Science Fiction/Fantasy Television: The Best
by theNeoplatonist | created - 11 Feb 2015 | updated - 15 May 2018 | PublicThe science fiction / fantasy television shows that most appeal to the bizarre taste of theNeoplatonist. In alphabetical order after some annoying numbers...
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1. The 4400 (2004–2007)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
As the reappearance of 4,400 missing persons on a single day confounds the global community, federal agents on the case slowly discover the ways in which the victims have been changed.
Stars: Jacqueline McKenzie, Joel Gretsch, Patrick John Flueger, Conchita Campbell
Votes: 46,900
Compulsive stuff: hard not to watch the next episode, then the next...
2. 666 Park Avenue (2012–2013)
TV-MA | 598 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
At the 203 apartments Drake, NYC, residents are granted one wish - any wish. But beware of the price. There's something supernatural and evil about The Drake that only the owners, Gavin and Olivia. know about/control.
Stars: Rachael Taylor, Dave Annable, Robert Buckley, Samantha Logan
Votes: 18,385
Mind-boggling weirdness in a hotel no-one should ever stay in.
3. Ace of Wands (1970–1972)
30 min | Family, Fantasy
Telepathic stage magician, Tarot, and his two assistants solve mysteries and crimes of a bizarre or magical nature, and battle against villains with various powers.
Stars: Michael MacKenzie, Tony Selby, Judy Loe, Roy Holder
Votes: 123
A pity so many episodes are lost. The surviving ones (especially "Peacock Pie") show how atmospheric this was for a children's fantasy show. And the theme music is addictive in itself.
4. Arrow (2012–2020)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.
Stars: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Susanna Thompson
Votes: 446,168
The first three seasons, at any rate. Even season 4 is good although the conclusion is rather weak.
5. Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010)
TV-MA | 1,320 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
After being shot in 2008 while investigating DCI Sam Tyler, DI Alex Drake wakes up in 1981.
Stars: Philip Glenister, Keeley Hawes, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster
Votes: 11,086
The follow-up to "Life on Mars" - just as good.
6. The Avengers (1961–1969)
TV-14 | 50 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners.
Stars: Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman, Linda Thorson
Votes: 8,896
Steed and Emma Peel were the best partnership, in my humble opinion. Wonderful.
7. Babylon 5 (1993–1998)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
In the mid 23rd century, the Earth Alliance space station Babylon 5, located in neutral territory, is a major focal point for political intrigue, racial tensions and various wars over the course of five years.
Stars: Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Stephen Furst, Andreas Katsulas
Votes: 34,637
8. Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)
TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.
Stars: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, James Callis
Votes: 175,679
Plus the pilot movie from 2003.
9. Blake's 7 (1978–1981)
Not Rated | 50 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship.
Stars: Michael Keating, Paul Darrow, Peter Tuddenham, Jan Chappell
Votes: 4,499
Oh my. The Federation is a totalitarian monstrosity (albeit run by a very beautiful woman), its opponents - apart from Blake himself - are little better, if more endearing. And in the last episode... No, I'd better not spoil it. Sob...
10. The Box of Delights (1984)
30 min | Family, Fantasy
Based on the classic children's novel by John Masefield, the story follows the exploits of a young boy, Kay Harker, who finds himself drawn into a world of magic and danger when he encounters an old Punch and Judy man.
Stars: Devin Stanfield, Robert Stephens, Geoffrey Larder, Jonathan Stephens
Votes: 951
Enchanting. With Patrick Troughton, the second "Dr Who".
11. Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967–1968)
TV-PG | 25 min | Action, Crime, Drama
In 2068, the indestructible Captain Scarlet leads the agents of Spectrum in a war of nerves against the Mysterons from Mars.
Stars: Ed Bishop, Donald Gray, Francis Matthews, Sylvia Anderson
Votes: 1,902
My favorite Gerry Anderson puppet series. The Mysterons are pretty spooky.
12. Catweazle (1970–1971)
30 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
A medieval wizard (though not a very good one) is transported to the modern age.
