6 Most Influential ’90s Sci-Fi Shows Everyone Still Cops

by

The 1990s stood out as a remarkable period for the science fiction genre on television, with numerous modern series still drawing inspiration from the sci-fi TV shows of that decade. Factors such as the enduring popularity of ‘Star Wars’ in the 70s and 80s, along with advancements in Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) that made visual effects more affordable for television production, played significant roles in the surge of excellent sci-fi TV shows from the 90s. The advent of cable networks like Syfy (originally known as the Sci-Fi Channel, founded in 1992), and newer TV networks such as Fox (established in 1986) and UPN (created in 1995), which embraced sci-fi as a genre appealing to younger audiences, also contributed to this boom.

In the ’90s, science fiction TV shows flourished remarkably, becoming the decade’s leading genre much like superheroes in the 2010s or Westerns in the ’50s. The advancement of technology and the demand for fresh content encouraged producers and writers to experiment, resulting in sci-fi series from this era that may not have been widely remembered, but were still enjoyable to watch or had something intriguing to convey. Although some of these shows premiered in the ’80s or 2000s, these 1990s science fiction series collectively shaped the face of ’90s sci-fi television, leaving an indelible impact on modern TV productions.

6. Sliders (1995–2000)

Created By Tracy Tormé

Way back when the concept of the multiverse was less common in mainstream science fiction, there was a show known as “Sliders“. Airing on Fox for its initial run, “Sliders” followed the adventures of young inventor Quinn Mallory (Jerry O’Connell), who, along with Professor Arturo (John Rhys-Davies), his girlfriend Wade Wells (Sabrina Lloyd), and an occasional traveler Rembrandt Brown (Cleavant Derricks), traveled to various alternate realities via wormholes. In the vein of some of the 20th century’s most renowned sci-fi series, “Sliders” aimed to provide thoughtful insights on contemporary issues and social injustices by placing its characters in situations that challenged the established order.

Despite the decline in excitement as Sliders transitioned to the Sci-Fi Channel and Jerry O’Connell departed after season 4, the impact that this series has had on contemporary sci-fi is undeniable. Sliders played a crucial role in making the idea of parallel realities comprehensible for many viewers, thanks to its engaging narrative introduction and episodic format. Series like The Man in the High Castle and For All Mankind are entirely set within altered histories, while Fringe’s central enigma revolves around the existence of parallel universes.

Air Dates Episodes Network Rotten Tomatoes Critic Rating Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating
Season 1 March 1995–May 1995 10 FOX 70% 83%
Season 2 March 1996–July 1996 13 FOX 100% 86%
Season 3 September 1996–May 1997 25 FOX N/A 75%
Season 4 June 1998–April 1999 22 Sci-Fi Channel N/A 72%
Season 5 June 1999–February 2000 18 Sci-Fi Channel N/A 60%

For several decades now, the idea of the multiverse has been woven into numerous franchise narratives, most notably in the superhero genre. Shows like The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow on the CW have made alternate realities a key aspect, while the MCU’s Multiverse Saga has wholeheartedly adopted the concept of parallel timelines. Series such as Loki and What If…? are entirely centered around these alternative dimensions. Given this trend, it seems ripe for a reboot of Sliders.

5. Farscape (1999–2003)

Created By Rockne S. O’Bannon

Kicking off in 1999, the sci-fi series Farscape introduces us to John Crichton (Ben Browder), an American astronaut who’s accidentally hurled into outer space. Unlike shows such as Star Trek or its contemporary counterpart Stargate SG-1, which feature polished teams of explorers, Farscape presents a motley crew of alien outlaws, each with their unique agendas and aspirations. This intriguing, eccentric series skillfully blends intelligent narrative with the absurd, pushing the boundaries of sci-fi storytelling.

Farscape stands out with its timeless appeal and unique blend of elements that resonate strongly with Millennials, similarities can be drawn to modern, vibrant, fast-paced tales like Futurama or 1997’s The Fifth Element. Yet it also reflects the 1980s through its characters created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and hints at the future direction of science fiction. Not many shows can match Farscape’s pioneering strange charm, but you can spot its impact on 21st-century sci-fi series such as Dark Matter and Killjoys. In the realm of films, Guardians of the Galaxy‘s director, James Gunn, has often mentioned Farscape as his favorite show, as its characters align exceptionally well with those in the Guardians.

4. Quantum Leap (1989–1993)

Created By Donald P. Bellisario

In a unique twist, Quantum Leap featured Dr. Sam Beckett (played by Scott Bakula), who leaped through his lifetime, inhabiting the bodies of various individuals in different time periods. Each leap placed Sam in situations where he could use his empathy and future knowledge to bring about positive change. The show had a minimalist approach to mythology regarding the forces controlling Sam’s temporal journey, opting instead to explore personal narratives centered around ordinary people with the help of its time travel premise.

