Your 3 best Sci Fi TV Series

Watch Ryder

There's been a fair few of these now knocking around on the airwaves but from the 1930s up to present day we've all got our gems.

For me the big 3 I like are:

Battlestar Galactica The Original Series.

It's 'out there', imaginative and pretty groovey while really getting audience going.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHD1uPVkyk0

Further info.

http://www.squidoo.com/battlestargalactica1978

Blakes 7.

Arguably Britains best sci-fi series which still has a good fan-base. I like it's defiance and gritty style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnautWFuEnQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWJVmeWHsIc

V - The Visitors.

The old and new series! Yep there is some truth in a sequel (albeit a re-imagining) being as good as the original!
The 1980s version was ultra-macho, militristic and cool in it's own fashion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rp8yB3_12E

The 2009-10 re-imagining:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQoSCEMzJYE

mike65

Blakes 7
Thunderbirds
V (1984)

Ah back in the day....!

rednik

Land of the giants.
UFO
Star Trek the original series.

ziedth

Space above and beyond: one of the first shows i fully watched. Not as great in repeat viewings but fond memories.

BSG (remake): Flawless telly IMO, not only one of my fav sci-fi show but prob my fav show.

Star trek DS9: My fav of the trek shows cause it had some real stand out episodes.

ei.sdraob

just 3?

Battlestar Galactica remake - just so damned good
Stargate Universe - i love the new direction so far for Stargate, the other series were good at first but sort of fizzled out near ends
Star Trek: Deep Space 9 - just finishing re watching all the series, this one really stands out

Johnny Storm

Star Trek TOS
Star Trek TNG
The Prisoner

Honourable mention to BSG: the remake

Accept no substitutes....

helimachoptor

ziedth wrote: »

Space above and beyond: one of the first shows i fully watched. Not as great in repeat viewings but fond memories.

BSG (remake): Flawless telly IMO, not only one of my fav sci-fi show but prob my fav show.

Star trek DS9: My fav of the trek shows cause it had some real stand out episodes.

Wow this is hard, Space Above and Beyond hasnt age well but I have the entire series and watch from time to time.

After BSG series 2 I lost interest a bit and only popped in an out..



I grew up watching TNG but loves DS9, i may stretch to 5 here!!


In no particular order...

The Outer Limits
Star Trek TNG + DS9
Space Above and Beyond
BSG Original
All Stargate

Pushtrak

Babylon 5
BSG (2003)
Sliders

Spiritoftheseventies

Dr Who (tom Baker)
Dr Who (David Tennant)
Star trek

TheIrishGrover

Noone's mentioned B5 yet?


Nah, my list:

BSG Reboot
DS9
Firefly

Edit: Pushtrak got there as I was posting

Pushtrak

TheIrishGrover wrote: »

Noone's mentioned B5 yet?


Nah, my list:

BSG Reboot
DS9
Firefly

I mentioned B5

I love Firefly, and its high up in my favourite shows, not in my favourite sci-fi. While it fits the genre, I don't bother to think about it as such or any genre.

Edit: I am surprised I am the only one to mention B5, though.

MagicMarker

Star Trek TNG
Quantum Leap (can't believe no one has mentioned this yet!!)
V
Firefly

Venom

Babylon 5
Deep Space 9
Battlestar Galactica (Remake)

ixoy

Babylon 5 - this should be in everyone's list!
Stargate: SG-1 - I'm the flippin' mod, I must have it here!
Doctor Who - So very versatile with such a range in quality. Any show with 30 seasons must be doing something right.

Mr.Nice Guy

Hang on, how has no one mentioned The X-Files?! :eek:

Mine would be:

Quantum Leap
The X-Files
Flash Gordon

ei.sdraob

X-Files is sci-fi?

Mr.Nice Guy

ei.sdraob wrote: »

X-Files is sci-fi?

I would think so. What would you call it?

D-Generate

ei.sdraob wrote: »

X-Files is sci-fi?

Nope, its Sci-Fact!

TonyD79

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Hang on, how has no one mentioned The X-Files?! :eek:

Mine would be:

Quantum Leap
The X-Files
Flash Gordon

Hope your not reffering to the recent Flash Gordon made by the Sci-Fi channell? Awful stuff!

There are so many good shows I have gone for a top 5

The X files
BSG (remake)
Star Trek original series

Star Gate SG1
V the Original Mini Series

ei.sdraob

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

I would think so. What would you call it?

1. its a great show which i enjoyed

2. i would call it popular fiction, theres very little science in it, im surprised its been labeled as sci-fi


there aint much science and the main themes in this show were mostly paranormal, conspiracy, spiritual, extraterrestrial

TonyD79

D-Generate wrote: »

Nope, its Sci-Fact!

