Exploring the best space tv series and their legacy
Dive into the vastness of space with iconic television series that have captured imaginations for decades. From epic sagas to groundbreaking sci-fi, these shows explore the final frontier in unique ways. Get ready to discover some essential viewing for any sci-fi fan.


For decades, television has been humanity's portal to the cosmos, offering glimpses into futures both utopian and dystopian, and introducing us to fascinating alien worlds and cultures. The allure of space exploration, unknown phenomena, and the challenges of venturing beyond our home planet have provided fertile ground for some of the most beloved and enduring series in TV history.
Franchises like Star Trek have become cultural touchstones, evolving through multiple iterations—from the philosophical explorations of The Next Generation and the complex moral dilemmas of Deep Space Nine, to the frontier spirit of Voyager and the origins story of Enterprise. These shows didn't just tell stories about spaceships; they used the sci-fi setting to examine contemporary social issues, technological ethics, and the very definition of humanity. The dedication of fans is so profound that documentaries and special features delving into their production and legacy are highly sought after.
Similarly, the Stargate universe, with its unique premise of ancient portal technology, built a rich mythology across series like SG-1 and Atlantis, blending military sci-fi with mythology and adventure. Then there are shows that, despite shorter runs, achieved legendary cult status, like Firefly, known for its unique blend of Western grit and space opera charm, creating a fiercely loyal fanbase.
Even long-running institutions like Doctor Who, while not exclusively space-based, frequently send their eccentric hero across the galaxies in the iconic TARDIS, showcasing the sheer imaginative scope possible within the genre. These series, and many others, aren't just escapism; they invite us to ponder our place in the universe and the potential, both wondrous and terrifying, that lies among the stars.
10. Star Trek: Enterprise - Uncharted Territory (2013)
Star Trek: Enterprise - Uncharted Territory likely delves into the making or themes of the Star Trek: Enterprise
TV series. This show served as a prequel, set a century before the original series, exploring the early days of Starfleet and humanity's first deep-space missions aboard the NX-01 Enterprise, captained by Jonathan Archer. It aimed for a slightly more grounded, frontier-exploration feel compared to later Trek series, showing humanity fumbling its way into the galactic community. This special probably covers aspects of the show's production, its place in the complex Star Trek timeline, or perhaps focuses on specific storylines or characters that defined its run.
9. Launch of Star Trek: Voyager (1995)
Launch of Star Trek: Voyager sounds like a look behind the scenes at the debut of the fourth live-action Star Trek TV series. Star Trek: Voyager
took the premise of being truly lost in space to heart, stranding the USS Voyager and its crew 70,000 light-years from home in the Delta Quadrant. The series explored the challenges of a Starfleet crew forced to ally with Maquis rebels to survive, encountering strange new aliens and phenomena on their decades-long journey back to Earth. This special likely covers the development, casting, and initial production of the show, offering insights into how this unique chapter of the Star Trek universe began its voyage.
8. Stargate Atlantis: Fans' Choice (2009)
Stargate Atlantis: Fans' Choice suggests a special or documentary celebrating the popular spin-off TV series, Stargate Atlantis
. This show took the Stargate premise to a whole new galaxy, Pegasus, aboard the legendary city-ship of Atlantis. It introduced a new team of explorers and military personnel facing a formidable new enemy, the Wraith, a telepathic, life-draining species. Atlantis offered a blend of exploration, action, and scientific discovery, building its own lore and fan base while maintaining ties to the original SG-1 universe. A 'Fans' Choice' special likely highlights favorite episodes, characters, and moments that resonated most with the dedicated Stargate community.

7. Stargate SG-1: True Science (2006)
Stargate SG-1: True Science points to a fascinating aspect of the long-running Stargate SG-1
TV series – its basis in science, or at least, speculative science! The show, which ran for an incredible ten seasons, followed a military team exploring the galaxy via an ancient alien device called the Stargate. Each week offered a blend of adventure, mythology, and military action as SG-1 encountered alien races, powerful villains like the Goa'uld, and explored ancient cultures. This documentary likely delves into the real-world scientific concepts that inspired elements of the show, from wormholes and artificial intelligence to alien biology and advanced technology, bridging the gap between science fiction and reality.

