10 Forgotten Sci-Fi Shows That Inspired Today’s Hits

Science fiction has always been a playground for bold ideas, but not every show gets the spotlight it deserves. Some series, overlooked or canceled too soon, planted seeds that grew into the DNA of today’s biggest sci-fi hits, influencing everything from storytelling to world-building.

Here are 10 forgotten sci-fi shows that quietly shaped modern favorites. Each one brought fresh concepts or daring risks that echo in the blockbusters we love now, proving their impact outlasted their airtime.

Space: Above and Beyond (1995-1996)

This gritty series followed a Marine squadron fighting aliens in a future war. Its focus on character-driven drama and moral dilemmas in space combat didn’t grab ratings but influenced shows like ‘The Expanse’ for their realistic take on interstellar conflict.

The show’s raw depiction of loyalty and sacrifice among soldiers resonates in modern sci-fi’s emphasis on human stakes. Its mix of military grit and alien threats was ahead of its time.

The Prisoner (1967-1968)

A British spy wakes up in a surreal village, trapped and monitored in ‘The Prisoner.’ Its blend of psychological thriller and sci-fi paranoia inspired ‘Lost’ and ‘Westworld’ with its mysterious settings and questions of control.

The show’s refusal to spoon-feed answers pushed boundaries, paving the way for complex narratives. Its themes of surveillance and identity still feel sharp in today’s tech-driven stories.

Quatermass and the Pit (1958-1959)

This BBC serial uncovered alien artifacts in London, tying them to human evolution. Its mix of science and social commentary, like racial tensions, influenced ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Black Mirror’ for their thought-provoking sci-fi.

The show’s chilling exploration of humanity’s origins set a template for cerebral sci-fi. Its low-budget creativity showed how ideas could outshine flashy effects.

Alien Nation (1989-1990)

‘Alien Nation’ followed human-alien tensions in a near-future Earth, with a cop drama twist. Its social allegory and buddy-cop dynamic inspired ‘District 9’ and ‘Bright’ for their grounded takes on alien integration.

The show tackled prejudice and coexistence, themes that echo in modern sci-fi’s focus on diversity. Its cancellation after one season didn’t dim its influence on storytelling.

V (1983-1985)

This miniseries about reptilian aliens posing as humans sparked rebellion narratives. Its mix of invasion thrills and resistance inspired ‘Falling Skies’ and ‘The 4400’ for their human-alien conflict focus.

The show’s bold reveal of the aliens’ true nature set a standard for dramatic twists. Its legacy lives in sci-fi that explores trust and betrayal.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1981)

This BBC comedy adapted Douglas Adams’ radio series, following a human surviving Earth’s destruction. Its quirky humor and cosmic satire shaped ‘Futurama’ and ‘Rick and Morty’ for their irreverent sci-fi.

The show’s low-budget charm didn’t stop its sharp wit from influencing animated comedies. Its knack for blending absurdity with heart remains a hallmark of modern hits.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009)

This series followed Sarah and John Connor evading future threats. Its emotional depth and time-travel twists inspired ‘Westworld’ and ‘12 Monkeys’ for their complex timelines and human stakes.

Canceled after two seasons, its focus on family and fate resonated in later sci-fi dramas. Lena Headey’s fierce performance as Sarah set a bar for strong leads.

Dollhouse (2009-2010)

Joss Whedon’s ‘Dollhouse’ explored programmable humans hired for missions, questioning identity. Its themes of autonomy and tech ethics influenced ‘Humans’ and ‘Severance’ for their focus on consciousness.

Despite low ratings, its bold ideas about memory and morality left a mark. Eliza Dushku’s layered performance carried the show’s ambitious concepts.

Red Dwarf (1988-1999, 2009-Present)

This British comedy followed a slobby survivor on a mining ship with a neurotic android. Its humor and ragtag crew inspired ‘The Orville’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ for their lighthearted ensemble vibes.

The show’s mix of sci-fi tropes and character-driven laughs set a template for comedic space adventures. Its cult status proves its lasting influence.

Farscape (1999-2003)

An astronaut stranded in a bizarre universe, ‘Farscape’ mixed quirky characters with dark sci-fi. Its bold visuals and emotional depth inspired ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘The Expanse’ for their eclectic crews and stakes.

Canceled too soon, its fan-driven miniseries finale showed its impact. The show’s blend of humor, heart, and weirdness lives on in modern sci-fi’s diversity.

Which forgotten sci-fi show do you think deserves a revival, or did I miss one that shaped today’s hits? Share your thoughts in the comments!