5 Sci-Fi TV Scenes That Changed the Genre Forever

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Science fiction is a hugely popular TV genre, perfect for relaxing after a busy day. From classic shows like the original Doctor Who (1963-1989) and the various Star Trek series, to more recent hits like Stranger Things (2016-2025) and Alien: Earth (2025-Present), science fiction series have given us some of the most memorable and impactful moments in television history.

Here’s a look at five of the most memorable and impactful scenes in science fiction television, from beloved classics to newer shows. It was tough to pick just five – there are so many great moments! – but these scenes have become legendary and have clearly influenced the genre, so most sci-fi fans will likely recognize them.

Will Byers Protects His Friends from the Demogorgons

This scene is a prime example of how classic sci-fi concepts can still be powerfully told today. It reveals that Will Byers can not only access the psychic network linking Vecna to creatures like the Mind Flayer and Demogorgons, but also control it. During the episode’s peak moment, Will cleverly uses Vecna’s own abilities to destroy several Demogorgons, mirroring how Vecna eliminated the teenagers in Season 4.

It felt significant for Stranger Things that Will, who has been central to the story since the beginning, finally took control of his own destiny. He was the first to be taken to the Upside Down and endured a great deal of trauma throughout his childhood. In this moment, he bravely confronted his tormentor independently, without needing help from Eleven or the others.

This scene is incredibly significant for several reasons. It provides a deeply satisfying conclusion to a storyline that had been building for nine seasons. Beyond that, it delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance, inner strength, love, and taking charge of your own destiny. For many fans, seeing Will finally find peace after years of suffering was a pivotal moment, not only for Stranger Things, but potentially for the entire sci-fi horror genre. It’s disappointing, however, that the later parts of the season weren’t as well-received after such a strong mid-season finale.

Alien: Earth Created an Entire Alien Movie in a Single Episode

Adding to the world of science fiction television, the FX original series Alien: Earth is set within the universe of the 1979 film Alien. The show delves into the condition of Earth and the five powerful corporations that control it. Because the original Alien rarely showed Earth, this series offered fans a much deeper understanding of the world and filled in gaps that had long been missing.

One particularly memorable part of the show is the entire fifth episode of Season 1, titled “In Space, No One…”. This episode breaks from the main storyline and revisits the USCSS Maginot, the Weyland-Yutani Corporation ship that crashed on Earth in the very first episode.

This episode is a clear homage to the original Alien film, borrowing from it in many ways – even the title echoes the famous line, “In space, no one can hear you scream.” It’s also shot to feel like a standalone Alien movie, capturing the same terrifying experience of a small, trapped crew stalked by a relentless and deadly creature. The episode successfully captures the spirit of the original and demonstrates how a single TV episode can be a truly exceptional piece of storytelling.

The Fourth Doctor Faces a Shocking Moral Dilemma

Almost everyone recognizes Doctor Who as a hugely important and popular science fiction show. It’s been running since 1963 and continues to have a dedicated fanbase. While many memorable moments exist throughout the series, one scene truly stands out as a classic.

“Genesis of the Daleks” is the fourth story from Season 12 of Doctor Who. It centers around the Fourth Doctor being sent by the Time Lords on a crucial mission: to prevent the Daleks from being created. The Daleks are incredibly dangerous creatures, so the powerful Time Lords want to eliminate them before they can become a threat. They’ve remained popular villains throughout the show’s history, even in recent seasons, and always seem to be growing more powerful and menacing.

The Doctor faces a difficult choice when he’s about to finally destroy the Daleks. While his companion believes they should be eliminated without question because of the threat they pose, the Doctor questions whether he should have the power to wipe out an entire species. He worries that destroying the Daleks could have unforeseen and damaging consequences for the future, and feels it’s wrong for one person to decide their fate.

Locutus of Borg Went Where No Star Trek Scene Before It Dared to Go

No list of great moments would be complete without this one, and the entire Star Trek franchise is full of incredible scenes. This particular moment is from Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994), Season 3, Episode 26, “The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1.” As the last episode of Season 3, it ended with a shocking cliffhanger that left viewers on the edge of their seats.

The “Best of Both Worlds” storyline brings the Borg back into focus, but this time the threat feels intensely personal. The episode culminates in a shocking reveal: Captain Jean-Luc Picard has been assimilated by the Borg and transformed into Locutus. The special effects convincingly show Picard’s physical and emotional change, presenting him as a mere shadow of his former self.

The Borg used Locutus to communicate with the crew, clearly showing he was no longer in control. This shocking reveal was a major turning point in the story, and the suspense lasted not just one week, but throughout the entire next season. It remains a truly memorable and impactful moment in science fiction, demonstrating a bold creative choice.

The Twilight Zone Took a Daring Stance on the Concept of Beauty

Originally airing from 1959 to 1964, The Twilight Zone is a hugely famous and important show in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Though often categorized as sci-fi, its impact extends to all three. You can still see its influence in many shows and movies today, even those being made now. It’s essential to acknowledge the show’s lasting legacy with a memorable scene.

It’s difficult to pick just one scene from the influential sci-fi series The Twilight Zone, but the episode “Eye of the Beholder” (Season 2, Episode 6) stands out. The story centers on Janet Tyler, who is undergoing her eleventh cosmetic surgery, hoping to achieve a “normal” appearance. When the bandages are removed, the audience is surprised to see what the doctors consider normal: a young woman who appears conventionally attractive to us.

The hospital staff, however, are depicted as frighteningly unattractive according to typical human standards. When Janet’s true appearance is revealed, it’s meant to be shocking, suggesting she feels unable to live with how she looks and that others find her face unbearable. This highlights the idea that beauty is subjective and depends on individual viewpoints. For a show that aired in 1960, this episode offered strong commentary on societal beauty standards and what truly defines attractiveness.

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2026-01-10 06:40