Science fiction television arguably peaked during the 1990s, which gave the 2000s the perfect chance to continue that legacy. They succeeded. Some of the best and most iconic sci-fi shows in history were made during this decade, fromLosttoFireflytoBattlestar Galactica, but the era also saw the production of some of the most criminally underappreciated sci-fi shows ever.
This is a genre that’s sometimes looked down upon as low-brow by fans of “prestige” television, which occasionally means thatexceptional sci-fi series get drowned out in the sea of genre shows that actually attain mainstream success. The 2000s in particular contain some of the most underrated sci-fi series in history, from nostalgic spin-offs to legendary cult classics; and they all deserve a watch.
10’The Sarah Jane Adventures' (2007–2011)
Created by Russell T. Davies
First airing in 1963,Doctor Whosoon became one of the most iconic and influential sci-fi TV shows in history. Nowadays, it’s the longest-running series in the genre’s history, and as such, it’s not particularly surprising that it has spawned several spin-offs. This includesThe Sarah Jane Adventures, a family-friendly show led by Sarah Jane Smith, perhaps the Doctor’s best-ever companion.
Sarah Jane is an icon, and the lateElisabeth Sladen plays her here with as much heart as she did back during the classicWhodays. The series is definitely aimed at an even younger target demographic thanDoctor Who, but that’s a feature, not a bug. Cute, charming, and consistently fun,The Sarah Jane Adventuresdeserves more recognition from Whovians and non-Whovians alike.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
9’Taken' (2002)
Created by Leslie Bohem
Sci-fi shows can afford the luxury of having high ambitions, although this doesn’t always turn out well. It definitely did withTaken, though, a series spanning several decades that follows the multi-generational lives of three families living in a world characterized by alien encounters. Produced by none other thanSteven Spielberg, it’s about as great as one would expect any sci-fi film by the director to be.
Though it’s one ofthe most forgotten sci-fi showsin recent memory,Takenis full of memorable scenes, great performances,and top-tier production qualities considering its time. The parallel storytelling is an ambitious gimmick that doesn’t always pay off, but when it does, it makesTakenone of the most unforgettable genre series of the 2000s.
8’Eureka' (2006–2012)
Created by Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia
Sci-fi is always quite dramatic. These tales of grand space exploration, spaceship dogfights, and hugely imaginative world-building naturally lead to some of the most operatic TV shows ever produced.However, every now and then, a sci-fi comedy graces the world—and, if done right, it can be proof of just how entertaining the genre can be.Eurekais one such show.
Its jokes don’t always land, butEurekahas a sense of humor so full of charm and heart that it becomes a comfort show impossible not to enjoy at least a little bit. Fun, well-written yet occasionally silly, and with a terrific cast of comedic actors at the top of their game, it’s a quirky sci-fi comedy that’s fully deserving of far more attention.
7’The 4400' (2004–2007)
Created by René Echevarria and Scott Peters
Not to be confused with its widely-panned 2021 remake,The 4400is 2000s sci-fi television at its very best. Although its cult following was heartbroken by its untimely cancellation, its legacy lives on. It’s one of the smartest and most innovative genre series of the decade, and may even be one ofthe period’s best sci-fi showsin general.
The ensemble, full of exceptional actors, works wonders; the effects, music, and other technical qualities are all top-notch; and although seasons one and two are definitely significantly superior to their two successors,the whole thing is nevertheless very much worth watching. Moody, creative, and emotionally compelling, it’s one of the best alien abduction shows.
6’Caprica' (2009–2010)
Created by Remi Aubuchon and Ronald D. Moore
The originalBattlestar Galacticacame out in 1978. Thus, one of the biggest sci-fi franchises in the history of the small screen was born. The original series wasn’t all that exceptional, but as soon as the legendary 2004 version of the show came out, fans realized just how good the franchise could truly be. It only took five years for it to earn itself a spin-off.
Caprica, aBattlestar Galacticaprequel,may not be quite as excellent as its predecessor; but it isn’t that far off, either. Dark, richly written, and constantly driven by deeply human themes and character dynamics, it’s a testament to just how seriously good sci-fi deserves to be taken. It’s visually stunning, it has just enough humor to balance out its gritty tone, and its abundance of memorable scenes makes it unforgettable.
5’Torchwood' (2006–2011)
WhenRussell T. Davies revivedDoctor Whoin 2005, considering the show’s popularity and importance to pop culture, it’s hardly surprising how much success his version of the series saw. This success is what led to the production of spin-offs likeThe Sarah Jane Adventuresand, of course,Torchwood. WhereasSarah Janeis aimed at younger audiences, though,Torchwoodis a full-fledged adult show.
It’s incredibly refreshing to watch stories in the richly intricateDoctor Whoworld that are oh so clearly not targeted at children. This gives Davies and his writing teamplenty of opportunities to go for more complex and mature character arcs, more fully-developed themes, and genuinely terrifying moments.
4’Stargate Atlantis' (2004–2009)
Roland Emmerich, king of the disaster movie genre (for better or for worse), made the sci-fi action-adventure gemStargatein 1994. This was the beginning of a surprisingly successful media franchise that truly took off with the release of 1997’sStargate SG-1, one of the best and most popular sci-fi shows of the 1990s. Then cameStargate Atlantis, a far more underappreciated show.
Fans' criticisms of the show are quite valid. The characters aren’t always quite as fully realized as they are inSG-1, and the tone is noticeably different. However,it’s also true thatAtlantisis full of creative potential, political intrigue, and a great balance between drama, action, and humor.
Stargate Atlantis
3’Warehouse 13' (2009–2014)
Created by Jane Espenson and D. Brent Mote
Campy, silly, and an awful lot of fun,Warehouse 13is perfect for sci-fi fans who enjoy when the genre doesn’t take itself too seriously.Described as “partThe X-Files, partRaiders of the Lost Ark, partMoonlighting,” the series starts out strong and then somehow keeps getting even more riveting as its five seasons move along.
The characters and character interactions are a blast, the balance between humor and mystery is flawless,and the fun twists the writing often puts on sci-fi tropes make this family-friendly, purely escapist delight. It’s goofy, it’s fast-paced, and it’s fully aware that sci-fi doesn’t need to be a grand space opera all the time. Sometimes, something on a much smaller scale is just as fun.
Warehouse 13
2’Alias' (2001–2006)
Created by J.J. Abrams
Love or hate his work on the big screen,J.J. Abramsis a legend of sci-fi television, responsible for shows of the tremendous stature ofLostandFringe. His curriculum also includesAlias, and although it’sjust as great as Abrams' other shows, it sometimes doesn’t receive nearly as much praise. In fairness, it fully deserves it.
With an absolutely magneticJennifer Garnerin the lead role,Aliasis absolutely dazzling. The character writing is both believable and engaging, the visuals are stunning, and the plotting never runs out of its unique charm. Technically impeccable and with just the right amount of cheesiness, it’s one of the 2000s' greatest genre shows.
1’Life on Mars' (2006–2007)
Created by Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan, and Ashley Pharoah
Stephen King’s favorite TV showand one of the only series with a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes,Life on Marsisn’t just one of the BBC’s most underappreciated outings, butstraight-up one of the most criminally underrated shows of all time. Funny, dramatic, thrilling, and endlessly creative, it’s top-tier sci-fi television through and through.
Its sequel,Ashes to Ashes(also named after aBowiesong), is also great and terribly underappreciated, but there’s no beating the original in either regard.Life on Marsis ambitious, innovative, and delightfully tongue-in-cheek, full of witty writing and subtle sci-fi elements. Police procedurals don’t get much more irresistible than this.
