10 Great Sci-Fi TV Shows Set On Planets Beside Earth

April 18, 2024, 2:45 p.m.

Movies

10 Great Sci-Fi TV Shows Set On Planets Beside Earth

0 0

Summary Sci-fi TV shows explore exciting new stories beyond Earth, introducing alien life and fantastical elements.

Elements of fantasy, horror, and post-apocalyptic genres blend into the science fiction landscape.

Shows like Halo and The Orville mix futuristic technology with space travel and explore human dynamics in a sci-fi setting.

Sci-fi is a successful genre because it pushes the boundaries of what's possible, and when sci-fi TV shows are set on planets outside Earth it opens the door for exciting new stories. Though it's enjoyable to predict what Earth will look like in the future, and how humanity will adapt and evolve, some of the best series look beyond Earth and investigate what happens after humans begin to explore the stars. Additionally, some shows go so far as to introduce worlds where humans don't exist and fantasize about alien life.

Elements of fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and horror genres are only a few of the most commonly seen aspects that make their way into the science fiction landscape.

There are many avenues that sci-fi TV shows can go down, and they frequently blend with other types of television. Elements of fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and horror genres are only a few of the most commonly seen aspects that make their way into the science fiction landscape. Apple TV sci-fi shows have been making their mark in the present sci-fi market with shows like Foundation, Severance, and Silo, but many other streamers and networks have been putting out quality sci-fi series for generations.

Related 10 Most Ambitious Sci-Fi TV Shows Of All Time Sci-fi is without doubt one of the most ambitious genres in television, but there are some shows within the category that stand out above the rest.

10 Krypton (2018 - 2019)

Superman's home planet before Superman existed

Krypton Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Syfy’s short-lived Krypton TV show tells the story of Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe). The show included many iconic DC villains, such as Brainiac, General Zod, and Lobo, along with other characters from the comics. Despite the series receiving generally positive reviews, Krypton was canceled after just two seasons due to a massive drop in viewers between season 1 and season 2. Cast Georgina Campbell , Shaun Sipos , Cameron Cuffe , Ann Ogbomo , Aaron Pierre , Rasmus Hardiker , Wallis Day , Blake Ritson , Ian McElhinney , Colin Salmon Release Date March 21, 2018 Seasons 2 Network SyFy Directors Metin Hüseyin , Julius Ramsay , Marc Roskin

Everyone knows the story of Superman, and that long before he came to Earth his home planet, Krypton, held an ancient civilization of aliens with their own stories and struggles. Krypton tells those stories and chronicles the events that led to Krypton's destruction through the lens of Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe), a member of the legendary House of El. Though the series only lasted two seasons, it's still a fun addition to the Superman canon and provides much-needed insight into what Krypton might have been like.

Krypton’s issue is that there's only so much lore to be explored and rehashed when so many shows, movies, and comics have covered the Superman universe. However, setting the series on Krypton and introducing audiences to a group of characters that are tangentially related to Superman was a bold choice, and Krypton as a planet was well-realized. Krypton season 2 is the strongest overall, but season 1 is worth watching to get a feel for the rules of the universe.

9 Halo (2022 - Present)

A narrative retelling of the world-famous video game

Halo A live-action adaptation of the video game franchise of the same name, Halo follows Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 (Pablo Schrieber) as he fights his part in a war between humanity's United Nations Space Command (UNSC) and the Covenant, an alliance of multiple hostile races of aliens intent on destroying the human race. The Master Chief is supported by Cortana (Jen Taylor) - an AI construct based on the personality of Dr. Catherine Halsey, who created the Spartan supersoldier program - implanted in his brain. Cast Jen Taylor , Bokeem Woodbine , Charlie Murphy , Shabana Azmi , Kate Kennedy , Natascha McElhone , Yerin Ha , Bentley Kalu , Pablo Schreiber , Danny Sapani , Olive Gray , Natasha Culzac Release Date March 24, 2022 Seasons 2 Franchise(s) Halo Directors Otto Bathurst , Jonathan Liebesman , Roel Reiné , Dennie Gordon , Debs Paterson , Craig Zisk , Jessica Lowrey

All the best TV shows based on video games have the difficult job of living up to audience expectations while also creating a narratively cohesive story. As a video game, Halo was a success because it combined the user-friendly parts of the point-and-shoot game with teamwork and a multiplayer experience. Capturing these aspects of the game can be challenging in a TV adaptation, so this type of show usually relies on the lore and aesthetics of the game to create a familiar atmosphere.

