3 1990s Sci-Fi Shows You Forgot Were Awesome

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Science fiction has always been popular, but the most memorable stories tend to change with each decade. This constant evolution has allowed the genre to stay fresh and appeal to a wide range of interests. The 1990s delivered fantastic sci-fi, not just in movies, but especially on television. While shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation remain well-known, many other excellent sci-fi TV series from that decade haven’t received the recognition they deserve.

There are always fantastic sci-fi shows that don’t get the attention they deserve, and some older ones are simply forgotten. Despite telling exciting and captivating sci-fi stories, several TV shows from the 1990s haven’t stayed in the public memory. Many viewers have forgotten just how good they were, but these 90s sci-fi shows still hold up remarkably well.

3) Babylon 5 (PTEN, 1993-1997 & TNT, 1998)

Many science fiction TV shows from the 1990s still hold up today, and Babylon 5 is definitely one of the best. The show is set far in the future, where humans are part of a larger galactic society. It mainly focuses on the people – both human and alien – working and negotiating aboard the Babylon 5 space station, a central point for trade and diplomacy. While it has classic space adventure elements, Babylon 5 also explores complex political themes, all wrapped up with exciting sci-fi action.

Despite first airing over thirty years ago, Babylon 5 still holds up remarkably well. The special effects haven’t lost their impact, and the show’s stories and concepts remain relevant. While often mentioned alongside Star Trek, Babylon 5 may not have been entirely groundbreaking, it compensated with strong writing and is one of the most underrated sci-fi series of the 1990s.

2) Farscape (Syfy, 1999-2003)

Farscape is a unique sci-fi series that managed to continue its story even after being canceled by the network. It did this through a comic book series that expanded on the show’s universe. Originally airing in 1999, Farscape ran for four seasons before being cut short in 2003. The show centers around the crew of a living spaceship as they try to escape the clutches of a powerful and ruthless military group called the Peacekeepers.

Created with the help of Brian Henson, son of the famous Jim Henson, Farscape featured impressive visual effects thanks to the Jim Henson Company’s skills in animatronics, prosthetics, and makeup – all of which were highly praised. The show’s story was also fresh, captivating, and more complex than many other science fiction series. Despite its quality, it’s surprising that Farscape hasn’t achieved mainstream popularity, as it deserves to be remembered and enjoyed by a larger audience.

1) Dark Skies (NBC, 1996-1997)

Despite being largely overlooked since it aired in the 1990s, Dark Skies presents a compelling premise: everything we think we know about history is a fabrication, and aliens have been secretly living on Earth since the 1940s. The show follows investigators as they uncover the truth about these extraterrestrials – known as the Hive – and the hidden history of humanity, often clashing with secretive government groups. Though it was unfortunately canceled after only nineteen episodes, Dark Skies remains a strong example of a sci-fi series that deserved to continue.

Despite often being compared to The X-Files, and sometimes criticized for it, Dark Skies actually enhances that show’s legacy. While not as refined, Dark Skies had a compelling story with a lot of promise, and it’s a shame it isn’t more well-known. Though it didn’t last long, this 90s sci-fi series is a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered for its own unique qualities.

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2025-11-07 23:16