Star Trek is one of the most recognizable science fiction franchises ever created, but a few other TV shows offer a similar experience. Since its debut in the 1960s, Star Trek has consistently captivated viewers of all ages with its creative stories about distant planets and cultures. While many sci-fi shows have been successful, very few have truly rivaled Star Trek’s popularity, which speaks to its enduring appeal and lasting impact on pop culture.
It’s hard to find sci-fi shows that satisfy dedicated Star Trek fans, who have seen it all. But several excellent space-based series come close, and they’re all great choices for Trekkies. While some have gained more popularity than others, each one offers something similar that Star Trek fans will enjoy.
5) Dark Matter
Dark Matter premiered in 2015 and lasted for three seasons before being cancelled. The series centers around a crew who wake up on the spaceship Raza with no memories of their pasts. They soon learn they are all mercenaries with criminal backgrounds, and the show follows them as they try to build new lives. While it may not be widely known, Dark Matter is a great choice for Star Trek fans seeking a new sci-fi adventure in space.
4) The Expanse
Few science fiction shows truly live up to the hype, but The Expanse is one of them. Widely considered a standout sci-fi story of the 21st century, it ran for six seasons, earning both critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Though not a direct replacement for Star Trek, The Expanse feels like its successor in spirit – a groundbreaking show that showcases how much the sci-fi genre has evolved.
3) The Orville
While The Orville may not be as widely popular as some other science fiction shows, it’s a great option for Star Trek fans. The show was intentionally made as a tribute to the classic franchise, taking a lot of its ideas and style from both The Original Series and The Next Generation. It’s generally more upbeat and fun than many sci-fi shows, and its affectionate nod to classic Star Trek makes it especially enjoyable for those familiar with the original series.
2) Firefly
If you ask any science fiction enthusiast about cancelled shows, Firefly often comes up as a major disappointment. Though it didn’t last long on television, the show gained a devoted fanbase that has kept its spirit alive through various projects, and there are even plans for more stories. While Firefly‘s unique blend of space adventure and Western themes is different from Star Trek, fans of Gene Roddenberry’s classic will almost certainly enjoy it.
1) Battlestar Galactica
Besides Star Trek, very few science fiction shows set in space are as highly regarded as Battlestar Galactica. The reimagined series takes the core idea of the original and expands it into a massive, epic story that truly feels grand in scale. It’s frequently considered one of the best sci-fi shows of all time, and with good reason – it’s simply outstanding. If you’re a Star Trek fan and haven’t seen Battlestar Galactica yet, it’s a fantastic way to experience that same sense of wonder and excitement.
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2026-05-17 16:14