Much of Halo is intensely fueled by the military and leans into being a show about war rather than sci-fi.

In Halo, the characters travel the galaxy as soldiers for the United Nations Space Command while fighting the Covenant. Much of Halo is intensely fueled by the military and leans into being a show about war rather than sci-fi. However, space travel, futuristic technology, and the setting of alien planets firmly place Halo in the sci-fi realm and manage to create compelling characters while tackling multiple storylines at once. This creates a deeper sense of interest and empathy with the viewer while they watch.

Watch Halo on Paramount+.

8 The Watch (2020 - 2021)

A futuristic procedural that approaches crime-fighting in a unique way

The BBC produced the single-season run of The Watch and might have gained a more significant following if it had been released at a better time. Though the unnamed fantasy world the characters inhabit is an eclectic blend of genres and styles, the biggest flaw with The Watch was that it relied too heavily on tropes and formula, even within the exciting setting. Loosely based on the Discworld book series by Terry Pratchett, the series' episodic formula is given a fun twist through the conceit that it takes place in a world where all crime is legal.

This makes every character uniquely adapted to their niche in the world, and The Watch does a great job of imagining a future full of diversity in every aspect of life. Some of the best British cop shows have made their mark on television because of how rooted in reality they are, but The Watch flips the script by making the people trying to work within the law a minority. Additionally, the foreign planet and futuristic city provide plenty of opportunities for interesting crimes.

The Watch is available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

7 The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance (2019)

A continuation of the iconic Jim Henson movie from the 1980s

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is the long-awaited prequel to the 1982 film The Dark Crystal. In the Netflix original series, audiences return to Thra and follow three Gelfing, Rian, Deet, and Brea, who attempt to save their world after discovering the truth behind Skeksis' power. Despite fans' love for the franchise, Netflix canceled the series after one season.

Both the film and television series take place on the planet Thra and follow the story of the Gelflings, a race of beings who fight against the Skeksis.

Like any Jim Henson project, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a gorgeously crafted world using the best of practical effects and puppets. The series is a follow-up to the fantastic original film, The Dark Crystal, which premiered in 1982, has increased in popularity since then and is considered a preeminent example of how to blend sci-fi and fantasy in a world removed from Earth or humanity. Both the film and television series take place on the planet Thra and follow the story of the Gelflings, a race of beings who fight against the Skeksis.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance was released on Netflix but was canceled after only one season despite universal critic acclaim. Though the series expanded the franchise’s universe well and was visually stunning, it's not as well-known as it should be based on the tremendous amount of work put into the series. The lore behind the fictional planet is on par with works of fiction like The Lord of the Rings, and the characters are brilliantly realized visually and emotionally.

Related 10 Ways The Dark Crystal Is Jim Henson's Best Film Puppet fantasy movie The Dark Crystal stands out as Jim Henson's best when it comes to its effects, in-depth lore, and extremely terrifying villains.

6 Red Dwarf (1988 - Present)

The mechanic of a spaceship wakes up after being in stasis for millions of years

Red Dwarf Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available

The recently revived Red Dwarf proves that Doctor Who isn't the only British science fiction series that has gained a loyal following in the last several years. First premiering in 1988, Red Dwarf begins when Dave (Craig Lister) wakes up to find himself the last human in existence and has a strange group of companions for company. Though Red Dwarf primarily takes place only within the spaceship Dave lives on, it still manages to create a fully formed universe outside of Earth and incorporates many familiar aspects of sci-fi and space travel.

As comedy and the sitcom format are frequently applied to episodes of Red Dwarf, there are moments when the sci-fi elements take a back seat. However, the overall premise makes it impossible to forget that the characters aren't an everyday Earth family. Red Dwarf has remained relevant because of how innovative the plots and stories are, and how even with a limited number of characters, the episodes never grow boring. Seeing the universe from the perspective of a human who isn't on Earth, and is the last of his kind was the perfect jumping-off point for the show.