Chris Carter said that he didn't consider the X-Files Science Fiction, but “Science Probability” but its generally seen as scfi.

there aint much science

Scully brought the whole science aspect into it as a sceptic..how did you miss that???????? I bought two volumes of the science behind the x files written by Johnathon Rosse's wife Jane Goldman aswell.

Watch Ryder

X Files is a funny one to call Sci-Fi imho.

All the action never leaves earth, it only hints at advanced technology but usually concentrates on mystery instead.

I never got into the groove of Babylon 5. It just sat there and didn't go anyplace. A bit too much of a static star-trek for my liking.

Auvers

TNG
Bab 5
Firefly

Pushtrak

Watch Ryder wrote: »

All the action never leaves earth, it only hints at advanced technology but usually concentrates on mystery instead.

Leaving earth isn't a necessity of sci-fi.

I never got into the groove of Babylon 5. It just sat there and didn't go anyplace. A bit too much of a static star-trek for my liking.

How far did you watch of B5? Things that happen at the start are relevant all the way of to the end, so saying it doesn't go anywhere suggests you had limited exposure.

Mr.Nice Guy

TonyD79 wrote: »

Hope your not reffering to the recent Flash Gordon made by the Sci-Fi channell? Awful stuff!

Nah I was referring to a childhood favourite on TCC. I was torn between that and Eerie, Indiana.

ei.sdraob wrote:

1. its a great show which i enjoyed

2. i would call it popular fiction, theres very little science in it, im surprised its been labeled as sci-fi


there aint much science and the main themes in this show were mostly paranormal, conspiracy, spiritual, extraterrestrial

Well a glance at Wikipedia has it being described as "a Canadian/American cult science fiction television series" and as Tony said above, there was plenty of science in it courtesy of Scully. The main storyline on the show was about an alien invasion of earth. You can't really get more sci-fi than that surely?

Watch Ryder wrote:

X Files is a funny one to call Sci-Fi imho.

All the action never leaves earth, it only hints at advanced technology but usually concentrates on mystery instead.

When the series was drawing to a close it was most definitely embracing sci-fi elements and advanced technology:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgLsUh2gQPA

ei.sdraob

TonyD79 wrote: »

Scully brought the whole science aspect into it as a sceptic..how did you miss that???????? I bought two volumes of the science behind the x files written by Johnathon Rosse's wife Jane Goldman aswell.

by same measure you can call the likes of CSI "science fiction"

as for the book i have it on my shelf to my right and an ebook copy, i would still be very reluctant to call this series science fiction

fiction would be much more suited imho

BlaasForRafa

Battlestar Galatica (The reimagined version)
Star Trek (The Original Series)
Defying Gravity (dead before its time)

madrab

Babylon 5 (obviously!)
Farscape - fantastic show!
Battlestar Galactica remake

Diabhal Beag

Outer Limits
Twilight Zone
X-Files

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Land Of The Giants - Remember watching this when I was very young - probably the series that introduced me to Sci-Fi...

Dark Angel - Excellent series, and extrememly underrated... A James Cameron creation that introduced us to Jessica Alba and Jensen Ackles... A winner in my eyes...

Doctor Who - While I only joined in during the Eccleston & Tennant era, it's a masterpiece... watching the original run is just fantastic... simple concept that has led to one of the longest running sci-fi series...

BlaasForRafa

CaptainNegative wrote: »

Doctor Who - While I only joined in during the Eccleston & Tennant era, it's a masterpiece... watching the original run is just fantastic... simple concept that has led to one of the longest running sci-fi series...

Once you ignore some of the dodgy effects classic Doctor Who is great. Similarly Blakes 7 was a brilliantly dark and oppressive view of the far future but was let down by some dodgy effects.

ei.sdraob

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

Defying Gravity (dead before its time)

damn right

was turning out to be a great show

thank you ABC for screwing up

iguana

Babylon 5. By far and away the tv series that has had the biggest impact on me. No tv show has ever made me feel as joyful as when the king of off-the-cuff speeches said "I don't know what to say" allowing Delenn to finally kiss him, followed by the punch to the guts as the screen switches to Z minus 10 days and you know this moment was not a climax but a brief respite.

Torchwood: Children of Earth. Which was fantastic and horribly, horribly dark at the same time. So good I'm not sure I can ever stomach watching it again.

And V the original mini-series. But just the first series, not The Final Battle which was mostly stupid with a few good ideas and certainly not the weekly series which was a complete joke.

I would have chosen the BSG remake as number one but from midway through series 3 it became clear the writers had no bloody idea what they were up to. The series went from being an extremely intelligent series to a stupid mess.

JP Liz

Firefly

Quantum Leap

Dark Angel

Tomohawk

Dr. Who - great electronic soundtrack too.

