Hidden Gems: The Best Sci-Fi Series You've Probably Never Heard Of
Looking for a captivating sci-fi thriller to binge this weekend instead of braving the cold outdoors? You're in luck. Metro readers have shared their favorite little-known sci-fi treasures, and the recommendations are outstanding. This curated list spans time-travel escapades, distant cosmic frontiers, and even a quirky detective tackling paranormal mysteries. Some adhere to classic genre conventions, while others cleverly subvert expectations—all offering exceptional entertainment value. Surprisingly, even the cult classic Farscape made the cut, proving that deep cuts still resonate with fans.
Farscape: A Cosmic Cult Classic
Prepare for a treat, as Farscape emerged as the most recommended series among readers. Originally debuting in 1999, it quickly ascended to become one of television's premier sci-fi cult classics. The show stars Ben Browder as astronaut John Crichton, who becomes ensnared in a wormhole and is flung into a remote region of the universe. There, he joins forces with a group of alien refugees aboard the living ship Moya. However, peace is elusive in the cosmos, as they are relentlessly pursued by the militaristic Peacekeepers—a faction reminiscent of The Hunger Games' authoritarian forces.
Initially planned as a five-season arc, Farscape was abruptly canceled before its conclusion, leaving fans with 88 episodes. The cancellation was particularly frustrating due to its cliffhanger ending. Fortunately, in 2004, the series returned with the three-hour miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars, which provided a satisfying resolution. Reader Lee Miles likened the show to "Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Muppets," while Ali Luck emphasized, "I don't want to have to say Farscape because people should all know about it. But just in case... Farscape."
Continuum: A Mind-Bending Thriller
With a synopsis echoing the cerebral twists of Black Mirror, Continuum is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts. Airing from 2012 to 2015, this sci-fi thriller blends cop drama with futuristic intrigue. It follows Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols), a cybernetically enhanced police officer from 2077 who finds herself stranded in present-day Vancouver. In her dystopian future, corporations dominate society, and surveillance is omnipresent—a chilling reflection of contemporary concerns.
Kiera's mission involves pursuing the terrorist group Liber-8 through time, leading to a narrative that grows increasingly sophisticated. Adam Whatford praised the series for its "valid political commentary" upon its initial release, noting, "Unfortunately, the commentary is still very much valid today." This relevance adds depth to its already compelling storyline.
12 Monkeys: Time-Travel Excellence
While many recall the Brad Pitt film, the 12 Monkeys TV adaptation offers a fresh take on the time-travel premise. Premiering in 2015, the series centers on James (Aaron Stanford), a scavenger from 2043 who travels back to prevent the outbreak of the Kalavirus—a plague that decimates humanity. His goal is to eliminate the 12 monkeys responsible for the virus's origin.
The show skillfully jumps between the 2010s and 2040s, delivering a thrilling cause-and-effect narrative that appeals to fans of complex timelines. Ben Dieter Holt lauded it as "one of the best things I've ever watched and probably surpasses the original film." Although the first season may start slowly, persistence is rewarded with a gripping ascent in quality.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: Paranormal Fun
Boasting an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency is a hidden gem available on Netflix. Based on Douglas Adams' novel series, this 2016 show follows bellhop Todd Brotzman (Elijah Wood), who becomes a suspect in a millionaire's murder. Salvation arrives in the form of the eccentric detective Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett), who enlists Todd's help to solve the case.
The series seamlessly integrates sci-fi elements with paranormal investigations, creating a unique blend of mystery and humor. Justin Bodle described it as the "best program on Netflix" before its cancellation after two seasons, highlighting its cult appeal.
Space – Above and Beyond: A Pioneering Series
Nathan Hobbs recommended Space – Above and Beyond, calling it "one of the best and most overlooked sci-fi series ever made" and noting it was "30 years ahead of its time." Set in 2063, the show follows the US Marine Corps 58th Squadron, known as the Wildcards, as they defend Earth against the alien Chigs. Despite only running for one season, it remains a beloved entry among sci-fi aficionados.
Starburst Magazine remarked in a 2018 review that "it's stunning how well the series has aged since its original run," while Jesse Alexander of i09 noted its influence on later hits like Lost and Alias.
Sliders: Interdimensional Adventures
Chris Jrj championed the underrated Sliders, writing, "Real heroes will mention Sliders. Legendary heroes remember watching Sliders long enough for it to get a bit rubbish." The series follows a group of explorers who invent a device to "slide" between dimensions but lose their way home, embarking on a quest through alternate realities.
Episodes explore diverse scenarios, from Nazi-controlled America to dinosaur-infested worlds and zombie outbreaks. While the concept may echo other shows, its imaginative storytelling shines in early seasons. Reddit discussions often praise seasons one and two as brilliant, though later installments may disappoint.
These reader-recommended series prove that the sci-fi genre is rich with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you're drawn to cosmic odysseys, time-travel puzzles, or paranormal detective work, there's an underrated gem here to captivate your imagination.
