Craving a thrilling escape this weekend? Forget braving the cold – a universe of captivating sci-fi awaits. Metro readers have unearthed a treasure trove of lesser-known gems, offering a welcome distraction while we anticipate the return ofStranger Things. Prepare to discover shows brimming with time travel, cosmic adventures, and mysteries beyond our world.
Among the recommendations, one title consistently rose to the top:Farscape. Debuting in 1999, this series quickly became a cult classic. Astronaut John Crichton, propelled through a wormhole, finds himself stranded in a distant galaxy, joining forces with a band of alien refugees aboard the living ship Moya. Their journey is far from peaceful, relentlessly pursued by the ruthless Peacekeepers – a militaristic force echoing the intensity of the Hunger Games.
Originally envisioned as a five-season arc,Farscapewas unexpectedly cancelled after 88 episodes, leaving fans with an unresolved ending. Thankfully, the story received closure in 2004 with the three-hour miniseriesFarscape: The Peacekeeper Wars. One reader aptly described the show as a blend ofGuardians of the GalaxyandThe Muppets, while another simply stated, “People should all know about it.”
For fans of mind-bending narratives likeBlack Mirror,Continuumoffers a compelling experience. This sci-fi thriller, running from 2012 to 2015, centers on Kiera Cameron, a cybernetically enhanced police officer from 2077 who finds herself stranded in present-day Vancouver. But the future she left behind is a chilling one, dominated by powerful corporations and pervasive surveillance.
Kiera’s mission: to track down Liber-8, a group of terrorists fighting against the corporate control of 2077. The show’s brilliance lies in its evolving complexity and its surprisingly relevant political commentary. As one viewer noted, the themes explored in 2010 remain strikingly pertinent today.
Based on the classic Brad Pitt film,12 Monkeysexpands upon the time-traveling premise with a gripping television adaptation. The series follows James, a scavenger in 2043, tasked with preventing the release of a devastating plague – the Kalavirus – that decimated humanity. His mission: eliminate the twelve monkeys responsible for unleashing the virus.
The show masterfully weaves between the present day and a bleak future, creating a captivating cause-and-effect narrative. One viewer hailed it as surpassing the original film, while acknowledging that the first season requires patience, as the series steadily gains momentum.
Prepare for the delightfully eccentric world ofDirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Based on the novels by Douglas Adams, this series follows bellhop Todd Brotzman, played by Elijah Wood, as he becomes entangled in a murder investigation alongside the unconventional detective Dirk Gently. But this is no ordinary case – it involves the paranormal and a universe interconnected in bizarre ways.
Praised as the “best program on Netflix” before its cancellation,Dirk Gentlyoffers a unique blend of humor, mystery, and sci-fi intrigue. Its 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes speaks to its captivating quality.
Looking for a sci-fi series ahead of its time?Space – Above and Beyond, recommended by Nathan Hobbs, is a hidden gem. Set in 2063, the show follows the Wildcards, a ragtag squadron of US Marine Corps pilots defending Earth against a mysterious alien race known as The Chigs. Despite lasting only one season, it remains a beloved classic among sci-fi enthusiasts.
Critics have noted the show’s remarkable prescience, with its influence visible in later series likeLost,24, andAlias. It’s a testament to its enduring quality and imaginative storytelling.
Finally, for those who enjoy a touch of the absurd,Slidersoffers a fun and imaginative ride. This series follows a group of interdimensional explorers who accidentally lose the coordinates to their home reality while “sliding” between parallel universes. Their journey becomes a desperate search for a way back, encountering bizarre and often hilarious alternate worlds.
While the show’s quality declined in later seasons, the initial episodes are considered brilliant, offering a delightful mix of adventure, humor, and thought-provoking scenarios. From Nazi-controlled America to worlds inhabited by dinosaurs,Slidersdelivers a unique and entertaining experience.
