7 More Cancelled Sci-Fi Shows That Deserve a Reboot

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the capricious nature of television. For every show that runs for seasons on end, there are countless others that are abruptly ended without a proper goodbye. This is particularly true for science fiction shows, which often demand substantial budgets and studios willing to invest in innovative, high-concept ideas that may not yield immediate returns.

When a promising sci-fi series gets canceled, it leaves its dedicated fanbase yearning for answers, stuck with unresolved cliffhangers and the haunting question of what might have been. These passionate communities often keep the fire burning for years, hoping against hope for a revival or reboot that does their beloved show justice.

Instead of listing just 10 science fiction series worthy of a comeback, we’ve delved deeper into the vaults of prematurely concluded TV shows. You’ll find a mix of cult favorites, daring innovations, and fan-adored series in this collection. Despite various reasons for their untimely endings – some were mismanaged by networks, while others may have been too progressive for their time – they all boast captivating core ideas that warrant another opportunity. Here are seven more cancelled sci-fi shows that merit a reboot.

1) Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

For two seasons on Fox, the show “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” aired, standing out among franchise television shows for its ability to delve deeper into and enhance its original content. Set post-“Terminator 2: Judgment Day“, the series chronicled Sarah Connor (played by Lena Headey) and her son John (Thomas Dekker), as they carried on their struggle to prevent Skynet’s emergence. Unlike simply rehashing the film’s central ideas, this show was a character-focused drama that tackled themes of fate, humanity, and the mental strain endured in their unyielding battle against the future. Furthermore, it broadened the narrative, introducing intricate Terminator models, such as Summer Glau’s remarkable portrayal of Cameron, a reprogrammed model.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles ended abruptly with a huge cliffhanger, leaving John Connor mysteriously jumping into an unknown future timeline and the resistance unaware of their prophesied savior. This daring storytelling decision left many loose ends untied and left the passionate fanbase heartbroken. A reboot could provide closure for those plotlines, delving into a unique take on the future war that differs from the films’ portrayal. With contemporary storytelling techniques and visual effects, a new series could uphold the intelligent legacy that made The Sarah Connor Chronicles a beloved cult classic.

2) Jericho

Jericho was a post-apocalyptic TV drama that drew a devoted audience during its time on CBS. This series revolved around the residents of a small Kansas town following a nationwide nuclear disaster in the U.S. Isolated from the rest of the world, they had to unite to endure, dealing with challenges arising both internally and externally as they sought to comprehend their altered surroundings. The show received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of ordinary individuals confronting a devastating incident and the ethical quandaries they encountered.

As a fervent supporter, I’ve witnessed an extraordinary movement where fans mailed truckloads of peanuts to the network in support of the show, “Jericho.” Regrettably, this passionate plea didn’t prevent the series from being canceled not once, but twice. The second cancellation left us hanging on a precipice, with our nation teetering on the edge of another civil war. This unresolved ending has stirred fan demand for a satisfying resolution for over a decade now. A reboot could delve deeply into the political and social aftermath of the attacks – a concept that the original series was merely skimming at the surface. With its core themes revolving around community, survival, and the resilience of civilization, a contemporary version of “Jericho” could offer a timely piece of television.

3) Almost Human

Spanning just one season on Fox, the science fiction police drama Almost Human boasted an exceptional central duo and a vividly conceived universe. In the not-too-distant future, the story centered around John Kennex (Karl Urban), a hardened detective thrust with an unwanted android partner, Dorian (Michael Ealy). What set this show apart was the remarkable rapport between Urban and Ealy, whose sharp dialogue and deepening camaraderie infused the series with authentic warmth. The imaginative world-building also stood out, delving into the moral and societal ramifications of advanced AI technology.

The show Almost Human, unfortunately, faced mismanagement by its network, airing episodes out of sequence, which impeded character growth and left viewers perplexed. However, it managed to cultivate a dedicated fanbase that appreciated its hidden greatness. A reboot could provide a chance to fully unfold the bond between its main characters, delve into an intriguing sci-fi backdrop, and possibly resolve lingering enigmas such as the reason behind Kennex’s injury and Dorian’s distinctive design. Given Karl Urban’s current prominence, there would already be a ready audience eager for a fresh take on this overlooked gem.