Stars: Geoffrey Bayldon, Robin Davies, Gary Warren, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell
Votes: 1,127
13. The Champions (1968–1969)
60 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
After a plane carrying three UN Agents crashes in the Himalayas, they are rescued by an advanced civilisation secretly living in Tibet who grant them enhanced versions of the ordinary five senses, and intellectual and physical abilities.
Stars: Stuart Damon, Alexandra Bastedo, William Gaunt, Anthony Nicholls
Votes: 1,425
14. Charlie Jade (2005)
45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A missing persons detective finds himself caught between three parallel universes.
Stars: Jeffrey Pierce, Michael Filipowich, Michele Burgers, Tyrone Benskin
Votes: 1,203
Film noir sci-fi, all about parallel worlds. Highly distinctive visual and narrative style.
15. Children of the Stones (1977)
173 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
Scientist Adam Brake and his son Matthew arrive in the sleepy English village of Milbury to find it under the grip of weird psychic powers unleashed by the sinister village squire, Hendrick, and whose power they struggle to break.
Stars: Gareth Thomas, Veronica Strong, Peter Demin, Ruth Dunning
Votes: 856
Some creepy stuff here. Plus Gareth Thomas before he was immortalized as Roj Blake in "Blakes 7" (see above).
16. Continuum (I) (2012–2015)
TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A detective from the year 2077 finds herself trapped in present-day Vancouver and searching for ruthless criminals from the future.
Stars: Rachel Nichols, Victor Webster, Erik Knudsen, Stephen Lobo
Votes: 63,559
Probably the ultimate time-travel series, where the actual concept of time-travel drives everything and produces a few exquisite paradoxes.
17. Daredevil (2015–2018)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A blind lawyer by day, vigilante by night. Matt Murdock fights the crime of New York as Daredevil.
Stars: Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson
Votes: 475,062
18. Dark Skies (1996–1997)
TV-14 | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
In 1960s America, a young couple struggle to expose the truth about a hidden alien invasion, while a secret government organization follows its own agenda in dealing with the threat.
Stars: Eric Close, J.T. Walsh, Lackos, Megan Ward
Votes: 2,380
19. Day Break (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Today Detective Brett Hopper will be accused of shooting state attorney Alberto Garza. He will offer his rock solid alibi. He will realize he's been framed. And he will run. Then he will wake up and start the day over again.
Stars: Taye Diggs, Moon Bloodgood, Victoria Pratt, Meta Golding
Votes: 8,446
Brilliant time-travel series, akin to Groundhog Day.
20. The Day of the Triffids (1981)
50 min | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
When a comet blinds nearly everyone in the world, a genetically-engineered species of plant takes over.
Stars: John Duttine, Emma Relph, Maurice Colbourne, Jonathan Newth
Votes: 2,439
A faithful adaptation of the novel and terrific tv science fiction.
21. Doctor Who (1963–1989)
TV-PG | 25 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
The adventures in time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord who changes appearance and personality by regenerating when near death, and is joined by companions in battles against aliens and other megalomaniacs.
Stars: William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker
Votes: 39,545
My favorite. Not so keen on New Who, as it has become increasingly a vehicle for Political Correctness. Ugh.
22. The Event (2010–2011)
TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
When a man goes looking for his missing girlfriend, he stumbles upon a government conspiracy that is bigger than the President himself.
Stars: Jason Ritter, Sarah Roemer, Ian Anthony Dale, Zeljko Ivanek
Votes: 26,590
Another well-made show cancelled by the Evil Powers. May Shub-Niggurath dance on their skulls.
23. Firefly (2002–2003)
TV-14 | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Five hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.
Stars: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin
Votes: 281,837
24. The Flash (2014–2023)
TV-PG | 43 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
After being struck by lightning, Barry Allen wakes up from his coma to discover he's been given the power of super speed, becoming the Flash, and fighting crime in Central City.
Stars: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes
Votes: 368,361
Wonderful modern version of the DC classic. Includes time-travel, hero-villains, and much else.
25. Flashforward (2009–2010)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
A special task force in the FBI investigates after every person on Earth simultaneously blacks out and awakens with a short vision of their future.
