Best Sci-Fi series ever?

[Lineoutt]

Recently I've been watching a lot Battlestar Cracktica and Star Trek: The Next Gen but I'm getting a bit worried: What happens after I'm done? I don't have any other series at all to turn to?

So escapists I ask you: What are the best Sci-Fi serieses...eses () ever?

Thanks ^^
- Lineoutt

 

[Thaius]

Considering the existence of Firefly, I fail to see why this question is even being asked.

Seriously though, Firefly. Easily the best live-action show I have ever seen. Ever.

EDIT: I also feel the need to point out Cowboy Bebop. It's anime, so if you don't like anime... deal with it. It's an amazing freaking show. And the English dub is surprisingly great, so if you don't like subtitles it still works out really well.

 

[TheTaco007]

Considering the existence of Firefly, I fail to see why this question is even being asked.

Seriously though, Firefly. Easily the best live-action show I have ever seen. Ever.

Fuck, ninja'd.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

Mystery Science Theater 3000.

 

[Cab00se206]

Well you've started with what I consider pretty much the pinnacle of Sci Fi, with Battlestar Galactica taking my vote for best Sci-Fi series of pretty much all time.

My second choice, however, would be the Stargate series. The series was based off the Roland Emmerich movie, which basically serves as a pilot. You don't need to watch it first or anything (I didn't). The plot revolves around the discovery of a device called (funnily enough) the Stargate that allows instantaneous transportation from one planet to another, allowing for exploration of the galaxy.

Stargate SG-1 (the main series) is a great sci-fi romp, very funny with witty writing and great stories. It is 10 seasons long, however, (making it the longest running sci-fi TV series in American history) meaning that if you get into it you've got a hell of a lot to keep watching, but you can't begrudge the series its success. If you're looking for more sci-fi, Stargate SG-1 is one of the best out there.

 

[madcap2112]

Considering the existence of Firefly, I fail to see why this question is even being asked.

Seriously though, Firefly. Easily the best live-action show I have ever seen. Ever.

Mystery Science Theater 3000.

I agree with both of these so much. I miss both of them.

 

[Snownine]

As mentioned SG1 is amazing (the first 6 seasons are my favorite). I also love me some Farscape and Lexx.

 

[Dags90]

One of the great things about Firefly and it's entire storyline is that it was never entirely fleshed out. Series tend to seem uninspired and as if they're running through the motions after a few seasons. With Firefly you have none of that, only what you think it could have been. That's why I don't think it's entirely fair to count Firefly into something like this. There was nothing in it that suggest it couldn't have turned into another Buffy. Firefly never got to the point of "filler episodes" because it was canceled so fast.

Farscape and Andromeda were pretty good if a bit too similar in concept. There's quite a lot of Star Trek out there, as well. I'm partial to DS9 apart from TNG.

 

[Kyrian007]

Although a lot of people disagree, I really enjoyed "Babylon 5." It was a little cheesier than some of the good sci-fi out there, but so many sci-fi space shows got away from the "space is dangerous" motif. In Star Trek, they flit from planet to planet, and the only danger is ailens, or people, or crystaline entities. Bab 5 really gave you the impression that you were in a tin can spinning around in space. It had a feel of being built by the lowest bidder, which in real life it would be.

 

[Billion Backs]

I hear the dune series that aired in late 90s/early 2000s were pretty good.

Haven't seen them myself, though... Only read the books and watched the '84 movie.

If we are going to stick with live-action series only, I don't think I have much of an answer.

If not, there are too many good anime science fiction series because of how broad the term "science fiction" is. Ghost in The Shell, Cowboy Bebop, and so on. And excluding anime, fuckin' Futurama.

I wouldn't consider Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, or Star Trek to be anywhere near being "Best sci-fi" series in my opinion. They're pretty entertaining, but I wouldn't consider them best.

Haven't seen Firefly, no comment there.

 

[Vredesbyrd67]

My vote is with Dr. Who.

 

[quiet_samurai]

Battlestar Galactica
Firefly
Mystery Science Theatre 3000

 

[Omegatronacles]

Although a lot of people disagree, I really enjoyed "Babylon 5." It was a little cheesier than some of the good sci-fi out there, but so many sci-fi space shows got away from the "space is dangerous" motif. In Star Trek, they flit from planet to planet, and the only danger is ailens, or people, or crystaline entities. Bab 5 really gave you the impression that you were in a tin can spinning around in space. It had a feel of being built by the lowest bidder, which in real life it would be.

B5 was fantastic. Especially the way that random events from the first season had storyline reasons all the way through the next 4.

In addition to everything suggested so far, I would suggest Farscape. [http://www.henson.com/fantasy_scifi.php?content=farscape] One of my favourite series.

 

[Cryogaijin]

"Best" is a bit subjective. Babylon 5 got us continuous story arcs and massive use of CGI effects in a unique universe. And Alien Aliens. They also tried to use real physics as much as possible.

Firefly was great for showing a more dystopian future. And it has Joss's dialog. Mix JMS's sci fi with joss's dialog and this thread wouldn't exist.

The BSG remake was also great for its grittiness and portrayal of the "Every day" aspect that is ignored so many places. It is rare that a show places as much concern on food and water, and heck, fuel, as BSG did. It meandered a lot, however, and seemed to lose its way.

That said, the best Sci Fi series is Dr. Who, followed by Blake's 7.

 

[Katherine Kerensky]

*Looks around*
Phew. Not said yet.
Although it may be a sci-fi comedy (And the first of its kind), Red Dwarf.
Brilliant series. That, and Doctor Who.
Not much else for me to say...

 

[Tireseas_v1legacy]

Firefly, followed by Star Trek: DS9 (I'm a sucker for the Cold War-ish plotline), then Doctor Who (I'd put it higher, but I really hated the last Doctor. The current one's okay, but I'll hold judgement until the season's over).

Considering the existence of Firefly, I fail to see why this question is even being asked.

Seriously though, Firefly. Easily the best live-action show I have ever seen. Ever.

Mystery Science Theater 3000.

I agree with both of these so much. I miss both of them.

Well, the guys who did Mystery Science Theater actually now do a stageshow where they essentially do the same thing except in front of live people. They still use the no-budget movies too!

 

[Cody211282]

Well since you already said BSG I will go with Star Trek: Deep Space 9, I'm currently watching it and so far it is the best trek out there.

 

[Spoonius]

I found Farscape to be the most enjoyable (and occasionally deep) sci-fi out there, but Firefly is probably the best-made, with the most interesting and memorable characters. Battlestar Galactica is incredible as well; it has a much more grounded and dramatic atmosphere.

I tried to get into Stargate a few weeks ago. My mate down at the local video shop told me to watch the movie first, but it just bored the hell out of me. Maybe the series is better though, I don't know.

Oh yeah, red Dwarf is great too. I've actually never watched Star Trek or Doctor Who, but they seem to be pretty damn popular, so I guess you could check them out...