10 Cancelled Sci-Fi Shows That Deserve a Modern Reboot

Since its inception, science fiction has proven to be a thriving and successful genre on television, leveraging futuristic landscapes, extraordinary characters, and out-of-the-ordinary ideas. This creative journey has given birth to some of the most engaging and cherished TV programs ever made, like Doctor Who, Star Trek, Stranger Things, and many others. Regrettably, not all sci-fi television series have managed to endure, but it would be wonderful if some that were discontinued could return for contemporary remakes.

Over time, some science fiction TV shows have become long-lasting and highly profitable franchises, paving the way for movie franchises to explore television as well. This trend has given rise to TV juggernauts like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and others, leaving many other sci-fi shows in the shadows. Yet, this situation opens up vast opportunities for science fiction, as numerous iconic series could potentially be revived for modern audiences. This would rekindle the intelligent and thought-provoking sci-fi narratives these shows once offered.

10) Firefly (2002)

The acclaimed TV series “Firefly,” created by Joss Whedon, frequently appears on lists of shows terminated prematurely. Airing only one season in 2002 before Fox discontinued it, the show boasted an intriguing narrative with immense creative promise. The story revolved around a band of individuals residing on the outskirts of a future space-faring civilization after a civil war, with Nathan Fillion portraying Malcolm Reynolds as their leader. With striking world-creation and layered characters, “Firefly” strongly suggests a remake or continuation.

After airing just 11 out of its total 14 episodes, the show Firefly was unfortunately cancelled before it could fully unravel its intricate storyline, particularly its deep-rooted political framework and the diverse inhabitants across numerous planets. Ever since its termination, devoted viewers have been clamoring for a revival or reboot of the series, thus establishing a massive cult fanbase. However, as of now, there’s no indication that a remake is in the works, even though a fresh Firefly reboot could offer an opportunity to delve into an entirely new universe for potential future episodes.

9) FlashForward (2009-2010)

FlashForward distinguishes itself from other sci-fi series by crafting a unique, down-to-earth narrative that resonates on a global scale. Following an enigmatic incident where nearly everyone on Earth experiences a two-minute blackout, which propels their minds six months into the future, a group of FBI agents embarks on an investigation to uncover the cause, interpret the flash-forwards, and predict if it will occur again. This thought-provoking premise warrants extensive exploration beyond a single season.

At the conclusion of the single season of “FlashForward,” another power outage takes place, causing people worldwide to witness glimpses into their future at different times. This unexpected event opened up numerous possibilities for Season 2 and subsequent episodes, but unfortunately, these storylines remain unresolved after more than a decade. It would be exciting to see a contemporary remake or revival of “FlashForward” to explore the potential that this idea still holds. Leaving it untouched seems like a waste given its capacity for growth.

8) Altered Carbon (2018-2020)

Altered Carbon, despite its challenges, was among the most thrilling and innovative shows introduced to Netflix in recent times, initially starring Joel Kinnaman and later Anthony Mackie in season 2. This series vividly adapted Richard K. Morgan’s 2002 novel, where human consciousness can be transferred from one body to another. The show had a captivating cyberpunk atmosphere. However, the second season of Altered Carbon fell short of the expectations set by the original, eventually leading to its cancellation.

Restarting the series “Altered Carbon” presents an excellent opportunity to tackle the problems that led to its termination. Since Season 2 combined two of Morgan’s books into one, a reboot could expand the storyline without hurrying into premature plotlines. A reboot might also delve deeper into the world beyond Takeshi Kovacs, a possibility that Season 2 overlooked after Kovacs completed his mission in Season 1. The “Altered Carbon” universe is vast, yet we’ve only scratched its surface; thus, it would be exciting to witness the series rejuvenated.

In 2020, a Netflix film named “Altered Carbon: Resleeved” was released as an anime prequel to the live-action series. Since then, there’s been no indication that the cyberpunk franchise will carry on beyond this animated installment. It would be exciting to bring Altered Carbon back to life-action, allowing for fresh narratives to unfold and potentially moving away from the character of Takeshi Kovacs.

7) Alphas (2011-2012)

It’s great to imagine a revival and update of the series “Alphas” on Syfy, as it was surprisingly successful initially. A reboot could offer an opportunity to introduce fresh characters, inventive plotlines, and unique new abilities, with perhaps a recast of Lee Rosen (David Strathairn) leading the team once more. Originally aired from 2011-2012, “Alphas” has a nostalgic feel that could be updated in a reboot. The series centered around a group of extraordinary individuals, referred to as Alphas, who used their unique abilities to solve crimes committed by other Alphas. While the storyline may have been predictable, it was the human element that truly made “Alphas” stand out.

The personalities in this series were authentic, down-to-earth, and resonated with viewers, making “Alphas” a show that delved deeper than just an individual’s power. Despite its somewhat predictable nature, “Alphas” garnered widespread acclaim and has a loyal fanbase, suggesting a remake would be well-received. The second season of “Alphas” ended on a thrilling cliffhanger, featuring the confrontation between Rosen and Stanton Parish (John Pyper-Ferguson), as well as the explosion of photic stimulators, potentially creating new Alphas. A reboot could develop and expand these narratives further, exploring territories yet unexplored by Marvel Studios.