Blakes 7. Dark and dystopian but who didn't fancy a bit of rough with Servalan?

Star Trek. Red shirts RIP!

judas1369

Star Trek the original series
The Twilight Zone the original series
The Prisoner

Although found it tough to narrow it down to a mere three!

Caprica

Tough to narrow it down to only 3 but here I go

Star Trek - Deep Space Nine
BattleStar Galactica (the remake)
X-Files

Watch Ryder

Pushtrak wrote: »

Leaving earth isn't a necessity of sci-fi.

How far did you watch of B5? Things that happen at the start are relevant all the way of to the end, so saying it doesn't go anywhere suggests you had limited exposure.

That's correct I have only watched about 2 or 3 episodes and wasn't in the groove of it.

I disagreed with the shows concept of an orbital base that just sat there and was a weekly soap opera-esque of visiting aliens with problems each week. Star Trek had this concept to a point, but at least they were actually exploring and adventuring while they did it.

If they had made Babylon 5 as a small compliment to a travelling ship like star trek which occasionally returned there ok you'd have the balance imo.
But like I said the focus was on a static thing in space too much. I know it had to fight off an overwhelming force / enemy a few times which gives it appeal but this aside it didn't have the 'draw you in appeal' that other Sci-Fi shows have.

ixoy

Watch Ryder wrote: »

I disagreed with the shows concept of an orbital base that just sat there and was a weekly soap opera-esque of visiting aliens with problems each week.

That was only really true of the first season - it became something very different then. You could level the same accusation at BSG which was, largely, them stuck on a ship and not visiting planets, alien life forms, etc.

I know it had to fight off an overwhelming force / enemy a few times which gives it appeal but this aside it didn't have the 'draw you in appeal' that other Sci-Fi shows have.

The fact that it was brave enough to do something different is what made the appeal, something unusual - cerebral and political moments, focus on character and - of course - a true vision in terms of plotting that no other show really (across all genres) has managed to accomplish since.

Klingon Hamlet

Firefly

X-Files

Galactica Reboot

iguana

ixoy wrote: »

- a true vision in terms of plotting that no other show really (across all genres) has managed to accomplish since.

The Wire?

Pushtrak

Watch Ryder wrote: »

That's correct I have only watched about 2 or 3 episodes and wasn't in the groove of it.

You owe it to yourself to watch more if/when given the free time.

I disagreed with the shows concept of an orbital base that just sat there and was a weekly soap opera-esque of visiting aliens with problems each week.

There was a reason the show decided to go with a set location. It worked well with the story arc that Stracyzinski could plan. But more importantly, he had done other shows before that had gone over budget, didn't get enough of a fanbase to justify the cost and thus were canned. By staying at the one set location, and reducing the number of set designs, they could reduce the cost.

ixoy

iguana wrote: »

The Wire?

No not really "The Wire" even. It had densely written season arcs, but not show arcs to the same degree. It didn't have lines in the pilot episode that really only resolved themselves in its fifth season - it couldn't really, due to the type of show that it was. That's from someone who puts both shows in his Top 5 of all time!

rovert

ixoy wrote: »

No not really "The Wire" even. It had densely written season arcs, but not show arcs to the same degree. It didn't have lines in the pilot episode that really only resolved themselves in its fifth season - it couldn't really, due to the type of show that it was.

Bub's story

Richard Dower

ei.sdraob wrote: »

damn right

was turning out to be a great show

thank you ABC for screwing up

+1 on Defying Gravity, by ep. 5 it came into it's stride...had potnential

ziedth

funny how firefly is easy in my top 5 shows of all time but i didn't pick it. I guess because i look at it like a joss wedon show and not a scifi if you get my meaning.

LeixlipRed

Firefly, STTNG and STDS9 for me. I have the complete Babylon 5 and X files boxsets but anytime I go to start watching em the daunting task facing me just makes me all depressed

taram

BSG remake
X-Files
Stargate of all shapes and sizes.

Pushtrak

LeixlipRed wrote: »

Firefly, STTNG and STDS9 for me. I have the complete Babylon 5 and X files boxsets but anytime I go to start watching em the daunting task facing me just makes me all depressed

I started watching the X-files having only seen random episodes here and there years ago. It really isn't a show for heavy duty watching. At least at the start, anyway. I find I have to give a bit of time between eps.

You are in for a treat with B5. Just make sure you look up a good viewing order for it. You don't want to start off with, for instance In the Beginning. There is one that recommends starting with that. Don't. Start with The Gathering, and on to season 1.

Tristram

Babylon 5
FarScape
Space Above & Beyond / Odyssey 5

Wossack

I love these threads - gives me great ideas about what to watch next

off the top of my head.. firefly, battlestar (2003) and xfiles