25 Space-Set TV Shows That Have Nothing to Do with Star Trek or Star Wars

Science fiction television has expanded well beyond the boundaries of the two most dominant franchises in the genre. Viewers looking for interstellar adventures can find a wealth of stories exploring everything from hard science fiction to space opera and comedy. These series offer distinct universes filled with complex political dramas and terrifying alien encounters or lighthearted explorations of the cosmos. The following list highlights twenty-five essential shows set in space that operate independently of the Federation or the Force.

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Humanity has colonized the solar system but remains deeply divided between Earth and Mars alongside the exploited inhabitants of the Asteroid Belt. A hardened detective and a rogue ship captain inadvertently uncover a vast conspiracy involving a dangerous alien technology. Political tensions escalate into open war as various factions maneuver for control over the mysterious protomolecule. The series is celebrated for its commitment to scientific accuracy and complex geopolitical storytelling.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

The last remnants of humanity flee across the galaxy after a cybernetic race known as the Cylons destroys the Twelve Colonies. Commander William Adama leads a ragtag fleet of civilian ships protected by the titular military vessel while searching for a mythical refuge called Earth. Paranoia runs high within the fleet because the enemy has evolved to look exactly like humans. This reimagining of the classic series explores dark themes regarding survival and artificial intelligence.

‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)

Captain Malcolm Reynolds leads a diverse crew of outlaws and fugitives aboard a transport ship named Serenity. They travel to the fringes of the galaxy to take on odd jobs while evading the authoritarian reach of the Alliance. The show blends elements of traditional westerns with space opera to create a unique and gritty aesthetic. Although it ran for only one season it developed a massive cult following due to its witty dialogue and character dynamics.

‘Babylon 5’ (1994–1998)

A massive space station serves as neutral ground for diplomats from various alien civilizations to resolve conflicts and trade resources. Commander John Sheridan and his staff navigate ancient rivalries and political intrigue while a powerful ancient enemy awakens in the shadows. The series was a pioneer in utilizing pre-planned multi-year story arcs rather than episodic storytelling. It examines how different species with conflicting ideologies can unite against a common existential threat.

‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997–2007)

A secret military team uses an ancient alien device to travel instantly to distant planets across the Milky Way galaxy. Colonel Jack O’Neill and his squad defend Earth against the parasitic Goa’uld who pose as gods to enslave human populations. The team explores diverse cultures and gathers advanced technology to level the playing field against superior extraterrestrial forces. This long-running series expanded the lore of the original film into a vast universe of mythology and adventure.

‘Farscape’ (1999–2003)

Astronaut John Crichton is accidentally flung through a wormhole to a distant part of the universe aboard his experimental module. He finds refuge on a living bio-mechanical ship named Moya with a crew of escaped alien prisoners. Crichton struggles to survive while being hunted by the militaristic Peacekeepers who want his wormhole knowledge. The show is renowned for its usage of Jim Henson Company puppetry to create truly alien creatures.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

A mysterious Time Lord travels through space and time in a ship called the TARDIS that looks like a British police box. The Doctor and various human companions visit alien worlds and future civilizations while fighting monsters like Daleks and Cybermen. This revival of the classic British series maintains an adventurous spirit while exploring the emotional burden of immortality. Each regeneration of the lead character brings a new personality and tone to the cosmic adventures.

‘Red Dwarf’ (1988–Present)

Dave Lister becomes the last known human alive after a radiation leak kills the crew of the mining ship Red Dwarf. He drifts through deep space accompanied by a hologram of his dead bunkmate and a creature evolved from a domestic cat. The show combines science fiction concepts with sitcom humor to explore the absurdity of isolation in the cosmos. It remains one of the most enduring and beloved sci-fi comedies in television history.

‘The Orville’ (2017–Present)

Captain Ed Mercer commands an exploratory vessel in the 25th century with a crew consisting of humans and aliens. The series balances humor with sincere storytelling that tackles social issues and moral dilemmas in a futuristic setting. While it began with a heavy comedic tone it eventually evolved into a more dramatic space opera. Viewers praise the show for capturing the optimistic spirit of episodic exploration.

‘For All Mankind’ (2019–Present)

An alternate history imagines a world where the Soviet Union beats the United States to the moon in 1969. This defeat spurs NASA to accelerate its space program and establish permanent lunar bases much earlier than in reality. The narrative spans decades to show how the continued space race impacts technology and culture on Earth. It depicts the high stakes of space exploration through the lives of astronauts and engineers.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

The Robinson family crash-lands on an alien planet after their colony ship is attacked by extraterrestrial robots. Maureen and John Robinson must protect their children while figuring out how to survive in a hostile environment. The youngest son Will forms a unique bond with a mysterious alien robot that changes the dynamic of their survival. This modern update focuses heavily on family drama and high-budget spectacle.

‘Foundation’ (2021–Present)

Mathematician Hari Seldon predicts the inevitable fall of the Galactic Empire using a science known as psychohistory. He establishes a repository of knowledge at the edge of the galaxy to preserve civilization during the coming dark age. The story spans centuries and follows various clones of the Emperor as they struggle to maintain control over a crumbling dominion. This adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s work features grand visuals and complex philosophical questions about destiny.