6) Space: Above and Beyond (1995-1996)

Not many successful science fiction shows delved into military themes, making Space: Above and Beyond stand out in the 1990s. The show centered around the Wildcards, part of the United States Marine Corps’ 58th Squadron of the Space Aviator Cavalry, who were engaged in humanity’s conflict against the alien Chigs. The rich backstory of this series warrants a more thorough examination, implying that a reboot might be ideal for reviving this overlooked series.

Instead of following the typical pattern of sci-fi series from its era, Space: Above and Beyond utilized its genre to strengthen its intriguing characters, central ideas, and exploration of contemporary and emotionally resonant themes. A reboot could elevate Space: Above and Beyond to one of the most influential sci-fi series ever created, concentrating on topics such as PTSD, mental health, war hazards, and artificial intelligence. Despite its low initial viewership, a reboot could update the narrative, making it much more appealing to modern audiences.

5) Sliders (1995-2000)

The idea of a band of voyagers traversing wormholes to “shift” into alternate realities is one that warrants much more focus than this series provided. Although Sliders spanned five seasons, it remains relatively obscure, particularly due to its shift to the less popular Sci-Fi Channel during its concluding episodes. In its later seasons, Sliders seemed to lose quite a bit of its initial appeal and allure, which is why a remake could potentially recapture the elements that made the early episodes so engaging and thriving.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reflect on the impact of “Sliders” and one area that could have been significantly enhanced: the visual effects. Back then, they often felt outdated, disrupting the immersive experience and possibly contributing to the show’s eventual decline. In today’s era of advanced technology, the way the travelers slipped between worlds would be breathtakingly realistic, adding a layer of believability that was missing before.

A reboot presents an exciting opportunity. It allows us to delve deeper into the vastness of the multiverse, offering a fresh perspective beyond the dominance of Marvel and DC. Moreover, it provides a chance to explore the intricate layers of underdeveloped characters, giving them the attention they deserve.

4) Misfits (2009-2013)

It’s widely agreed that the initial seasons of the British superhero comedy-drama “Misfits” have a lasting appeal due to the exceptional and convincing acting by Robert Sheehan, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, and Antonia Thomas. They played young offenders who acquired superpowers after a strange electrical storm. Regrettably, “Misfits” underwent a significant decline in quality during its latter seasons, eventually leading to its termination. If a reboot were to happen, it could recapture the magic of the original series and introduce contemporary viewers to this captivating storyline.

A fresh adaptation of “Misfits” might delve into contemporary political themes or focus on technology-driven narratives, all while employing modernized and enhanced visual effects to depict its unique powers. However, an American take on “Misfits” was once in the works at Freeform, but as of 2018, no further developments about the series have been reported. Given the strong ties of the main characters to British culture, it seems fitting for this series to stay within British production, allowing for a broader exploration of themes and potential corrections of past errors for the motley crew of superpowered misfits.

3) Forever (2014-2015)

Many shows experienced an upswell of fan enthusiasm following their cancellations, as viewers hoped that their pleas might persuade studios to revive them. One such show is Forever. This series, which only ran for one season in 2014, initially went unnoticed, but fans were determined to keep it going after ABC cancelled it. Unfortunately, their efforts were fruitless. Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Forever is a strong contender for a contemporary revival, given its central theme of an immortal medical examiner named Henry Morgan.

In the show called “Forever“, Henry Morgan’s life was delved into using a combination of present-day narration and flashbacks to depict his numerous deaths. This unique approach is not often seen in live-action TV, making it unfortunate that the series didn’t continue past its original run. In the final episode of “Forever“, Morgan shared his secret with Detective Jo Martinez (Alana de la Garza), creating potential storylines for a second season that unfortunately never materialized. A revival of “Forever” could significantly boost its popularity beyond what it initially achieved.

2) Inhumans (2017)

The 2017 TV series “Inhumans” by Marvel Television aimed to delve deeper into the world of Inhumans, as previously introduced in “Agents of SHIELD”. Regrettably, its lackluster acting and dull storyline led to its downfall, negatively impacting the portrayal of these characters on live-action. This setback has made Marvel Studios cautious about involving the Inhumans in the MCU, with only Anson Mount’s Black Bolt appearing in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”. However, a potential reboot could alter this trend.

Introducing the Inhumans into the Marvel Cinatic Universe (MCU) would be an exciting expansion, especially with mutants and fresh characters set to enter the franchise. Initially conceived as a feature film for Marvel Television, the Inhumans, given their grandeur, might require a bigger budget and broader presence within the series. A revamped Inhumans project could emphasize newer, more potent Inhumans, illuminating their role in the larger universe, making them much more significant and entertaining to follow.

1) Babylon 5 (1993-1998)

Originally conceived by J. Michael Straczynski, the series ‘Babylon 5’ revolved around a team of human military personnel and alien ambassadors residing on the space station Babylon 5. Key storylines featured interspecies conflict, racial strife, and a rebellion against oppressive regimes – themes that remain potent and thought-provoking in today’s science fiction television landscape. With its innovative premise, ‘Babylon 5’ was years ahead of its time and could greatly benefit from updated visual effects and performances by a more well-known cast. A reboot of the series has nearly come to fruition.

In 2021, J. Michael Straczynski unveiled plans for a complete remake of the classic series Babylon 5. At first, it appeared The CW would be its new home. However, recently Warner Bros. regained ownership of the series and has reportedly been discussing potential reboots with other networks. Despite this, the fate of Babylon 5 remains uncertain and there’s a chance it may never see the light of day again. It would be wonderful to witness this groundbreaking and imaginative science fiction show reborn for today’s viewers.