Quantum Leap captivated an adult audience by stirring nostalgia and maintaining interest with its procedural format of Sam resolving mysteries while leaping into strangers’ lives. Fundamentally, Quantum Leap is a series that explores the potential for positive change through minor actions. The show’s more casual take on science fiction, featuring Sam Beckett’s unwavering faith in humanity, shares similarities with The Good Place. In a comparable manner, the Alan Tudyk series Resident Alien presents ordinary people from an outsider’s perspective, much like Quantum Leap does.

3. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

Created by Gene Roddenberry

In the 1990s, I found myself immersed in a golden era of Star Trek, with shows like Deep Space Nine and Voyager captivating my imagination. This era wouldn’t have blossomed without the groundbreaking series, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). With TNG, the Star Trek universe grew far beyond what the Original Series had laid out, introducing new alien species, worlds, and technological innovations. The world that TNG created served as a foundation for numerous subsequent Star Trek shows. For instance, Star Trek: Picard brought back the beloved TNG cast, while Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Prodigy took place in eras following Voyager.

Previously perceived as a risky move due to its deliberate diminishment of the original Star Trek series, Star Trek: The Next Generation revived the interest in Star Trek for an entirely new demographic and demonstrated that classic science fiction shows could be rejuvenated for contemporary audiences. Following this trend, Ronald D. Moore reimagined Battlestar Galactica into a fresh series in 2004, while Doctor Who made its comeback to television screens in 2005 after a 16-year hiatus.

The influence of Star Trek: The Next Generation is clear as other projects have adopted its proven format, even during the airing of TNG, DS9, and Voyager. For instance, Stargate SG-1 and seaQuest DSV utilized the Star Trek blueprint in unique settings, developing their own universes. The 1999 movie Galaxy Quest paid tribute to Star Trek, a tradition that can be seen in modern science fiction parodies such as Seth MacFarlane’s The Orville – essentially a contemporary reinterpretation of TNG – and the Black Mirror‘s “USS Callister” episodes, which offer a biting critique on fan culture.

2. Babylon 5 (1993–1998)

Created by J. Michael Straczynski

Babylon 5, with its unique structure, bold themes, and groundbreaking CGI, seems remarkably similar to current streaming sci-fi series rather than typical episodic shows of its era. Creator J. Michael Straczynski conceived Babylon 5 as a meticulously constructed “novel for television,” meant to unfold over five seasons. Today, deeply serialized TV shows like B5 are commonplace, but Straczynski’s innovative approach was quite challenging to market when television followed a strictly linear path.

As a devoted movie critic, I can confidently assert that “Babylon 5” was not merely a trailblazer in its sci-fi genre; it was a visionary series that anticipated human nature’s enduring flaws and complexities in a future context. The narrative mastery of J. Michael Straczynski weaved religion, politics, personal disputes, and interspecies prejudice into the very fabric of the show’s overarching plotline.

The diverse inhabitants of Babylon 5 were grappling with unity as they approached the impending Shadow War, a struggle reminiscent of our own global conflicts. The intricate world-building of “Babylon 5” underscored that cooperation was not an effortless pursuit; it demanded genuine commitment and effort.

In the opening monologue of “Babylon 5,” the space station is described as “our last, best hope for peace,”, a poignant reminder that even in this futuristic setting, peace was a precious commodity that required multiple attempts before it could be achieved. The previous four incarnations of the station had failed, leaving Babylon 5 to bear the weight of humanity’s hopes for harmony.

1. The X-Files (1993–2002)

Created by Chris Carter

The essence of “The X-Files” can be found woven into numerous modern TV series, earning it the title of the most impactful science fiction TV show from the 1990s. Built around the FBI duo of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), a believer, and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), a skeptic, “The X-Files” seamlessly combined procedural drama with chilling science fiction at the perfect moment, shaping some of the best TV shows in the 21st century. Interspersed among the weekly monster episodes that were “The X-Files” staple, the mythology episodes gradually revealed pieces to the show’s larger mystery, making it one of the earliest examples of a “mystery box” series.

Chris Carter’s approach to subtly unveiling the mysteries in “The X-Files” through cryptic hints became a common practice among science fiction series aiming to keep viewers on their toes. Shows like “Lost” and “Fringe,” which were inspired by “The X-Files,” can attest to this. Consequently, the numerous shows that emerged in the 2010s, attempting to cash in on “Lost’s” popularity, can be considered direct descendants of “The X-Files.” Moreover, series such as “Supernatural,” “Grimm,” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things” are among those that borrow from “The X-Files'” narrative concept of transforming folklore and urban legends into tangible threats.

Read More

2025-06-05 23:43