Stars: Courtney B. Vance, Joseph Fiennes, Jack Davenport, Zachary Knighton
Votes: 62,110
Cancelled on a cliffhanger. May the fungi of Yuggoth devour those tv business executives.
26. Fringe (2008–2013)
TV-14 | 46 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
An F.B.I. agent is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist and his son in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena.
Stars: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Jasika Nicole
Votes: 257,614
The X Files on LSD, if such a thing were possible (literally, in at least one episode). If you like "parallel world" stuff, THIS is your show.
27. The Guardians (1971)
60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
In a declining England of the 1980s, the UK has broken up and England is ruled by a fascist military force called "The Guardians."
Stars: Gwyneth Powell, Cyril Luckham, David Burke, Derek Smith
Votes: 92
England as a fascist state in an alternate reality or near future... Gripping drama.
28. Heroes (II) (2006–2010)
TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Common people discover that they have super powers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented.
Stars: Jack Coleman, Hayden Panettiere, Milo Ventimiglia, Masi Oka
Votes: 251,715
29. The Invaders (1967–1968)
TV-PG | 51 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
The Aliens are here, posing as human, and not friendly. David Vincent has seen them land and now must evade them and convince others of their presence while not being put in the booby hatch.
Stars: Roy Thinnes, Kent Smith, Max Kleven, William Windom
Votes: 3,436
Terrified me senseless as a child.
30. Journeyman (2007)
45 min | Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi
A San Francisco journalist mysteriously travels to the past and alters the path of people's lives. When his travels reunite him with his long-lost fiancée Livia, life with his present-day wife gets very interesting.
Stars: Kevin McKidd, Gretchen Egolf, Moon Bloodgood, Reed Diamond
Votes: 9,620
Wonderful time-travel series. Cancelled by evil executives after only one season, but that season does tell a coherent story and reaches a conclusion of sorts. You won't see better acting than you get here.
31. Kings (2009)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi
A modern day, alternate-reality drama about a hero who rises to become the King of his nation, based on the biblical story of King David.
Stars: Ian McShane, Christopher Egan, Susanna Thompson, Allison Miller
Votes: 8,731
Brilliant re-imagining, in modern dress, of the biblical story of King Saul and his court. Liberties taken with the story, of course, but gripping as drama. Ian McShane as Saul is marvelous.
32. Kinvig (1981)
30 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi
Lazy, unambitious repairman and UFO enthusiast Des Kinvig encounters a spaceship captained by the beautiful Miss Griffin from Mercury. Or is it all just the fantasy of a man having a quiet breakdown?
Stars: Tony Haygarth, Patsy Rowlands, Prunella Gee, Colin Jeavons
Votes: 83
Hilarious, affectionate send-up of UFO nerds. Open-ended: maybe our hero is delusional, or maybe these encounters are real... Funny either way. By Nigel Kneale of "Quatermass" fame.
33. Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974–1975)
TV-PG | 51 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Carl Kolchak is a reporter for a Chicago newspaper. Through more accident than design he ends up investigating homicides, many of which involve supernatural forces. Ultimately, rather than reporting on the crimes, he solves them.
Stars: Darren McGavin, Simon Oakland, Jack Grinnage, Ruth McDevitt
Votes: 6,247
The most lovable paranormal investigator of all time.
34. DC's Legends of Tomorrow (2016–2022)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Time-traveling rogue Rip Hunter must recruit a ragtag team of heroes and villains to help prevent an apocalypse that could impact not only Earth, but all of time.
Stars: Caity Lotz, Amy Louise Pemberton, Dominic Purcell, Nick Zano
Votes: 110,087
35. Life on Mars (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 959 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
After a near-fatal car accident, smart, savvy, sharp-suited detective Sam is mysteriously transported back to 1973. Confused by his new surroundings, Sam tries to return to the present, but the police force of long ago needs his help.
Stars: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Dean Andrews
Votes: 32,456
The first round of "Ashes to Ashes", introducing Gene Hunt, the politically incorrect police inspector - one of the most colorful creations on any tv show.
