9 Sci-Fi TV Shows To Watch While Waiting for the Next Star Trek Series

Now that the newest *Star Trek* show has finished, and we’re all waiting for *Strange New Worlds* to come back, I’ve been wondering what to watch in the meantime. Of course, there’s always the option of rewatching old *Star Trek*, but there’s a ton of other great sci-fi out there too! *Star Trek* has really shaped the sci-fi genre, and you can see its influence everywhere. A lot of other shows explore similar ideas, whether they realize it or not. That’s awesome, because it means there are so many binge-worthy series just waiting to be discovered. So, get ready to add some new shows to your watchlist – I think you’ll find something perfect for you!

With Paramount and Skydance joining forces, *Star Trek* is entering a period of change. While this could lead to exciting new developments, it will probably mean a pause in new content as the creative team figures out the best direction for the show. Fortunately, *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* has two more seasons planned, which will help bridge the gap. After that, fans might need to turn to other sci-fi shows or revisit the original series while we wait for what comes next.

9) Stargate SG-1

If you enjoy *Star Trek* and are looking for another sci-fi universe to explore, *Stargate SG-1* is a great choice. It started with the *Stargate* movie and grew into a larger franchise with shows like *Stargate Atlantis* and *Stargate Universe*, meaning there’s plenty of content to keep you entertained.

While Stargate SG-1 leans more towards military science fiction than Star Trek, it shares that series’ adventurous spirit. Like Deep Space 9, the show centers around the discovery of a stargate that allows travel to distant planets. This discovery, naturally, comes with danger, as an alien race is plotting to take over the galaxy. The show’s strength lies in its engaging cast and the dynamic between its characters – a US Air Force colonel (Jack O’Neill), an Egyptologist (Daniel Jackson), an astrophysicist and Air Force captain (Sam Carter), and a Jaffa alien (Teal’c) – who must overcome their differences to succeed in their missions.

Stargate SG-1 is available to stream on Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and The Roku Channel.

8) The Orville

If you’re a *Star Trek* fan and you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, you should definitely check out *The Orville*. I was really impressed with how well it mixes action, adventure, sci-fi, and genuine humor – it all feels very natural. And the creators aren’t shy about admitting they were heavily influenced by *Star Trek* and especially *The Next Generation*, which I thought added a nice touch.

The show centers on the USS Orville, a spaceship captained by Edward Mercer, and his crew as they encounter unusual and captivating adventures, often in self-contained episodes. It’s a very character-focused series, and Seth MacFarlane infuses it with his signature witty references and loving parodies, creating a sci-fi show that’s unique and doesn’t simply rely on its connection to the legacy of *Star Trek*.

The Orville is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

7) Stargate Atlantis

As a big fan of the *Stargate* franchise, I really enjoyed *Stargate Atlantis*. It started as a spin-off from *Stargate SG-1*, and for a while, both shows were on TV at the same time, which was awesome because you’d see characters from one show pop up in the other. *Atlantis* picks up right after season seven of *SG-1*, but it takes things in a completely new direction – the action moves to a whole different galaxy, and they face a brand new, huge threat to deal with.

The series kicks off when scientists, led by Daniel Jackson, successfully decipher a crucial code related to the Stargate, potentially revealing the location of the legendary city of Atlantis. However, Atlantis isn’t located on Earth – it’s accessible only through the Stargate itself. Like the crew of *Star Trek: Voyager*, the expedition team faces the daunting possibility that their journey could be a one-way trip. *Stargate Atlantis* features a fresh cast of characters, a new alien enemy, and plenty of exciting adventures, making it particularly appealing to *Star Trek* fans who enjoy episodes centered around away missions.

Stargate Atlantis is available to stream on Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

6) Babylon 5

Originally, *Babylon 5* started as a movie called *Babylon 5: The Gathering* and later became a TV series in 1994. If you enjoy *Star Trek*, this show is worth watching. Over its five seasons, it builds a detailed universe, explores classic sci-fi themes, and focuses on the relationships between different alien races – much like what made *Star Trek* so popular.

The show centers on Babylon 5, a space station designed as a meeting place for different alien races. The idea is to encourage trade and peaceful negotiations – it’s similar to *Deep Space 9* in that respect. But things don’t always go as planned, especially when old conflicts and unresolved issues come into play.

Babylon 5 is available to stream on Tubi and The Roku Channel.

5) The Expanse

If you enjoyed the political storylines in *Star Trek*, you’ll likely love *The Expanse*, a thrilling science fiction series set in the distant future. While humanity has spread among the stars, the show really shines with its complex intergalactic politics. The story follows Chrisjen Avasarala, a U.N. Security Council member, and detective Josephus Miller, who stumble upon a dangerous conspiracy. Their investigation could be the key to preventing a devastating conflict that threatens the delicate peace between different factions.

The Expanse is a powerful and intense show, but it’s also very smart and explores complex political themes. If you enjoyed the TV series, which is based on the novels by James S.A. Corey, you’ll find even more story in the books – the adaptation didn’t cover everything!

The Expanse is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

4) Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica is a well-known science fiction show, and many fans of the genre are already familiar with it. With talk of a new version surfacing recently, it’s a great time to start watching or re-watch the 2004 series. It’s a realistic and often intense show about the lengths people will go to in order to survive.

The story is set far in the future, in a distant part of the galaxy. After a devastating attack by the Cylons, humanity is struggling to survive. Leading the remnants of civilization are Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos) and President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), who guide a fleet of ships in search of a new home.

Battlestar Galactica is available to rent through Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

3) Scavengers Reign

Scavengers Reign is a unique animated series that will especially appeal to fans of science fiction like Star Trek. It’s a thrilling mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, and horror. The series continues the story from the movie Scavengers, so watching the film beforehand isn’t essential, but it will enhance your understanding.

The animated series *Scavengers Reign* starts with the crew of a damaged cargo ship, the Demeter 277, finding themselves near a potentially livable planet. While their situation is dire, it’s not immediately hopeless. The survivors quickly divide into three groups, but their journeys ultimately lead them back to each other. Although only one season exists, *Scavengers Reign* is a compelling show worth watching.

Scavengers Reign is available to stream on Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.

2) Red Dwarf

Shows like *Red Dwarf* prove that science fiction doesn’t always have to be serious and depressing – *Star Trek* also understood that. *Red Dwarf* was especially unique, telling the story of Dave Lister, a technician who wakes up millions of years in the future after being in suspended animation, only to discover he’s the last human alive.

The story starts with Lister being put into a long sleep as a punishment for smuggling his cat onto the spaceship. While he was asleep, the ship was hit with dangerous levels of radiation. Luckily, Lister and his cat were protected, and the ship kept Lister frozen until it was safe. Now, Lister, a hologram, and his evolved cat companion are the only ones aboard the *Red Dwarf*. They go on weekly adventures reminiscent of *Star Trek*, encountering incredibly creative aliens and worlds, all with a clever and self-aware sense of humor.

Red Dwarf is available to stream on Sling TV, Britbox, and Peacock.

1) Farscape

If you enjoy *Star Trek*, *Farscape* is definitely worth watching. This sci-fi series, which originally aired from 1999 to 2003, is known for its imaginative stories and amazing creature designs, brought to life with puppetry and prosthetics by the team at the Jim Henson Company.

The story follows astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder) whose routine test flight takes a disastrous turn. While different from the start than *Star Trek*, a wormhole throws him together with a quirky crew on a living spaceship, reminiscent of the most imaginative elements of the *Star Trek* universe.

Farscape is available to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Sling TV.

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2025-09-17 20:13