The Expanse is easily the best sci-fi show currently on TV. Based on a series of books by James S.A Corey, it is set in a future where humans have colonized the solar system. It follows the different human factions as they compete for power and control of space and its resources. From its outer-worldly cinematography, compelling characters, and intricate storylines, The Expanse has truly raised the bar for sci-fi shows to come.
The show aired its fourth season late last year and fans are eagerly awaiting its return. Luckily, they may not have to wait too long, as the cast and crew were able to complete filming before the coronavirus shutdowns earlier this year. In the meantime, here are some fantastic sci-fi shows to keep fans busy until the next season.
10 The 100
The CW's The 100 takes viewers to a post-apocalyptic Earth. Following a nuclear war, humans have taken refuge on space stations and now have to return to their home planet. In order to make sure that it is liveable, 100 teen delinquents are sent back to Earth.
Like The Expanse, The 100 is full of drama, danger, and mystery and will consistently keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series has also been commended for its compelling character arcs and its ability to reinvent itself. It is currently in its seventh and final season.
9 Another Life
For fans of The Expanse who enjoyed the mystery around the Protomolecule, Netflix's Another Life is definitely worth a watch. After a mysterious alien artifact crash-lands on Earth, the crew of the Salvare is tasked with finding its origin.
The series notably stars Kathee Sackhoff, Justin Chatwin, and Selma Blair. Admittedly, the series has not been a critical hit but the first season only improved with time and it still has the potential to be noteworthy a sci-fi drama.
8 Firefly
The first thing even non-Firefly fans know is that this cult favorite, space western is famous for being canceled far too soon. Lasting only one season, it is often considered to be one of the best sci-fi shows ever made. Also set in a future where humans have colonized the solar system, it followed the lives of the intrepid crew of the space ship Serenity.
While some aspects of the series may not have aged well, like the use of Asian culture without Asian cast members, the show is still one of the most unique and imaginative sci-fi shows of all time. Notably, this Emmy-winning series also had an embarrassment of talent that included Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, and Morena Baccarin.
7 Altered Carbon
Based on the sci-fi novel by Richard K. Morgan, Altered Carbon is set in the future where humans can transfer their consciousness into different bodies through the use of devices called cortical stacks. Starting as an intriguing crime mystery, the second season took on the broader political and ethical consequences of the stacks.
As with The Expanse, Altered Carbon brilliantly takes a critical look at how human's need for advancement impacts their humanity. Unfortunately, the series was recently canceled by Netflix but fans can also catch the anime movie, Altered Carbon: Resleeved which was released earlier this year.
6 Space: Above And Beyond
The Expanse easily has some of the best space battles on TV and for fans who loved this aspect of the series, Space: Above and Beyond is a must-see. Even without the sleek production capabilities of today, this mid-1990s series still had some epic space dogfighting.
It told the story of a group of pilots called the Wildcards and their fight to protect Earth from invading mysterious aliens called the Chigs. As with The Expanse, this series also touched on the complex relationship between the military and government in the age of space pioneering. Unfortunately, this Emmy-nominated show only lasted one season.
5 Incorporated
Executive produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Incorporated is set in a future where Earth has been ravaged by climate change and where mega-corporations have become the ruling elite. They control the wealthy Green Zones while the rest of humanity has to fight for resources in the remaining territories. The series followed Ben Larson, an inhabitant of the Green Zone who is hiding a deep dark secret.
Full of mystery, drama, and action, the series is a definite nail biter. Importantly, the series addresses a lot of the core themes often expressed in The Expanse, which includes corporate creed, resource scarcity, and inequality.
4 The Orville
Even the most ardent fans of The Expanse can admit that the series can at times be somewhat dense. For fans who are looking for something a bit lighter, The Orville is a must-see. Created by and starring Family Guy's Seth McFarlane, this sci-fi comedy follows the adventures of the crew the exploratory space vessel, The Orville.
The series is able to both cleverly parody sci-fi greats like Star Trek while also creating a fun space adventure full of heart and compelling characters. There is currently two seasons of the show, with the third likely to air in 2021.
3 Lost In Space
Leaving Earth for a new planet can be a pretty dangerous task and no series better understands this like Netflix's Lost In Space. A reboot of the 1960's sci-fi classic, it tells the story of the Robinson family and their quest for survival after crash-landing on a strange and dangerous alien planet.
With incredibly stunning visuals, a diverse cast, and gripping action, this Emmy-nominated series was surprisingly able to improve on many of the flaws from the original series. It currently has two seasons on Netflix, with the third and final season airing next year.
2 Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica is often considered to be one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time. It followed the crew of the fighter ship the Battlestar Galactica as they protect the remains of humanity after their home planets were destroyed by a race of AI gone rogue called the Cylons.
This action-packed 2004 reimagining of the 1970's classic has epic space battles and compelling political and family drama. As with The Expanse, Battlestar Galactica has some of the most complex female characters in sci-fi history with characters like Number Six and Starbuck.
1 Babylon 5
Created by Sense 8 co-creator, J. Michael Straczynski, Babylon 5 is an ambitious space opera set after numerous inter-species conflicts in the year 2257. This early 1990's series followed the inhabitants of Babylon 5, a space station created to maintain galactic diplomacy and peace.
Truly ahead of its time, it was one of the first shows to have serialized episodes, and more impressively, all of its five seasons were planned right from the beginning. It has been praised for its intricate storytelling, flawed characters, and CGI that was revolutionary for its time. Importantly, like The Expanse, Babylon 5 was at its core a very political show and it never shied away from delving into themes of authoritarianism, sexuality, and religion.
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