36. The Lone Gunmen (2001)
45 min | Comedy, Drama, Mystery
The X-Files' Lone Gunmen, their action-loving man-childish sidekick and patron, Jimmy Bond, and their sexy master thief frienemy, Yves, investigate crimes and conspiracies, often in a silly, comedic and over the top fashion.
Stars: Bruce Harwood, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Zuleikha Robinson
Votes: 5,744
Affectionate comedy spinoff from "The X-Files". For the finale, see the X-Files episode "Jumping the Shark", where our heroes get a fitting send-off into Geek Glory.
37. Lost (2004–2010)
TV-14 | 5,445 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
The survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.
Stars: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly
Votes: 595,727
38. The Lost Room (2006)
TV-PG | 90 min | Action, Fantasy, Mystery
A detective investigates a mysterious motel room which acts as a portal to anywhere in the world.
Stars: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies, Peter Jacobson, Dennis Christopher
Votes: 33,086
Engrossing fantasy that deserved a second season. Still, the major story-arc is resolved.
39. The Martian Chronicles (1980)
360 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
In the 21st century, Earth begins the colonization of Mars. However, things do not go as planned, at first due to the hostile Martian natives and later because of the self-destructive Earthmen.
Stars: Rock Hudson, Gayle Hunnicutt, Bernie Casey, Christopher Connelly
Votes: 2,512
Beautiful adaptation of Ray Bradbury's book.
40. Merlin (1998)
Not Rated | 61 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Legendary wizard Merlin tells his story of his war against Queen Mab of the Sidhe and his creation of Camelot.
Stars: Sam Neill, Helena Bonham Carter, John Gielgud, Rutger Hauer
Votes: 22,542
Eye-popping Arthurian extravaganza.
41. Millennium (I) (1996–1999)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
A former FBI profiler with the ability to look inside the mind of a killer begins working for the mysterious Millennium Group which investigates serial killers, conspiracies, the occult, and those obsessed with the end of the millennium.
Stars: Lance Henriksen, Megan Gallagher, Terry O'Quinn, Brittany Tiplady
Votes: 12,294
X-Files spinoff, but much darker and sadder. The central character Frank Black is a craggy, tortured force for truth in a sick world.
42. One Step Beyond (1959–1961)
Approved | 25 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"One Step Beyond" was a collection of tales about paranormal events, horrifying folklore, and the world of the unknown.
Stars: John Newland, Robert Douglas, Olan Soule, Will J. White
Votes: 1,880
43. The Outer Limits (1963–1965)
TV-PG | 51 min | Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi
An anthology series of insightful science fiction tales.
Stars: Bob Johnson, Ben Wright, William Douglas, Robert Culp
Votes: 9,310
44. Paradox (2009–2010)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi
During a period of high activity on the sun a physicist receives images in his lab that show an event that has yet to happen.
Stars: Tamzin Outhwaite, Emun Elliott, Mark Bonnar, Chiké Okonkwo
Votes: 2,019
Highly intriguing and addictive, police procedure colliding with sci-fi in a very gritty way. Canceled, of course, after only one season by the Evil Gremlins. May Cthulhu consume them.
45. Planet of the Apes (1974)
TV-PG | 47 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Two astronauts and a sympathetic chimp friend are fugitives in a future Earth dominated by a civilization of humanoid apes.
Stars: Roddy McDowall, Ron Harper, James Naughton, Mark Lenard
Votes: 5,440
The best spin-off from the movies.
46. The Prisoner (1967–1968)
TV-PG | 1,010 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
After he resigns, a secret agent is abducted and taken to what looks like an idyllic village, but is actually a bizarre prison. He refuses to give his warders information while attempting to escape.
Stars: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat, Peter Swanwick, Peter Brace
Votes: 15,054
And I confess to loving the last episode.
47. Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)
TV-PG | 44 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
A pastry chef with the power to bring dead people back to life solves murder mysteries with his resurrected childhood sweetheart, a cynical private investigator, and a lovesick waitress.
Stars: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Jim Dale
Votes: 59,584
Hilarious.
