The Science of Sci-Fi TV Shows

The Allure of Sci-Fi TV Shows

Many sci-fi TV shows don't have the most accurate science or realistic premise, but that's part of the reason they're so well-loved. Sci-fi is a large part of the history of storytelling and is one of the most popular genres of film and TV entertainment. Half of the fun of watching a sci-fi series is suspending disbelief and going along for the ride of the story.

Walter, Olivia and Peter standing together in Fringe

While some shows do their best to stick to the laws of physics, and what could potentially be true in the distant future, many others choose to focus on the plot and characters, using science as a tool for the themes of the series. It often predicts how humanity will evolve in the wake of future environmental or societal changes. This evolution usually involves technological advancement, space travel, and the blending of the organic and mechanical. Sci-fi written in the past sometimes catches up with the present year, like in Back to the Future II when Marty travels to 2015, and it's enjoyable to see how accurate, or not, a creator's idea of the future was. There's no way to know what the future holds, so sci-fi filmmakers usually get a free pass to be a little loose with their science.

Star Trek: The Original Series, The Ultimate Computer, M5, Captain Kirk

Unrealistic Science in Popular TV Shows

One of the most intriguing aspects of popular sci-fi TV shows is their exploration of unrealistic science. Let's take a look at some iconic TV shows and how they have stretched the limits of science:

Star Trek: The Original Series, The Ultimate Computer, M5, Captain Kirk

Fringe (2008 - 2013) - FBI agents who discover a supernatural hidden world. Fringe takes inspiration from aspects of crime procedurals and supernatural mysteries, alike. Part of what makes Fringe so intriguing is that it delves into the possibility that there are parallel universes that humanity can explore. Fringe was known for taking the basic premise of what might be interesting and boundary-pushing if it did exist, and then turning that concept up. Along with parallel universes, mind control, and teleportation can be seen on Fringe. What set the show apart and kept viewers coming back was the way the writers made the otherworldly science feel as high stakes as real life.

Sarek, Spock, Kirk, and McCoy in Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: The Original Series (1966 - 1969) - A long-running franchise with some questionable capabilities. Few iterations of the Star Trek franchise are faithful to accurate science, but The Original Series takes the most liberties while also being the most beloved. The Original Series started it all and was the basis for much of the technology and plotting that carried throughout the entire franchise. It's clear through the success and longevity of Star Trek that a few liberties taken with science are no match for a devoted audience base. Smaller inaccuracies consisted of describing planet atmospheres as made out of elements that would explode when they came into contact, and the fact that Dr. McCoy aka "Bones" rarely used actual medicine in his diagnoses. Larger ones were the capabilities of the artificial gravity being used on such a massive ship, as well as the existence of a warp drive. As it stands right now, light-speed travel is impossible.

Captain Kirk with his crew in Star Trek The Original Series

The Flash (2014 - 2023) - The fastest man alive who defies logic. Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is the fastest man alive in the CW's The Flash, another in a series of adaptations revolving around the beloved DC Comics character. In the show, Barry gets his powers from an explosion of a particle accelerator. How the explosion gives him powers instead of evaporating him is one thing, but how he can travel at the speed he does without his body collapsing is another. Throughout the series' run, The Flash shows some impressive displays of power that don't always make sense. To manage the stress that the elements and friction would cause on his body, Barry would have to heal at speeds not even his body could achieve. Additionally, Barry uses his powers to move so quickly that he travels back in time to save his mother from being killed. Not only does his body somehow survive this trip, but he changes the timeline of his universe with devastating consequences. Even if his abilities don't make sense, it's worth it to watch how Barry grapples with power he wasn't ready for.

Leonard McCoy holding a vial in Star Trek The Original Series

Eureka (2006 - 2012) - A town full of geniuses breaking the laws of physics. In Eureka, a town of the same name holds an enormous population of people with genius-level IQs that Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) stumbles upon. He quickly falls into the role of sheriff and learns that the town holds many secrets other than its residents. Where Eureka starts to get shaky is the introduction of living computers that people can be made into using their DNA. This coincides with a computer virus that can jump between computers somehow but is easily cured. There are other examples of outlandish science on the show, but most viewers did not watch for science, but for the small-town dramas.

Star Trek Original Series Gorn Arena

Charm of Unrealistic Science

Despite the unrealistic science, these TV shows continue to captivate audiences with their imaginative storytelling and compelling characters. The allure of exploring parallel universes, time travel, and advanced technology draws viewers into these fictional worlds, allowing them to escape from reality and immerse themselves in the wonders of science fiction.

Grant Gustin as Barry Allen in The Flash's final episode

The creative liberties taken with science in these shows serve as a tool for the themes and plotlines, making the otherworldly science feel as high stakes as real life. Viewers are willing to overlook the inaccuracies in favor of the gripping narratives and the thought-provoking questions posed by these shows.

Jack Carter and the cast of Eureka standing in front of a forest.

In the end, it's the blend of science and fiction that makes these TV shows so beloved. While they may not adhere to the laws of physics, they offer a unique and entertaining perspective on the possibilities of the future, the mysteries of the universe, and the potential of human evolution.

Will Robinson and Robot in Lost in Space