4) Dark Matter

The popular Syfy show “Dark Matter” came to an abrupt end after three seasons, leaving its viewers eager for answers following a dramatic cliffhanger. Initially, six individuals woke up on a spaceship, unsure of their identities or how they arrived there. Adopting the names One through Six, they found themselves compelled to cooperate in order to stay alive, while simultaneously investigating their violent pasts as fugitives. Consequently, this series skillfully combined elements of space exploration, intriguing mysteries, and heartwarming family dynamics.

The termination of the show stemmed from financial factors since it was an acquisition for Syfy rather than an original network production. However, this move sparked intense protests from fans who have been advocating for a comeback since then. The series expertly blended self-contained episodes with a gripping overall narrative, and a reboot might offer a resolution to the storyline. Co-creator Joseph Mallozzi had a five-season blueprint, and a fresh series could realize that concept, offering the Raza’s crew the conclusion they rightfully deserve.

5) Earth 2

Back in the mid-1990s, I found myself captivated by the one-season sci-fi series, “Earth 2.” This show had a visionary premise that felt almost prophetic. You see, humanity had left behind a polluted Earth to live on space stations. However, an enigmatic sickness was affecting our children. In this future world, we believed the cure lay in a more natural environment. So, a group of colonists undertook a perilous voyage to a planet resembling Earth. Unfortunately, our ship crash-landed, leaving us stranded in a dangerous and unfamiliar territory. We encountered strange new lifeforms and faced internal conflicts among ourselves as we tried to survive and thrive on this alien world.

The series “Earth 2” combined elements of survival tales, westerns, and science fiction epics by focusing on the journey of establishing a new society. The abrupt ending after just one season left numerous plot threads unresolved and its full potential unexploited. A contemporary revival of “Earth 2” could become an aesthetically captivating and deeply engaging show, similar to “For All Mankind,” but with a more pronounced emphasis on space exploration. The fundamental idea of humanity given a second chance on a fresh world remains evergreen, providing limitless storytelling opportunities for the new breed of creators.

6) V

In 2009, the revamped version of V presented a contemporary reinterpretation of the original 1980s miniseries. This series followed the appearance of a seemingly helpful alien species, the Visitors, who bestowed upon humanity advanced technology and medical advancements. However, a select band of humans, under the leadership of FBI agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell), uncovered the Visitors’ hidden malicious agendas to seize control of Earth from within. The show was characterized by its suspenseful and anxious tone, delving into topics such as media control, religious belief, and human nature. Regrettably, the second season concluded with an unsettled cliffhanger.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but see the timeless relevance of a remake of the classic series “V”. Originally, it was an intricate allegory for fascism and drew inspiration from conspiracy theories, making it a chilling reflection of our modern political climate. In this new era, we could delve even deeper into these themes, unraveling how a charismatic and deceitful force could exploit a deeply fractured society using technology and social media as their tools.
The original 2009 series masterfully crafted a gripping tale about the human resistance and the internal power struggles within the Visitors themselves. A reboot could push these concepts to their fullest potential, offering a timely sci-fi narrative that explores the epic battle for the very essence of humanity.

7) Blake’s 7

Long before today’s gritty anti-hero TV dramas, there existed “Blake’s 7.” This classic BBC series served as a somber contrast to the optimism of “Star Trek,” focusing on a band of political dissidents and convicts who unwillingly transformed into rebels against the oppressive Terran Federation. The captivating Roj Blake (played by Gareth Thomas) led this group of fugitives in their guerrilla warfare, conducted from their sophisticated alien spacecraft, the Liberator. “Blake’s 7” was renowned for its moral gray areas, intricate characters, and unexpectedly grim story arcs.

Blake’s 7, a classic British science fiction series, is long past due for a fresh presentation to today’s global viewers. Its central themes—rebellion against oppressive regimes, privacy concerns, and the consequences of resisting tyranny—hold significant resonance in our current times. A remake could preserve the original’s raw atmosphere and intricate character interactions while enhancing the visual effects to deliver a captivating viewing experience. Moreover, its original ending was one of the most iconic bittersweet conclusions in television history; a fresh take could delve back into that narrative space, infusing it with the nuance and complexity expected from contemporary political thrillers.

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2025-08-01 21:44