48. Quatermass and the Pit (1958–1959)
30 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Horror
A team of scientists search for the origin and purpose of a mysterious capsule found on a building site.
Stars: André Morell, Cec Linder, Anthony Bushell, John Stratton
Votes: 1,207
The best, I think, of the Quatermass tv serials. Eerie and disturbing.
49. My Partner the Ghost (1969–1971)
Not Rated | 60 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
When Hopkirk gets killed, he reappears as a ghost - pretty handy to have around in this line of work.
Stars: Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope, Annette Andre, Ivor Dean
Votes: 1,510
My childhood introduction to the afterlife. Marty Hopkirk, the literally dead hero, was a childhood icon. But if anyone could persuade me to stay on earth, it might just be his widow Annette Andre.
50. ReGenesis (2004–2008)
TV-14 | 49 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Geneticist David Sandstrom is the chief scientist at the prestigious virology/micro-biology NORBAC laboratory, a joint enterprise between the USA, Canada and Mexico for countering bio-terrorism.
Stars: Peter Outerbridge, Conrad Pla, Dmitry Chepovetsky, Mayko Nguyen
Votes: 3,451
Sort of gritty, grizzled, down-to-earth, rock-hard-science version of "Fringe".
51. Robin Hood (1984–1986)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy
A forest mystical being appoints two men in succession as the legendary outlaw defender of the oppressed.
Stars: Peter Llewellyn Williams, Ray Winstone, Mark Ryan, Clive Mantle
Votes: 4,991
Forget all other attempts at putting the Robin Hood story on screen: this alone is the Definitive Article.
52. Sapphire & Steel (1979–1982)
TV-PG | 30 min | Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
The secrets Sapphire, Steel and their colleagues find include people trapped in photos, ghosts lost in time and a retro dinner party.
Stars: David McCallum, Joanna Lumley, David Collings, Gerald James
Votes: 1,858
53. The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–2011)
TV-PG | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith, with the help of her adopted son, his friends, and an intelligent supercomputer, combats evil alien forces here on Earth.
Stars: Elisabeth Sladen, Daniel Anthony, Alexander Armstrong, Tommy Knight
Votes: 6,753
Dr Who spinoff. As good as the parent series albeit more in children's mode.
54. Sky (1975)
30 min | Family, Sci-Fi
A young time-traveller with superhuman powers is stranded on Earth after running into a Black Hole. Pursued by the evil Goodchild, Sky is helped on his quest to find a way home by three human teenagers, Arby, Jane and Roy.
Stars: Marc Harrison, Stuart Lock, Cherrald Butterfield, Richard Speight
Votes: 119
Totally weird. And brilliant.
55. Star Trek (1966–1969)
TV-PG | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.
Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols
Votes: 92,996
Impossible to comment on. A childhood favorite, with Spock as my great childhood hero.
56. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
In the vicinity of the liberated planet of Bajor, the Federation space station Deep Space Nine guards the opening of a stable wormhole to the far side of the galaxy.
Stars: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton, Alexander Siddig
Votes: 70,851
57. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.
Stars: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
Votes: 136,212
58. Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001)
TV-PG | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Pulled to the far side of the galaxy, where the Federation is seventy-five years away at maximum warp speed, a Starfleet ship must cooperate with Maquis rebels to find a way home.
Stars: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson, Robert Duncan McNeill
Votes: 77,402
59. Stranger Things (2016–2025)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.
Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour
Votes: 1,337,946
60. Survivors (1975–1977)
50 min | Drama, Sci-Fi
A community of survivors struggle to stay alive in the wake of a global pandemic known as the Death that wiped out 99.98% of humanity.
Stars: Lucy Fleming, Ian McCulloch, Denis Lill, Stephen Dudley
Votes: 1,440
Another Terry Nation cracker (he invented "Blakes 7" and Dr Who's Daleks). The best depiction of life after a global (viral) catastrophe.
61. Timeslip (1970–1971)
30 min | Family, Sci-Fi
Simon and Liz fell into a time hole and found themselves trapped in different eras of the 20th century, where they have all sorts of adventures. Many of these involve the nefarious Commander Traynor, who is also traveling through time.
