10 Promising Sci-Fi Shows That Were Cancelled Too Soon
Sci-fi TV shows often build incredibly dedicated fanbases, but seem to frequently get canceled too soon. It makes sense considering sci-fi is frequently a genre that inherently costs more to make. Often depicting elaborate future worlds and technologies, sci-fi shows have higher demands than a standard drama or sitcom. On the other hand, as shows that go all in on the escapism form of entertainment that is so popular in every medium, sci-fi also establishes loyal fans quickly. Looking at series such as Doctor Who, a show that has been running for 60 years, and is built around the premise of a time-traveling, face-changing alien, it's clear that sci-fi shows can last and build expansive lore. However, not every sci-fi show got the chance to do so before they were canceled, leaving their stories in limbo.
Space: Above And Beyond
Space: Above and Beyond was an award-winning sci-fi series set in the early 2060s. The show follows a special militant group, known as the Wildcards as they fight off an alien invasion. The show expanded on its world by revealing a war which ended not long before the series began with robots, known as Silicates, and developing human technologies. From using wormholes to conduct intergalactic travel, to creating artificial humans known as tanks, Space did a lot to build its world narrative before being prematurely canceled at the end of season 1. Having explored so many ideas in just the first 23 episodes, Space could have been great if it ran past its debut season.
space above and beyond mars
Space: Above and Beyond was an award-winning sci-fi series set in the early 2060s. The show follows a special militant group, known as the Wildcards as they fight off an alien invasion. The show expanded on its world by revealing a war which ended not long before the series began with robots, known as Silicates, and developing human technologies. From using wormholes to conduct intergalactic travel, to creating artificial humans known as tanks, Space did a lot to build its world narrative before being prematurely canceled at the end of season 1. Having explored so many ideas in just the first 23 episodes, Space could have been great if it ran past its debut season.
Firefly
A Space Western series by creator Joss Whedon, Firefly featured an incredibly talented cast and an exciting concept from the beginning. Set 500 years into the future, Firefly follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity as they traveled the galaxy. Every member of the team is an exceptionally well-defined character with personal motivations and characteristics that only began to be explored in the show's 14 episode run. The show was canceled part way through the first season airing, but even in its brief run, it managed to attract loyal fans. Thanks to high DVD sales, Whedon was able to get a movie sequel greenlit to continue the story of the crew in Serenity.
Firefly cast on board the Serenity
A Space Western series by creator Joss Whedon, Firefly featured an incredibly talented cast and an exciting concept from the beginning. Set 500 years into the future, Firefly follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity as they traveled the galaxy. Every member of the team is an exceptionally well-defined character with personal motivations and characteristics that only began to be explored in the show's 14 episode run. The show was canceled part way through the first season airing, but even in its brief run, it managed to attract loyal fans. Thanks to high DVD sales, Whedon was able to get a movie sequel greenlit to continue the story of the crew in Serenity.
Nathan Fillion as Malcom Reynolds pointing gun at Sean Maher as Simon Tam in Firefly
Sense8
From the incredible minds that created The Matrix trilogy, Sense8 by Lana and Lilly Wachowski was an outstanding sci-fi series that explored human connection. When eight individuals around the world suddenly realize they share an intense link that connects them emotionally and mentally, the group needs to come together to find answers. The show delivers an incredible concept over two seasons and a feature-length finale, but having been canceled after a cliffhanger in season 2, there was clearly more story to be told about the mysterious sensates and how their link worked.
Sense8 characters standing around looking forward
From the incredible minds that created The Matrix trilogy, Sense8 by Lana and Lilly Wachowski was an outstanding sci-fi series that explored human connection. When eight individuals around the world suddenly realize they share an intense link that connects them emotionally and mentally, the group needs to come together to find answers. The show delivers an incredible concept over two seasons and a feature-length finale, but having been canceled after a cliffhanger in season 2, there was clearly more story to be told about the mysterious sensates and how their link worked.
