6 Underrated Sci-Fi Shows Every 1970s Kid Remembers

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If you loved science fiction and were a kid in the 1970s, you likely discovered shows you couldn’t find anywhere else. It was a golden age for imaginative adventures featuring spaceships, robots, and strange creatures. Sci-fi felt new and exciting then, and classics like *Star Wars*, *Alien*, and *Doctor Who* quickly gained popularity. But many other fantastic shows didn’t get the same recognition, even though they strongly shaped the childhoods of those who watched them. These shows were incredibly creative, featured characters you genuinely cared about, and told stories that were consistently engaging, even with simple plots.

I remember growing up in the ’70s and there were some sci-fi shows that didn’t get nearly enough attention, but were totally amazing. I’ve been thinking about them lately, and I realized they really proved how entertaining science fiction on TV could be – honestly, a lot more so than many shows we have today. Here are six of those hidden gems I think everyone should know about.

6) Terrahawks

If you were a kid in the 1980s, you likely remember *Terrahawks*. It stood out from other shows because it was strange, bright, and unlike anything else on television. The series centered on a group defending Earth from aliens, and its characters were incredibly memorable. While things like large puppets, unusual robots, and the villain Zelda might seem a bit much now, the show somehow managed to pull it all off.

The show was full of exciting moments, funny scenes, and a sense of unpredictable fun – which is what really stuck with viewers. While it wasn’t a blockbuster, its energetic and slightly wild style made it a beloved and memorable sci-fi experience for many growing up.

5) The Tripods

The science fiction series *The Tripods* had a memorable idea: enormous aliens were secretly in control of all people. For many kids growing up in the 1970s, it was an exciting adventure that was both scary and hopeful. The story followed three young heroes as they tried to avoid being controlled by the Tripods-a process called ‘Capping’-and joined the fight against them, making it easy to connect with the characters and imagine facing such a huge threat.

The show was great at captivating viewers, blending thrilling suspense with exciting action. It wasn’t about flashy special effects; instead, it built tension through a constant sense of dread and a world dominated by towering tripods, which really kept young audiences hooked. That’s likely why people still have such fond memories of it, even though it’s not always in the spotlight.

4) Buck Rogers in the 25th Century

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century was truly captivating entertainment, especially for kids who loved space adventures. The show centers around a hero who awakens after being frozen for centuries and then joins the Earth Defense Force to battle dangers across the galaxy. Each episode felt like watching a big-budget movie, thanks to its blend of exciting action, funny robots, cool spaceships, and memorable villains. It was a charming mix of adventure, humor, and imaginative visions of the future.

What really made the show great wasn’t flashy effects; the actors and the robots themselves were captivating enough. It’s a series many people look back on with strong fondness. It was classic sci-fi – full of action, vibrant colors, and a lot of fun, perfectly balanced.

3) Sapphire & Steel

Sapphire & Steel was a unique and unsettling show that stood out from other programs in the 1970s. It captivated viewers with its mysterious atmosphere and focus on strange events, rather than typical action or adventure. The series centered around two agents who traveled through time to fix problems and prevent disruptions to reality.

What made the show so unforgettable was the constant sense that anything strange and disturbing could happen. It really made you think and messed with your perception of what was real. Kids loved it because it was bizarre, but you couldn’t stop watching. In retrospect, it was surprisingly innovative for its time.

2) UFO

Remembered by a lot of sci-fi fans but not really celebrated today, UFO had a look nobody could forget: lunar bases, futuristic fighter jets, and mysterious aliens. The premise followed SHADO, an organization protecting Earth from alien invaders with secret technology and high-level strategies. It was canceled shortly after debuting in 1970, so it barely had time to develop, but for kids who discovered it later, seeing such advanced technology while still relating to human heroes was impressive.

Despite only lasting a short time, the show stood out thanks to its intense, action-packed stories. Every episode perfectly captured what made the sci-fi genre great – thrilling suspense, impressive futuristic effects, and characters you genuinely cared about. Many viewers, even as kids, felt it was authentic science fiction, offering genuine thrills and stakes without relying on over-the-top fantasy.

1) Battlestar Galactica

If they gave an award for the science fiction show most people remember from their childhood, the original *Battlestar Galactica* would definitely win. It captured imaginations with its spaceships, the conflict between humans and the robotic Cylons, and the Galactica leading a desperate fleet of survivors. The show was exciting, dramatic, and accessible, even if you didn’t fully understand all the sci-fi ideas. While many people already recognize its quality, it doesn’t get as much attention as the 2004 reimagining.

Each episode was packed with action, drama, and memorable characters, making for a truly immersive experience. It was easy to get invested in the story and root for the heroes. Though it may not be as widely known today – especially when compared to *Star Wars* – it’s still considered one of the greatest sci-fi shows ever made.

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2025-09-22 02:13