5 The Orville (2017 - 2022)

A satirical take on early sci-fi series like Star Trek

The Orville Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Created by Seth McFarlane and set in the 25th century, The Orville follows the crew of the titular ship and its captain, Ed Mercer (McFarlane) as they explore the galaxy. Inspired by Star Trek, it also spoofs the sci-fi classic, taking a comedic approach to its serialized story and science-fiction premise. Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Scott Grimes star alongside McFarlane as part of an ensemble cast. Cast Halston Sage , Adrianne Palicki , J. Lee , Seth MacFarlane , Chad L. Coleman , Peter Macon , Penny Johnson Jerald , Larry Joe Campbell , Scott Grimes , Mark Jackson Release Date September 10, 2017 Seasons 3 Directors Jon Cassar Showrunner Seth MacFarlane

Seth MacFarlane is known for his spoofs of classic genres through his movie, A Million Ways To Die In The West, and his short-lived but memorable series, The Orville. The show is meant to draw direct comparisons to older classic sci-fi series like Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica and lovingly pokes fun at the pitfalls of the genre. Much of it takes place on the starship that MacFarlane's Captain Ed helms, but like any other fantastical adventure, he and his crew are tasked with exploring the unknown planets of the galaxy.

Though The Orville is a human show about interpersonal dynamics above all else, it uses its setting as a means to elevate that.

The cast and guest stars on the show add to the hilarious atmosphere, but the comedic slant never takes away from the heart of the show, which is a genuine love of science fiction. It was a big step for MacFarlane because he had primarily worked in animation before The Orville, but his background proved to be the perfect foundation for coming up with new and exciting worlds for the crew to explore. Though The Orville is a human show about interpersonal dynamics above all else, it uses its setting as a means to elevate that.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

4 Cowboy Bebop (1998 - 1999)

A formative piece of animation in the sci-fi genre

Cowboy Bebop (1998) Cowboy Bebop is a sci-fi/western action television series widely regarded as one of the best anime ever. The series follows a crew of four disconnected bounty hunters who all slowly come together aboard a ship known as the Bebop. The crew of the Bebop attempt to snag various bounties and embark on several misadventures to keep their pockets lined with coin and their stomachs full. The series also has a heavy musical motif, with each episode title named after various jazz "sessions." Cast Koichi Yamadera , Steve Blum , Megumi Hayashibara , Wendee Lee , Unshô Ishizuka , Beau Billingslea , Aoi Tada , Melissa Fahn Release Date April 3, 1998 Seasons 2 Directors Shinichirô Watanabe

The overall narrative arc of Cowboy Bebop was looser than some other famous anime. However, it doesn't matter because Cowboy Bebop has influenced the aesthetic and themes of many sci-fi series that came after it. The visual style is what comes up most often when discussing Cowboy Bebop. Outside this, the close attention to detail in worldbuilding and character development shouldn’t be overlooked. Though much of the show took place in space and aboard Spike's ship, there were revolving missions to unique planets.

Netflix recently released a live-action adaptation of the series, and while the performances were strong, translating a work of art so rooted in animation proved too difficult. Luckily, Cowboy Bebop easily stands on its own and doesn't require a live-action version to remain a hallmark of the genre. Though the animation genre is frequently overlooked when it comes to the best sci-fi, it's uniquely suited to portraying futuristic settings and otherworldly planets that are reminiscent of Earth, but never let the audience forget that this is a new frontier.

Watch Cowboy Bebop on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

3 Foundation (2021 - Present)

A world-bending odyssey from the mind of Isaac Asimov

Foundation Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Isaac Asimov's novel series is brought to life in Foundation, a television adaptation of the epic sci-fi saga created for Apple TV+ but deviates somewhat from the original source material. The show follows a group of exiled humans that find themselves as the last chance to save the Galactic Empire - from itself. Cast Jared Harris , Leah Harvey , Lou Llobell , Lee Pace , Troy Kotsur Release Date September 24, 2021 Seasons 2 Directors Rupert Sanders

The series follows two factions, the Empire and the Foundation, that are competing for control of the galaxy and trying to ensure their legacies.

