7 More Great Sci-Fi Shows That Everyone Forgets About

Science fiction is known for its imaginative and often outlandish shows, and there have been so many over the years that it’s easy to forget about them. A surprising number of genuinely good sci-fi series have faded into obscurity. Many featured unique elements like strange spaceships, unusual aliens, dangerous viruses, and complex plots that were ahead of their time. Despite having strong ideas and captivating stories, these shows often disappeared quickly, whether due to cancellation or simply a lack of exposure. While a few still have dedicated fans, most have been largely forgotten by the general public.

We previously shared 7 sci-fi shows that have faded from memory. But that was just a small selection – there are tons of these series out there! So, here are 7 more that most people have forgotten.

7) Counterpart

If you enjoy science fiction, spy thrillers, and a good mystery, Counterpart is a must-watch. The show centers on Howard Silk, played by J.K. Simmons, a low-level UN employee who uncovers a hidden parallel world and a web of secrets within his organization. The idea is intriguing, but the show really shines in its delivery. It’s consistently tense and atmospheric, and J.K. Simmons delivers a phenomenal performance playing two distinct versions of his character. Plus, Counterpart is a show that trusts its audience, taking its time to develop the story and characters without feeling hurried or superficial.

Despite being a truly excellent show, Counterpart is largely overlooked and has faded from memory. If you’ve seen it, you might recall it as it’s the newest entry on this list, but it never quite broke through to become a widely remembered sci-fi classic. Canceled after only two seasons, the show didn’t have enough time to gain a dedicated following. It’s a show that really requires your attention, and because it never became a viral hit, many potential viewers unfortunately missed out on this gem. Simply put, Counterpart is fantastic, straightforward science fiction.

6) Farscape

The space opera genre has a lot of shows, and Farscape is one that often gets overlooked. While dedicated fans might remember it, it doesn’t seem to get much attention these days. The series centers on John Crichton (Ben Browder), who accidentally travels through a wormhole and finds himself in a distant galaxy filled with strange aliens, ongoing conflicts, and sentient spaceships. It’s a unique blend of funny, dramatic, action-packed, and genuinely bizarre moments, but it all feels natural and well-integrated. This creates a compelling and surprisingly relevant universe even now.

The show faced a lot of difficulties with cancellations, long breaks, and changes in which TV network aired it. Even though it’s now a beloved cult classic, it’s often forgotten by many. It’s a shame, really, because Farscape had all the potential to become a mainstream hit. Ultimately, it ended up as a fun, but overlooked series, cherished by a dedicated fanbase. If you enjoy shows like Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica but are looking for something less focused on technical details, complicated explanations, space terminology, and predictable storylines, this is it. It’s wild, unconventional, and unlike anything else.

5) The Time Tunnel

As a total cinema devotee, especially when it comes to classic sci-fi, I have to talk about The Time Tunnel. It’s a show for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned time travel story. The premise is simple: two scientists, Tony Newman and Doug Phillips, get stuck in a government experiment and are flung uncontrollably through history – one week they’re on the Titanic, the next in a medieval battle, and then dodging WWII. What’s so great is each episode throws them into a totally new situation, blending actual historical events with a really fun “what if?” kind of imagination. For a show from the 60s, it was surprisingly ambitious, but naturally, watching it now, some of the effects and storytelling feel a little dated.

While the idea behind The Time Tunnel is interesting, the show hasn’t aged well. The special effects and sets look very dated, and the acting can feel over-the-top. Plus, with only one season of 30 episodes, it never gained a large following or benefited from reruns or streaming availability. Now, it’s mostly just a nostalgic item for sci-fi enthusiasts, and those unfamiliar with it likely haven’t heard of it.

4) First Wave

Ever seen that suspenseful alien invasion series that’s both thrilling and unsettling? That’s First Wave. It centers around Cade Foster, who realizes aliens are secretly invading Earth, just as Nostradamus predicted. He’s in a desperate fight against time to prevent them from taking over. The show is full of action and mystery, mixing exciting chases, detective work, and Cade’s own personal struggles. Every episode introduces a new danger or piece of the puzzle, all connected to the main storyline – it’s a consistent approach that really draws you in, which is more than you can say for a lot of shows these days.

Despite some good qualities, First Wave struggled to stand out among the many sci-fi shows about aliens that were popular in the 1990s. It lasted three seasons, but lacked the promotion and consistent airings needed to compete with bigger shows like The X-Files and Stargate SG-1. While those who watched it at the time still find it entertaining – the episodes hold up surprisingly well – it’s harder for modern viewers to get hooked.

3) Lexx

Sci-fi occasionally takes really interesting risks, and that’s what makes a show memorable. Lexx is certainly different – it’s a wildly strange series about the crew of a living spaceship exploring bizarre, often disturbing, planets and facing totally unexpected challenges. The characters are unusual and rarely clear-cut good or evil, and each episode blends dark comedy, extreme violence, and confusing ideas in a way few other sci-fi shows attempt. Essentially, Lexx fully embraces the ridiculous, creating a world that feels like a vivid, psychedelic dream – or perhaps a nightmare.

I’ve always been a huge fan of this show, and I know a lot of others feel the same way, even comparing it to Farscape! It’s definitely… different, and I get why some people couldn’t quite connect with it. It’s just so chaotic! But that’s part of what makes it amazing. It’s not trying to be slick or follow any rules – it just is. That’s probably why it never became a huge hit, but it’s become a real cult favorite, and I think that’s pretty special. You either fall head-over-heels for its weirdness right away, or it’s not for you, honestly. But for those of us who get it, it’s unforgettable.

2) Dark Skies

I was completely captivated by The X-Files growing up, and it really defined sci-fi for me. But you know what? Right before that show took off, there was this amazing series called Dark Skies that I think deserves more attention. It’s set in the mid-20th century and imagines aliens secretly pulling the strings behind major historical events and influencing powerful people. The show follows John Loengard and Kimberly Sayers as they try to expose these aliens and stop their plans. What I loved was that it wasn’t just about individual encounters; every episode built towards a bigger, overarching story about an alien invasion, creating a real sense of tension and purpose. Honestly, if you enjoyed The X-Files, you’ll probably love this – it’s like a historical version of that same thrilling concept.

Why did Dark Skies fade into obscurity? Like many shows from that era, it was cancelled quickly and didn’t receive much promotion. It also debuted as a direct response to the popularity of The X-Files, which made it hard to stand out. Ultimately, with only one season, it didn’t have enough time to attract a dedicated audience.

1) The Andromeda Strain

As a big sci-fi fan, I was really excited about the miniseries The Andromeda Strain. It’s based on the novel by Michael Crichton – the guy who wrote Jurassic Park – and the setup is fantastic. It’s all about a team of scientists racing against time to figure out an incredibly deadly alien virus that could wipe us out. Honestly, if you like stories about bioterrorism or science-driven sci-fi, the premise alone is enough to hook you. It promised real tension, constant pressure, and a really detailed look at the science behind it all, set in this isolated lab where every choice felt life or death. It should have been amazing, and for a while, it seemed like it would be. But sadly, the actual series didn’t quite live up to its potential.

While some episodes of the show can be slow and filled with complicated scientific jargon, making them hard to follow, these flaws don’t ruin the overall experience. The Andromeda Strain successfully creates real suspense, builds dramatic tension around science, and portrays the ideas of alien contamination and risk in a convincing manner. The show also boasts an immersive atmosphere and exciting thrills. It largely faded from memory because, like many similar shows, it proved difficult to make widely popular.

Do any of these shows bring back memories? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-29 00:21