‘Raised by Wolves’ (2020–2022)

Two androids named Mother and Father are tasked with raising human children on a virgin planet after Earth is destroyed by religious war. Their attempt to build a peaceful atheistic colony is threatened when a ship carrying the religious Mithraic order arrives. The series delves into weird science fiction elements and questions the nature of belief and parenting. Ridley Scott produced and directed episodes for this visually striking and atmospheric drama.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

Bounty hunters Spike Spiegel and Jet Black travel the solar system in their ship the Bebop to catch criminals for cash. They are joined by a con artist named Faye Valentine along with a hacker and a genetically engineered corgi. The anime is famous for its stylish blend of jazz music and film noir aesthetics within a sci-fi setting. Each episode explores the tragic pasts of the crew members as they try to escape their personal demons.

‘Futurama’ (1999–2023)

Pizza delivery boy Philip J. Fry is accidentally cryogenically frozen and wakes up one thousand years in the future. He finds work at an interplanetary delivery company run by his distant nephew alongside a robot and a one-eyed mutant. The animated series satirizes science fiction tropes and contemporary culture with sharp wit and surprising emotional depth. It creates a vibrant universe filled with bizarre alien species and futuristic technology.

‘Dark Matter’ (2015–2017)

Six people wake up on a derelict spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. They must work together to pilot the vessel and evade threats while slowly uncovering their violent pasts. The crew discovers they possess a dangerous cargo that makes them targets for corporations and galactic authorities. The show focuses on the mystery of identity and the choice between nature and nurture.

‘Killjoys’ (2015–2019)

A trio of bounty hunters operates within a four-planet system known as the Quad that is on the brink of a class war. Dutch and her partners John and D’avin execute warrants for the Reclamation Apprehension Coalition while remaining neutral in political conflicts. The team uncovers secrets about Dutch’s origin that are tied to a threat against the entire system. It offers a fast-paced mix of action and humor with a focus on loyalty.

‘Andromeda’ (2000–2005)

Captain Dylan Hunt is frozen in time for three centuries and awakes to find the Systems Commonwealth has fallen. He commandeers his powerful warship Andromeda Ascendant to unite the chaotic galaxies and restore civilization. The show was based on unused concepts by Gene Roddenberry and features a diverse crew of former enemies. It combines action-adventure with the idealistic goal of rebuilding a broken society.

‘Space: 1999’ (1975–1977)

A massive nuclear explosion on the lunar surface knocks the moon out of orbit and sends it hurtling into deep space. The inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha are stranded on the runaway celestial body as it travels through the universe. Commander John Koenig leads the survivors as they encounter strange alien worlds and cosmic phenomena. The series is known for its distinctive set design and philosophical storytelling style.

‘Blake’s 7’ (1978–1981)

A group of convicts escapes a totalitarian regime known as the Federation and acquires an advanced alien spacecraft. Roj Blake leads the crew in a rebellion against the corrupt government that rules Earth and its colonies. The show is darker and more cynical than many of its contemporaries with a focus on moral ambiguity. It presents a gritty vision of the future where heroes are flawed and victory is never guaranteed.

‘Halo’ (2022–2024)

A super-soldier known as Master Chief leads humanity’s defense against a religious alliance of aliens called the Covenant. The conflict centers on the discovery of a mysterious ringworld that holds the power to destroy all sentient life. Politics within the United Nations Space Command complicate the war effort as secrets about the Spartan program are revealed. The series brings the lore of the popular video game franchise to live-action television.

‘Lexx’ (1997–2002)

A group of misfits commandeers a massive living spacecraft that is capable of destroying entire planets. The crew consists of a cowardly security guard and a love slave along with an undead assassin and a robot head. They travel through two separate universes while inadvertently causing destruction wherever they go. This co-production is known for its bizarre sexual themes and surreal dark humor.

‘Space: Above and Beyond’ (1995–1996)

A squadron of rookie Marine pilots known as the Wildcards is thrown into the front lines of an interstellar war. Humanity faces a mysterious alien enemy called the Chigs who have attacked Earth’s off-world colonies. The show provides a gritty ground-level view of space warfare rather than focusing on bridge officers. It explores themes of artificial intelligence and racism through the inclusion of laboratory-grown soldiers called In Vitroes.

‘Avenue 5’ (2020–2022)

A luxury space cruise ship is knocked off course and turns a short vacation into a years-long struggle for survival. The ship’s captain Ryan Clark tries to maintain calm among the passengers despite being largely incompetent. Chaos ensues as supplies dwindle and the wealthy passengers realize the gravity of their situation. This satire from Armando Iannucci mocks corporate incompetence and social dynamics in a contained environment.

‘Final Space’ (2018–2021)

An astronaut named Gary Goodspeed befriends a planet-destroying alien he names Mooncake while serving a prison sentence in space. Gary and his team try to protect Mooncake from the evil Lord Commander who wants to use the creature’s power. The animated series blends slapstick comedy with surprisingly high stakes and emotional character arcs. It expands into a grand cosmic opera involving titans and alternate dimensions.

Please let us know which of these galactic adventures is your favorite by sharing your thoughts in the comments.