marling Will Draw You Into The World Of The OA Without Hesitation
The OAis one of manyNetflix original shows that didn’t deserve to be canceled. Sparking outrage after its cancellation was announced following the season 2 cliffhanger,The OAis one of the most-talked-about sci-fi showswhen it comes to unjust endings. If audience outcry and response are any indication, diving into the world ofThe OAis one of the best things sci-fi lovers can do, and well worth the sting of disappointment knowing that there won’t be another season.
The significant gap between seasons 1 and 2 might have contributed toThe OA’s cancellation, but lucky for contemporary viewers, both seasons are readily available to binge-watch one after the other. Created by Marling, who also stars as Priarie, and Zal Batmanglij,The OAhas a clear sense of itself and its purpose from the beginning.Even when the unanswered questions are left hanging in the air, the viewer feels certain thatThe OAknows exactly where it’s going.
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3Outer Range (2022–2024)
Josh Brolin Leads This Western Series With An Unexpected Sci-Fi Twist
It’s not uncommon for contemporary sci-fi shows to trick their audiences, drawing them in on the pretense of belonging to another genre and slipping in the science fiction elements through a shocking plot twist. This was the case forOuter Range,a series led by Josh Brolin as the formidable patriarch, Royal Abbott,who will do almost anything to maintain control of his land in Wyoming. However, there’s a secret hidden in the acres of the Abbott ranch that audiences have to see to believe.
Outer Rangewill likely outlast its too-short run in the minds of critics and fans who have uncovered the series.
Leaving off on a massive cliffhanger in season 1,Outer Rangeexpands upon its mysteries in season 2 with skill, even if this wasn’t enough to save the show from cancellation. It’s not uncommon for the Western and sci-fi genres to be combined, as they juxtapose each other well and create opportunities for interesting visual choices.Outer Rangewill likely outlast its too-short run in the minds of critics and fans who have uncovered the series.
2Caprica (2009–2010)
This Battlestar Galactica Spinoff Is Highly Underrated
Though somewhat controversial, this prequel series explores a new facet of theBattlestar Galacticafranchise, makingCapricaa worthwhile show for fans of the original story. Set before the events of the show and unraveling the mystery of how the Cylons were created and eventually rose to power,Capricatakes place against the backdrop of a utopia,sharply contrasting the dangerous world ofBattlestar Galactica. However, it’s this idyllic reality that sparks a false sense of security in its characters, leading to their downfall.
ThoughCapricadidn’t have the same dedicated following as the 2004 show,it still stands apart among other additions to the sci-fi genre. Grappling with relevant questions about the nature of AI and how technology can be used to create sentient life,Capricais even more poignant today than it was when it was released in 2009. After finishing the 2004Battlestar Galactica, there’s little reason not to dive into the prequel series, comparing the two shows and their takes on humanity’s future.
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11899 (2022)
Tensions Flare Onboard A Ship Heading To The U.S. At The Turn Of The Century
Full of mysterious circumstances, elements of horror, and shocking twists,1899is a thrill ride from start to finish,and there’s no telling where it would’ve gone if the show hadn’t been canceled. It would have been exciting to find out, but the good news is that1899infused season 1 with all the excitement it could, making for a satisfying installment of television. The sci-fi aspects of the show are slowly revealed and hinted at as the story progresses, leading to the cliffhanger in the series finale.
It’s interesting to watch how each character responds to the events of1899.
While it can be frustrating to watch a show that ends on a cliffhanger,1899relies on its characters as much as its plot, making the story intriguing and interrogative enough to stand on its own without additional seasons. The setting and conceit of1899are brilliant, as the show takes place on a ship full of characters from all across the world heading to America at the turn of the century. Trapped together as mysteries are revealed and the danger onboard mounts, it’s interesting to watch how each character responds to the events of1899.
1899 (2022)
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