7 Near-Perfect Space Opera Shows No One Remembers Today

Space operas are a popular type of science fiction, known for their epic stories and compelling characters, and they continue to be enjoyed by many. While classics like Star Trek and Star Wars are well-known, and even Marvel and DC have created popular space adventures such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Legends of Tomorrow, there are several nearly flawless sci-fi shows that have sadly been overlooked and forgotten.

The sci-fi show Firefly, a unique blend of space adventure and Western themes, has remained popular since it first aired and is now making a comeback. Battlestar Galactica significantly impacted the broader science fiction landscape, and even lesser-known space operas like Farscape and Red Dwarf have devoted fan followings. Sadly, some truly great shows in this genre have faded from public memory. Here are seven space operas that deserve a second look.

7. Killjoys

2015-2019

Around the same time as The Expanse, the SyFy channel aired Killjoys, a lively space adventure that ran for five seasons. The show centers on three bounty hunters – Dutch, Johnny, and D’avin – and their witty spaceship, Lucy. They work in a unique region of space called The Quad, which consists of one dwarf planet and three moons, all connected by a shared economy but with independent governments.

This show prioritizes strong friendships over romance. Johnny and Dutch have a deep, life-long connection, but it’s purely platonic. While Killjoys is exciting and fun to watch, it also thoughtfully explores difficult themes like abuse, sexism, and the effects of trauma. The writing is so good that even minor storylines and characters feel important. Plus, the show is remarkably inclusive, with stories that focus on people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

It’s a shame this exciting sci-fi show, Killjoys, isn’t more well-known, as it’s genuinely entertaining. Luckily, you can still watch it – it’s available to rent or buy on many streaming platforms. And if you dislike shows that end abruptly, you’ll be happy to know Killjoys has a satisfying conclusion.

6. Star Blazers

1979-1984

Star Blazers is a fantastic space opera that, surprisingly, hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves – both the original series and its remake are hidden gems. While the original’s animation might look dated now, it was groundbreaking when it first came out, and both versions remain truly special.

The show boasted impressively detailed space battles accompanied by a sweeping orchestral score that surpassed many live-action films of the 1970s. Star Blazers also pioneered serialized animated television in the US, tackling mature and emotionally resonant storylines. Notably, the show wasn’t afraid to show the consequences of choices, even killing off major characters. All of this groundbreaking storytelling was woven into a show with a fantastic plot and memorable characters.

Fortunately, the new version captured the magic of the original. It kept the heart of the story and familiar feel, but updated the animation and made the cast more diverse by including more female characters.

5. Lexx

1996-2002

As a sci-fi fan, I have to say Lexx is just a blast – seriously one of the campiest, funniest, and surprisingly sexiest space operas I’ve ever seen. What’s amazing is it’s not just all style; it actually has a really engaging story. It centers around a mismatched crew who basically hotwire the Lexx, which turns out to be this unbelievably powerful ship – like, capable of destroying entire universes! It’s a wild ride.

Today we see plenty of space operas featuring flawed or rebellious heroes, but when Lexx debuted in 1996, it was a truly original concept. The show didn’t shy away from portraying its characters as genuinely flawed individuals. In fact, it openly presented them as a group of dishonest, self-serving, and unlikeable characters—who were still incredibly fun to watch. Each character had their own agenda, and those agendas often clashed.

The show cleverly blends self-contained episodes with an overarching story. The standalone episodes are often incredibly strange and push the boundaries of science fiction. Lexx doesn’t try to be serious; instead, it fully embraces its over-the-top, campy aesthetic, and features a lot of sexual content. It’s a unique take on the space opera genre, and that makes it all the more enjoyable.

4. Dark Matter

2015-2017

The team behind some of the best parts of Stargate created Dark Matter, a fantastic space western that unfortunately doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. I’ve often described it as a blend of Firefly and Project Hail Mary. The story begins with a diverse crew waking up aboard a derelict spaceship called the Raza, completely stripped of their memories – they have no idea who they are, how they ended up there, or what they’re supposed to do.

By the end of the first episode, it’s clear the main characters are dangerous criminals. This revelation forces the crew of the Raza to confront their pasts, present selves, and future goals. This sets up an exciting story about whether people can truly change and find redemption.

Despite its compelling central concept, Dark Matter is also a very intense and raw story. It’s notably more bleak and serious than typical space operas, exploring themes and situations its earlier counterparts wouldn’t have dared to touch.

3. Space: 1999

1975-1977

The 1970s were a uniquely interesting period for science fiction. It existed between the hopeful sci-fi of the 1960s and the darker, more cynical stories of the 1980s. The show Space: 1999, though often overlooked, leaned towards the philosophical themes that would define 1980s sci-fi, but still retained a touch of the optimism from the previous decade.

Earth became so full of nuclear waste that people began storing it on the moon. When an explosion occurred, it blasted the moon – and the 311 inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha – into deep space. Now, these unwilling travelers are adrift on a spaceship they didn’t choose, lost in a completely unknown universe. The series then focuses on complex and thought-provoking themes.

This science fiction series delves into themes of loneliness, the pain of displacement, and the boundaries of what we can know about the universe, portraying a cosmos that is often harsh and indifferent. However, it also finds hope in the bonds formed between the people stranded on the moon. While its thoughtful and melancholic nature may have contributed to it being overlooked, it’s precisely this quality that makes Space: 1999 so unique.

2. Legend Of The Galactic Heroes

1988-1997

As a sci-fi fan, let me tell you, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a masterpiece. The story is just brilliantly written, with incredibly deep lore and characters you really get invested in. It’s set way in the future, and humanity has basically divided into two: a democratic group called the Free Planets Alliance and a powerful, authoritarian Galactic Empire. They’re locked in this huge, ongoing war, but the really fascinating part is how much the show focuses on the brilliant military strategists leading both sides. It’s less about the battles themselves and more about how they’re fought, and the minds behind them.

Reinhard leads a powerful empire built on strict rule, yet he dislikes the privileged noble class that holds authority. Conversely, Wen-Li champions a democratic system despite his personal reservations about it. Both men excel in their nations’ armed forces and frequently find themselves in conflict. They share a common desire to improve life for their people, but they have drastically different visions for how to achieve that goal.

Even for an anime from the 1980s, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is beautiful to watch, and the music perfectly complements every scene. The soundtrack is carefully chosen to deepen the story. The writers also give the audience a lot of credit, which all adds up to a truly exceptional show. However, some viewers might not like that not all episodes are dubbed, so subtitles will be necessary at times. Also, be aware that the show unfolds gradually – it’s not fast-paced.

1. Vagrant Queen

2020

Vagrant Queen stands out as a refreshingly fun and lighthearted sci-fi show, especially when many others are so dark and serious. It centers around Elida, a rebellious princess trying to reclaim her throne, along with her childhood friend Isaac, a skilled mechanic, and Amae, a cheerful engineer. Their journey is full of unexpected twists and turns as they navigate a distant galaxy.

This space opera is a hilarious and exciting ride. The characters have fantastic chemistry, leading to plenty of funny scenes. It’s visually striking with a vibrant, psychedelic style, quirky aliens, and action-packed sequences reminiscent of Marvel movies. Importantly, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. The cast is wonderfully diverse, and it’s refreshing to see a queer Black woman, Elida, take the lead – something you don’t often see in science fiction.

The TV show Vagrant Queen was a faithful adaptation of the comic book series by Magdalene Visaggio and Jason Smith. However, it premiered on SyFy in 2020, a time when traditional network television was already struggling. Limited viewership, combined with shifting release dates, ultimately led to the show being canceled.

2026-06-06 17:02