As one of Apple TV's most successful shows so far, Foundation has proven itself to be a worthy successor to the book series by Isaac Asimov. The series follows two factions, the Empire and the Foundation, that are competing for control of the galaxy and trying to ensure their legacies. Lee Pace stars as one of the Emperors, Brother Day, who is trying to maintain his grasp on the universe. Opposing him are Gaal (Lou Llobell) and Hari (Jared Harris), who are attempting to create a basis of knowledge for future generations.

Foundation has already made its mark as a series that includes gorgeous set pieces and fantastic action sequences that utilize the foreign planets to their fullest extent. Trantor holds the seat of the empire while Gaal and Hari are sent to the punishing world of Terminus. Other worlds are explored outside the central two where the majority of the action happens. Many of Foundation's best scenes revolve around power plays for control of these worlds and how their environments impact the characters.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

2 Scavengers Reign (2023)

A group of survivors try to make sense of their alien surroundings

Scavengers Reign Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Expanding on the short film Scavengers concept, Scavengers Reign is a sci-fi adventure-drama series created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner for MAX. When their ship crashlands on a strange new planet, crewmembers attempt to find other potential survivors and their downed vessel as they navigate a hostile but beautiful alien world. Cast Sunita Mani , Wunmi Mosaku , Alia Shawkat , Bob Stephenson , Ted Travelstead Release Date October 19, 2023 Seasons 1 Directors Benjy Brooke

One of the most underrated shows of 2023 was the animated sci-fi drama, Scavengers Reign, which premiered on Max in October of that year. Though there are flashbacks to what life was like for the characters on Earth, the audience meets the cast after they've crash-landed on an alien planet that's unlike anything they've ever experienced. There are no humanoid creatures in this unknown world. The evolutionary path nature has taken mirrors what Earth might look like after humanity is long gone.

Each plant, animal, and creature somewhere in between exists in harmony and a carefully balanced ecosystem that humans continuously disrupt, intentionally or not. It becomes clear that the way to survive here is not to work against nature, or try and stop its progression, but for humans to find a way to harness the existing systems of the natural world. It's impossible not to draw comparisons to the current climate crisis facing humanity on Earth, but the broader themes about human nature are just as resonant.

Related 10 Best TV Shows Like Scavengers Reign Scavengers Reign is a fantastic blend of sci-fi and strong storytelling, and fortunately, there are a few other TV shows with similar qualities.

1 Firefly (2002 - 2003)

One of the shortest-lived and most iconic space-westerns of all time

Firefly Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Set in the year 2517, Firefly follows the crew of the Serenity, a smuggling ship operating on the fringes of Alliance space. Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) is a veteran of a civil war, bitter about having fought for the losing side and now making his living as an outlaw smuggler out among the distant colonies forgotten and ignored by the Alliance. However, after taking on paying passengers, Mal finds himself caught up in a conspiracy likely to bring the whole Alliance military down on him and his crew. Cast Ron Glass , Morena Baccarin , Alan Tudyk , Adam Baldwin , Summer Glau , Gina Torres , Nathan Fillion , Sean Maher , Jewel Staite Release Date September 20, 2002 Seasons 1 Directors Joss Whedon Showrunner Joss Whedon

Firefly might only have lasted one season, but it has remained at the forefront of the cultural conversation and is one of the best sci-fi shows of all time. Starring Nathan Fillion as Malcolm Reynolds, the captain of his ship, Serenity, he and his crew traverse the galaxy searching for cargo and anything that will fetch a price on the black market. Drawing heavily from early examples of the space cowboy from shows like Cowboy Bebop, Firefly introduces the audience to a richly imagined world where Westerns, science fiction, Noir, and steampunk meet on far-flung worlds.

Aliens weren't the primary antagonists of the series, but other people, who carve out a piece of the galaxy looking for ways to survive.

In the wake of being canceled after just one season, Serenity premiered as a follow-up movie but flopped at the box office. Despite this commercial failure, Firefly still made every world its crew visited feel uniquely human even though they were so far from Earth. Aliens weren't the primary antagonists of the series, but other people, who carve out a piece of the galaxy looking for ways to survive. Firefly is a reminder of what keeps people human even when they haven’t lived on Earth for generations.