Science fiction television has had a bit of a renaissance in the last year, although, in all honesty, so has television itself. With the streaming services and networks such as HBO and BBC producing even better dramas and great new talent, there are so many new and brilliant shows.
However, not every science fiction show will be remembered within a decade. Some will be left in the history books, while others will still be watched religiously. Here are 10 sci-fi TV shows from the last decade that will stand the test of time.
Doctor Who
The world of Gallifrey, Time Lords, and Daleks has already been running for quite some time, so it wouldn’t be that surprising to see it going into the next decade. Not only will this show still be watched, but it will probably still be in production, too.
That’s down to the incredible concept behind the series, as well as the amount of generational fans it has worldwide. With a new series having just launched, there’s no telling where this classic will ultimately end up.
Westworld
The original movie is a classic but this HBO series has taken the franchise to another level. This is premium television and a series that will likely be re-watched far into the future, perhaps in part due to how complicated some of the episodes actually are!
Despite the necessity to revisit this show, there’s also a lot about artificial intelligence that could still be interesting into the next decade as our robotics continue to develop at alarming rates. As time goes by, this could become an even more relevant show.
Legion
The superhero series is unlike any other Marvel show. In fact, it’s difficult to actually say this is linked to the superhero genre, but it is completely dripping in science fiction, from strange space and time concepts to huge moral questions.
In some ways, this is exactly what a science fiction show is all about. Because of the 3 series strong narrative, this is very digestible for anyone looking back on some old classics and wanting to experience something completely unique for the first time.
Black Mirror
This is a show that focuses on technology turning our future into some kind of dystopian hell. Watching this in the future may seem a little odd, therefore, but, as our society changes, it might be of great interest to look back at what we had predicted.
Perhaps the moral dilemmas and huge problems that were faced in this series are actually being tackled in the real world in the near future, and the show will be more relevant than ever. Or, maybe it’ll be a laughable gem from the past, having got so much so wrong.
Rick and Morty
There are only two animated shows on this list, but it, of course, made sense to put this nihilistic science fiction classic on the here. For one thing, this has become one of the largest shows in the world, growing at a pace not usually seen in the genre.
It also has been renewed for so long that they may actually still be making episodes well into the next decade, like so many other animated shows before it. What’s more, the most memorable part of the show is the characters, most of whom will be remembered for quite some time.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The other animated show on this list obviously comes from a much larger franchise, but, with the creation of Disney+ and a new series on the way, it’s safe to say this will be cemented into the history of a galaxy far far away.
In fact, other parts of the franchise are already drawing from this series, with many books and even video games taking elements from this portion of the story and continuing them in some way. Even characters like Ahsoka will carry on its legacy.
Star Trek: Discovery
Another much larger franchise also has the name value to contribute to its success. Much like the shows under the same name from the past, this will be revisited for quite some time, by new and old fans of the franchise, as the series gets rebooted.
There’s every possibility that another series could be launched next decade that links back to this one, as we are actually currently seeing. For such a huge name, it’s likely that the series and its characters will prosper for a long time.
Stranger Things
There’s something already timeless about this science fiction and fantasy series. It calls back to old classics from the 80s, bringing in a retro tone, while also bringing something brand new to the table. What’s more, it’s captured the attention of a whole generation.
This will be a show that was looked back on fondly for its storytelling and the quality of its characters and world. It’s going to contribute to pop culture references years down the line and be part of every watch list for old favorites.
Agents of Shield
The other Marvel show on this list will not live on due to the fact it’s so unique, but because of its connection to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. In some ways this is the ultimate MCU show, tying in so many elements and bringing in new characters.
While it has been one of the best science fiction shows on TV, it will be revisited because of its links to all the films, likely again through Disne+. For now, it’s the only way to see live-action versions of Quake, Mockingbird, The Patriot and a return of Ghost Rider.
Humans
It doesn’t have crazy gadgets, over the top visual effects, or massive moral dilemmas, but what it does have is a strong and memorable narrative. In fact, there’s something so different here compared to everything else on this list.
There are some aspects of this show that could be granted as forgettable. Yet, it’s captured the imagination of so many and continues to be one of the most-watched science fiction shows, while also being one of the most underrated. It will keep this status into the next decade.