6. Beyond the Five Year Mission - The Evolution of Star Trek: The Next Generation (2014)
Beyond the Five Year Mission - The Evolution of Star Trek: The Next Generation is clearly a look back at one of the most beloved science fiction TV series ever made. Star Trek: The Next Generation
successfully revived the franchise for a new era, introducing Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D. Over seven seasons, the show explored complex ethical dilemmas, advanced scientific concepts, and built a rich tapestry of characters like Data, Worf, and Geordi La Forge. This documentary likely explores the show's production, its impact on culture, and how it evolved from its shaky first season into a powerhouse of thoughtful storytelling that continues to resonate with audiences today.
5. Remembering 'Battlestar Galactica' (2004)
Remembering 'Battlestar Galactica' sounds like a deep dive into the acclaimed 2004 TV series, and for good reason! This show wasn't just sci-fi; it was a gritty, complex drama set in space. The series followed the last remnants of humanity fleeing the robotic Cylons who had annihilated their twelve colonies. Led by Commander Adama and President Roslin, the fleet's struggle for survival was marked by political intrigue, religious fundamentalism, and intense personal sacrifices. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of space combat, nuanced characters, and willingness to tackle heavy themes like terrorism, civil liberties, and the nature of humanity itself. A documentary about this series is sure to be fascinating for fans and newcomers alike.
4. Dark Matter (2023)
This entry, listed as the movie Dark Matter, could be related to the compelling sci-fi TV series of the same name that aired from 2015 to 2017. The series centered on six people who wake up on a derelict spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. They name themselves One through Six and must work together to survive, navigating dangerous corporate factions, ruthless mercenaries, and their own mysterious, potentially dark pasts. It's a show packed with suspense, moral ambiguity, and thrilling space adventures, built on a foundation of character-driven mystery. If this movie connects to that universe, expect a similar blend of action, intrigue, and questions about identity.

3. Doctor Who (1996)
Step into the TARDIS with the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie! While a standalone production meant to relaunch the classic British TV series for an American audience, this entry is a crucial piece of the Doctor Who legacy. It introduces the Eighth Doctor, played with wide-eyed wonder and romantic flair by Paul McGann, who sadly only got this single televised adventure as the main Doctor until much later. Facing off against his ancient nemesis, the Master, the story sees the Doctor regenerating in San Francisco and grappling with amnesia. It attempted to modernize the show's format and visuals, bridging the gap between the original run that ended in 1989 and the wildly successful revival in 2005. It's a fascinating, often debated, but undeniably important chapter for any Whovian.

2. Firefly (2023)
Though listed here as a movie, any fan of sci-fi knows the title Firefly immediately brings to mind Joss Whedon's criminally short-lived, yet fiercely beloved, space western TV series. This entry likely points to content deeply intertwined with that universe, maybe the follow-up film 'Serenity' or a related special. The original series brilliantly blended gritty frontier life with futuristic space travel, following the ragtag crew of the transport ship Serenity as they take on smuggling jobs and evading the omnipresent Alliance. It's celebrated for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and a unique blend of humor, action, and drama. The cast, led by Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds, has incredible chemistry that makes you feel like you're part of the crew. Its cancellation was a blow to many, but the passion of its fanbase, the Browncoats, remains legendary.

1. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Emissary (1993)
Prepare to dive deep into the unknown with the pilot episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. While listed here as a movie, 'Emissary' is your grand introduction to the first Star Trek series not set aboard a starship but on a bustling, politically charged space station orbiting a newly discovered stable wormhole. This shift in setting allows for complex, long-form storytelling rarely seen in previous Trek iterations, tackling war, religion, and cultural conflict head-on. You'll meet Captain Benjamin Sisko, a Starfleet officer grappling with personal tragedy and a destiny he never expected, alongside a fascinating crew of Bajorans, Cardassians, and Ferengi. It sets the stage for one of the most critically acclaimed and unique chapters in the Star Trek saga, offering a richer, darker, and more character-driven exploration of the galaxy.