Bored of the run of the mill sitcoms like Friends and How I Met Your Mother? We’re sure that most of our sci-fi loving readers might already be pretty satiated with the likes of Big Bang Theory. But if you want to delve deeper in the world of science fiction and watch some great TV shows, we’ve totally got you covered. With all the superhero movies and TV series floating around it is definitely hard for anyone to not be smitten by the wacky imaginations of science fiction. Although there are countless TV shows in the genre, there are some that pretty much revolutionized things and taught people the basics.
Here’re are some picks that you must try watching.
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The Original Star Trek
If there’s anything that comes to your mind when someone mentions sci-fi. 9 times out of 10 it would be Star Trek. While Star Trek: The Next Generation (which was more of a sci-fi drama than adventure) might be more familiar with modern audiences, there’s nothing that can surpass the lore of the original. Set in the year 2260, the series follows the adventures of starship USS Enterprise, captained by James T Kirk (played by William Shatner) and other crewmates. The series is not only notable for referencing several technologies way before they arrived but has become a major pop culture staple. The series ran for 3 seasons and is often hailed as one of the most important works in science fiction.
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Dr. Who
Standing the test of time is no extraordinary feat in the world of science fiction as time machines are as common as iPhones of the real world. Nevertheless, the situation is quite the opposite in real world. But if there’s one show that has transcended the boundaries of both sci-fi and real world, it has to be Dr. Who. Making its debut in 1963, it is one of the longest running sci-fi shows you can watch and is a major part of British pop culture. The plot involves a time travelling being simply known as ‘The Doctor’, as he travels through space and time in a machine known as TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space). However, the TARDIS appears in our world as a blue colored British Police box making it extremely iconic in British Popular Culture.
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The Twilight Zone
No we’re certainly not talking about the crappy books and movie franchise about sparkly vampires and ‘WereWolvesBeforeNowShirtlessMen’ (they should’ve met Van Helsing or Blade). We’re talking about the pioneering sci-fi pulp fiction anthology series, ‘The Twilight Zone’ that aired first in 1959. The show comprised of various episodes that involved stories dealing with Sci-fi horror, psychological horror, macabre, suspense and psychological thriller etc. But no not expect happy endings, as most episodes ended with a highly unforeseen twist that was often grotesque in fashion. It was not only a critical success for the producers, but also pretty much paved the road for Sci-fi cinema and dark fantasy genre.
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It
If you ever found clowns creepy and devious, ‘It’ would instill fear in your hearts that would never subside. Based on the novel by the master of macabre ‘Stephen King’, it revolves around a group of friends known as the Losers Club in the fictional town of Derry. Already social outcasts, things take an even darker turn when they are targeted by an inter-dimensional predatory being (It), who manipulates victims with their worst fears before eating them. ‘It’s on screen appearance is usually in the form of a sinister looking clown ‘Pennywise’. However, the being takes any appearance that resembles the victim’s worst fear and has no definite form or shape (hence, the namesake ‘It’). A must-watch for horror fans and Stephen King worshippers, ‘It’ will make you fear nearly everything around you.
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Samurai 7
Aired in 2004 as a 26-episode anime miniseries, Samurai 7 is directly inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). But what makes the difference is the story now takes place in a futuristic setting, after the events of a great war. If you’ve seen Seven Samurai, you’d know that is series is perhaps one of the best attempts to recreate the 1954 classic. The animation is fluid and beautiful with high-paced action and some evidently emotional moments. The series also sheds more light on each of the 7 samurai and their personal relationships, that were left untouched in the original movie.
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Rick and Morty
If you loved Back to the Future trilogy, there’s no way you’d want to miss Rick and Morty. Premiering in 2013, the series follows the misadventures of Doc, we mean Rick. Rick is a genius mad scientist who along with his under confidant and gullible grandson Marty, we mean Morty go for several interdimensional travels, that often take an unexpected yet hilarious turn. But viewer discretion is advised as the series often involve mature humor that makes it unsuitable for younger audiences. Nevertheless, an extremely hilarious show that challenges the boundaries of sci-fi humor and fiction in the most bizarre ways.
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Agents of Shield
A series that explains the background events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? Why Not, and Agents of Shield does exactly that and more. The Series first hit the screen in 2013 and has been renewed for 4 seasons so far. Agents of Shield stars Phil Coulson (who survived his apparent death in the Avengers movie) and his team of SHIELD operatives who must stop secretive Hydra activities across the globe. The plot also tells more about various key events happening in the MCU which makes it necessary to watch for MCU and Marvel fans.
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One Punch Man
From the iconic Dragon Ball Z to Naruto or Bleach, most anime shows tell of a hero’s struggle to defeat monsters and enemies that are much more powerful. This seemed like the tried and tested idea for most anime shows, but the 2015 show One Punch Man changed everything. It tells the story of Saitama, a man in his 30s who works as a hero/vigilante as attacks by demons, aliens and monsters are commonplace in their world. What makes the series different is Saitama’s limitless strength that allows him to defeat foes in a single punch without any struggle. This not only takes us away from the boring training and power struggle and gives more chance for other characters in the story to shine. The cheesy humor and satire at how the industry rates one’s abilities without any evidence also makes this a definitive watch for everyone.
Many might argue that the above list doesn’t have several of their favorite shows. But the above names are some of the most memorable TV shows you’ll ever watch and are guaranteed to boggle your mind for months. If you have anything that you’d like to add to this list, please feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments section below.