Stars: Cheryl Burfield, Spencer Banks, Denis Quilley, Iris Russell
Votes: 239
Well, they just don't make children's tv like this any more. Intelligent, gripping drama.
62. The Time Tunnel (1966–1967)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Two scientists with a secret time travel project find themselves trapped in the time stream and appearing in notable periods of history.
Stars: James Darren, Robert Colbert, Whit Bissell, John Zaremba
Votes: 4,236
Rather like the little girl with the little curl: when it's good, it's very very good, but when it's bad it's horrid.
63. The Tomorrow People (1973–1979)
30 min | Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
A group of teens with psychic and other paranormal abilities use their special gifts to battle evil.
Stars: Nicholas Young, Philip Gilbert, Elizabeth Adare, Peter Vaughan-Clarke
Votes: 839
Surprisingly infectious, despite some poor stories and low-budget effects. The central idea and the catchy theme and titles work wonders.
64. Travelers (2016–2018)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Hundreds of years from now, surviving humans discover how to send consciousness back through time, into people of the 21st century, while attempting to change the path of humanity.
Stars: Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson
Votes: 64,489
65. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
TV-PG | 50 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.
Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, James Turley
Votes: 93,237
66. Twin Peaks (1990–1991)
TV-MA | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.
Stars: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook
Votes: 215,604
67. UFO (1970–1971)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Sci-Fi
The missions of the Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization (SHADO), which defends Earth from extra-terrestrial threats.
Stars: Ed Bishop, Dolores Mantez, Michael Billington, Ayshea Brough
Votes: 4,140
Another childhood favorite, which is odd, because it's been called the most adult sci-fi show ever made. The aliens petrified me - those eyes, that green liquid...
68. V (2009–2011)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
An extraterrestrial race arrives on Earth with seemingly good intentions, only to slowly reveal their true machinations the more ingrained into society they become.
Stars: Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman
Votes: 58,897
See below. Both versions of V are, I think, very fine.
69. V (1983)
Unrated | 99 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A seemingly peaceful alien race, arrives at earth and asks for help to ensure their own planets survival. However, the visitors agenda turns out be much darker.
Stars: Jane Badler, Michael Durrell, Faye Grant, Peter Nelson
Votes: 17,170
See above.
70. The X-Files (1993–2018)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Two F.B.I. Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.
Stars: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis
Votes: 250,036
Archetypal stuff, so why am I bothering to comment? Nice to know it was inspired in part by Kolchak (see above).
71. Ultraviolet (1998)
TV-14 | 300 min | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
The six-episode series, first aired in 1998, stars Jack Davenport as Detective Sergeant Michael Colefield, who discovers a secret government vampire-hunting unit while investigating the disappearance of his partner.
Stars: Jack Davenport, Susannah Harker, Idris Elba, Philip Quast
Votes: 2,824
Vampirism meets police drama meets modern science. A brain-stunning concoction....
72. Undermind (1965)
60 min | Sci-Fi
Personnel Officer Drew Heriot returns to England after working in Australia to discover his brother behaving oddly, to the distress of his sister-in-law Anne. Investigating together they ... See full summary »
Stars: Jeremy Wilkin, Rosemary Nicols, Denis Quilley, John Barron
Votes: 36
A forgotten minor masterpiece of British sci-fi chills.
73. Warehouse 13 (2009–2014)
TV-14 | 43 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Pete and Myka, U.S Secret Service agents, are deployed in South Dakota's Warehouse 13 with a new assignment from an authority above and outside the government.
Stars: Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, Allison Scagliotti
Votes: 57,394
Mostly a more light-hearted X-Files, albeit with some darker episodes. Saul Rubinek as cantankerous but lovable Artie makes the show.
74. Zodiac (1974)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
A police Detective Inspector teams up with an astrologer to solve various crimes.
Stars: Anouska Hempel, Anton Rodgers, John Rhys-Davies, Michael Gambon
Votes: 102
Underrated and under-appreciated. Each episode is a highly polished gem.
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