7 1970s Sci-Fi Shows You Forgot Were Awesome

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Science fiction often explores the future, but it’s a genre that remains popular across generations. Each decade brings new sci-fi movies and TV shows filled with technology, adventure, and imaginative worlds. While the 1980s and later are often remembered for great sci-fi, the 1970s also produced some excellent series. Though the special effects weren’t as flashy as those we see today, the shows of that decade made up for it with compelling stories, memorable characters, and lasting adventures.

As a sci-fi fan, I remember the 70s being a really exciting time for the genre, but honestly, a lot of those shows have faded from memory. I’ve been revisiting some classics, and I was reminded of seven amazing sci-fi series from that decade that I’d almost forgotten! Some of them even inspired popular reboots years later, and for others, they were the shows that really launched the careers of some big stars.

7) The Tomorrow People

This isn’t about the 2013 TV show; we’re discussing the original The Tomorrow People. This British sci-fi series, which aired from 1973 to 1979, followed a group of teenagers who had evolved and developed psychic abilities. Known as The Tomorrow People, they kept their powers secret, worried about how ordinary people would react. Operating from a hidden base called The Lab, they helped new members learn to control their abilities. The show also featured a connection to a larger ‘Galactic Federation,’ giving it a feel similar to X-Men and Doctor Who.

This show is a classic that’s been brought back several times over the years. After the original series found success, a sequel series aired in the 1990s, followed by an audio revival in the 2000s and a short-lived CW series in 2013. What’s really captivating about the original The Tomorrow People is how it combined thought-provoking ideas about human evolution with exciting stories. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s clearly had a lasting impact, inspiring a series of books that are still being released today.

6) Space: 1999

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve always found Space: 1999 really interesting – it often gets compared to Star Trek, and it originally ran for two seasons back in the mid-70s. The premise is wild: a nuclear accident blasts the moon right out of Earth’s orbit, sending everyone on Moonbase Alpha hurtling through space. What I loved was watching the crew try to survive and deal with all the crazy stuff they encountered – new alien races, bizarre events… things humanity had never even dreamed of! It’s a pretty serious show, but totally captivating. Though, I will say, the second season leans more heavily into action and adventure than the first.

Although Space: 1999 is a beloved and classic sci-fi show, some aspects haven’t aged well. The series begins with a cataclysmic event on September 13, 1999, but the show’s vision of that year is quite different from the reality. There have been efforts to bring the series back, but none have been successful so far.

5) Land of the Lost

The original Land of the Lost is a beloved classic that aired on NBC from 1974 to 1976. Primarily aimed at children, the show centers on the Marshall family, who become stranded in a strange alternate world filled with dinosaurs, lizard-like creatures called Sleestak, and ape-like beings known as Pakuni. The series follows their adventures as they try to survive, explore this new world, and ultimately find a way back home.

Although originally aimed at kids, Land of the Lost has attracted a broad audience thanks to its smart and engaging storylines. The show is known for its detailed and imaginative world, going beyond typical children’s programming. It was revived once in 1991 for two seasons, and again as a 2009 movie starring Will Ferrell, which was more of a comedic take on the original. Now, Netflix is developing another reboot, announced earlier this summer.

4) Battlestar Galactica

The original Battlestar Galactica is a classic 1970s sci-fi show, even though many people are more familiar with its later reboot – which actually ran for much longer. The show, which aired for one season on ABC from 1978 to 1979, tells the story of humans escaping the destruction of their planets. They’re relentlessly pursued by the Cylons, a robotic race determined to wipe out humanity, as they search for a new home.

While the special effects in Battlestar Galactica might seem a bit old-fashioned today, the show’s strong writing and compelling characters still shine through. It always had a dedicated following, and though that wasn’t enough to guarantee its long-term success, Battlestar Galactica—both the original and the reimagined series—has earned its place as a classic.

3) The Six Million Dollar Man

Cyborgs are a popular theme in science fiction, and the 1970s saw several great series exploring this idea, notably The Six Million Dollar Man. The show starred Lee Majors as Steve Austin, an astronaut critically injured in an accident. The government rebuilt him with powerful bionic implants, giving him abilities beyond those of a normal human, like incredible strength, speed, and eyesight. With these enhancements, Austin became a secret agent working for the government. The Six Million Dollar Man aired for five seasons, from 1973 to 1978, and proved so popular it spawned a spin-off series, The Bionic Woman.

This show is a fun, exciting adventure with a cool sci-fi twist – it features bionic technology and, surprisingly, is rooted in actual science. While things occasionally get a little over-the-top – like when Steve battles Bigfoot – it’s still a truly classic series.

2) The Bionic Woman

It wouldn’t be right to mention The Six Million Dollar Man without also including The Bionic Woman. As a spin-off series, it follows a similar story. The show centers around Jaime Sommers, a professional tennis player (played by Lindsay Wagner) who receives bionic implants after a near-fatal skydiving accident. These implants give her incredible abilities like enhanced hearing, strength, speed, and jumping power. Despite her superpowers, Jaime leads a normal life as a teacher and also undertakes secret missions for the government.

The show was a success, running for three seasons from 1976 to 1978, and stood on its own. However, it was especially popular because of its connection to The Six Million Dollar Man. The two shows frequently featured crossover episodes, and fans loved the romantic storyline that developed between Steve Austin from The Six Million Dollar Man and the character Jamie. A revival was attempted in 2007, but it only lasted one season.

1) Mork & Mindy

You might not remember it as science fiction, but Mork & Mindy was a spin-off of Happy Days that aired from 1978 to 1982. The sitcom centers on Mork, an alien from Ork, who lands on Earth and becomes roommates and eventually falls in love with Mindy McConnell. While often considered a lighthearted comedy, Mork & Mindy is a sci-fi series best known as the show that launched Robin Williams’ career and showcased his incredible comedic talent and improvisation skills.

The show was a huge hit during its first season, but attempts to attract a younger audience with changes in season two didn’t quite work. While it lasted four seasons total, ratings never bounced back. The final season famously featured a bizarre plot point where Mork laid an egg and had a child with Mindy. Though the show is probably best known for making Robin Williams a star, it’s also a unique and memorable piece of both sitcom and science fiction history.

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2025-11-04 00:19