7 Forgotten Sci-Fi Shows From the 90s

Since the late 1930s, science fiction has offered some of the most captivating television narratives. However, despite a surge in popularity during the 1990s, you might not recall every famous sci-fi TV series from that decade’s end. Some of the most successful and daring shows of the ’90s included different versions of Star Trek, The X-Files, and Babylon 5. These shows helped establish the ’90s as a significant era for sci-fi. Numerous other series strived to match their success, but few managed to garner the same viewership as these pioneering sci-fi productions.

In the 1990s, Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) became more affordable and practical, enabling sci-fi productions to transition from traditional methods like physical models, puppets, and miniatures used in earlier series. This shift allowed for a greater exploration of bizarre and imaginative concepts on screen, leading to a surge in science fiction adventures. Regrettably, many exceptional sci-fi TV shows from the 1990s have vanished over the past three decades, leaving behind only memories. However, it’s high time we revisit some of the most underrated science fiction stories that originated in the ’90s.

7. Space: Above and Beyond (1995-1996)

As a devoted sci-fi enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about Glen Morgan and James Wong’s groundbreaking series, “Space: Above and Beyond.” Despite its brief run in the ’90s, this show stands out as one of the decade’s most intriguing explorations of the genre. Unlike other sci-fi shows, it delved deep into the lives of a Marine Corps squadron from the Space Aviator Cavalry, stationed aboard the USS Saratoga. It wasn’t just about spaceships and aliens; it was about camaraderie, conflict, and the complexities of military hierarchy.

In many ways, it mirrored the spirit of films like “Aliens,” “Starship Troopers,” and “Independence Day,” as our characters found themselves embroiled in a war against an alien race known as the Chigs. Tragically, this extraordinary series was cut short before it could fully unfold its story.

6. VR.5 (1995)

In the 1990s, the science fiction series centered around virtual reality, known as VR.5, was a remarkable standout. The show featured Sydney Bloom (played by Lori Singer), a telephone lineworker and computer enthusiast, who acquired the power to enter an advanced virtual reality. In this digital world, she worked for an organization called the Committee on covert assignments. VR.5 boasted an impressive soundtrack and groundbreaking visual effects. Despite its innovative espionage themes, talented cast, including future star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Anthony Head, and boundary-pushing narrative, the costs proved too high for Fox to continue. Nevertheless, this sci-fi series deserves greater recognition.

5. Dark Skies (1996-1997)

Back in the ’90s, when The X-Files was taking Fox by storm, NBC decided to jump on the bandwagon with their own alien-themed show, Dark Skies. This short-lived series posited that aliens had been covertly residing among us since the 1940s, meddling with significant events and shaping the lives of notable figures. The extraterrestrial Hive was after a gradual takeover of Earth. Initially, they planned to run Dark Skies for five seasons, but unfortunately, only one season ever made it to the small screen, denying us the opportunity to follow their decade-long narrative akin to Marvel’s Secret Invasion. Since then, the show’s unique fusion of historical facts and science fiction has left a lasting impression and inspired numerous imitators.

4. Earth 2 (1994-1995)

The concept underlying “Earth 2” could be highly relatable in our current world, given that the show centered around explorers venturing to a planet resembling Earth in search of a solution for a global epidemic. During its brief run, “Earth 2” was recognized with Primetime Emmy, Saturn Award, and other honors, making it surprising that this once-famous series hasn’t received more recognition. Featuring actors such as Terry O’Quinn, Clancy Brown, Tim Curry, among others, “Earth 2” has subtly influenced numerous science fiction shows that followed, but has largely been overlooked itself.

3. RoboCop: The Series (1994)

Building upon the initial RoboCop film series, featuring Peter Weller as the lead character, the live-action RoboCop TV show served as an engaging continuation of the films. In this version, Richard Eden took over from Weller as Alex Murphy’s RoboCop, yet maintained the same essence, fervor, and wit found in the original adaptation, albeit tailored for a more family-oriented audience. Currently, a fresh RoboCop TV series is under development at Amazon MGM Studios, which may result in the demise of the standalone tales from the 1994 series, a pity since it was an entertaining and approachable installment in RoboCop’s chronicles.

2. Nowhere Man (1995-1996)

In the first significant television role for esteemed actor Bruce Greenwood, the series Nowhere Man garnered high praise from critics, leaving its cancellation after just one season all the more unexpected. The show revolved around Thomas Veil (Greenwood), a man who uncovers the chilling truth that his entire life, at some point, has been obliterated from existence. His wife no longer recognizes him, and there’s no trace of his former self. He soon learns that his memories were implanted, making them false from the start. This intriguing concept helped propel Nowhere Man to popularity in 1995, but it’s a series that has sadly faded into obscurity over time.

1. Farscape (1999-2003)

Among the TV shows listed, “Farscape” stands out as the longest-running and youngest, airing from 1999 to 2003 over four seasons. Yet, despite its acclaim for a captivating concept (an astronaut from Earth, Ben Browder, stranded in space with an eclectic group of aliens), striking visual effects, and compelling acting performances, it seems that “Farscape” has been somewhat overlooked by the passage of time. Originally intended to run for five seasons, its abrupt cancellation on a cliffhanger after season 4, similar to Westworld’s fate, may have contributed to a shift in audience appreciation for this once-adored series.

2025-06-15 17:44