Trotting out the old list again:Its been in more of a state of flux than ever the last few years.
Here's a list I have maintained and updated for over a decade.
Best live-action SF TV shows of all time(no pure fantasy!):
1. STNG(1987-1994)- Still the best combination of all the elements that make ST great. It maintained the much of the topicality of TOS while adding more sophisticated drama and technical superiority.
2. TOS(1966-1969)- Possibly packed more allegory into it's stories than any other SF show in history. This show is a classic because of stories that can be watched repeatedly with the viewer coming away with something each time. The best paced, most adventurous ST show of all. Re-mastered edition helps this show keep pace with other SF that has followed the original, and made it even better!
3. Twilight Zone(1959-1964)- ST's greatest competition as a show with deeper meaning, though it was not strictly SF. The acting is terrific, atmosphere eerie, and stories top notch. Serling is one of the greatest teleplay writers that ever lived, and the dialogue is dense and satisfying for multiple viewings even decades later.
4. Outer Limits- The purest SF show in history. Explored scientific extrapolation in a very mature way for it's time and medium, and it always showed the advancement as it related to humanity. Actually more mature in it's scientific view than the new OL despite having a "monster" appear in each teaser.
5. STDS9- The black sheep of the ST family, but also the most complex dramatically and politically. Only scatter shot comedies, a mediocre 2nd season, and a somewhat disappointing final season keep this one from ranking higher. Best seasons: 4-6...as good a 3 year span as ANY show.
6. Masters of Science Fiction-This could have been the greatest anthology ever. Six episodes started off with stories by Heinlein, Ellison, and Sheckley! I place it at number 6, but only because I have to grade it incomplete. What a shame.
7. Lost-While not as spellbinding as early seasons, this maddening show became even more SF themed in later seasons. Disappointing ending to the series though.
8. Fringe- Enjoying this immensely as it becomes more detailed in its own mythos. Humorous, scary, and clever.
9. Doctor Who(2005+)- I fun romp (often a little too silly) punctuated with some dark moments that continues the best traditions of the original, imperfect series and melds it with 21st century sensibilities.
10. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy- While not nearly as good as the book, this still has enough satirical laughs for a dozen regular TV shows. Everyone should see this at least once.
11. Twilight Zone(1980s)- This show lacked the same consistent human commentary of the first, but contained so many excellent episodes I have to rank it here. Won numerous industry and genre creative awards.
12. New Outer Limits(1990s)- More paranoiac cautionary tales than the first show, but also great acting, clever episodes about contemporary scientific advances, and episodes with a lot of emotional impact. The 2nd best SF show that began life in the 90s.
13. Heroes-Engrossing first season and I probably would have ranked it ahead of Lost at that point. What followed was decent but you could simply have season 1 and it would rank highly.
14. Babylon 5- Instant mythology and good intentions but imperfect execution. Still one of the better attempts at space opera ever.
15. Battlestar Galactica (2003+)-Mainly on the strength of its first 2 seasons and its contribution to the genre on TV the last few years. I wish it would have been an adventure show with drama rather than a nihilistic soap opera with incidental SF themes.
16. Flash Forward- Loved this show very quickly! Sadly, canceled before its time!
17. Enterprise-A show that improved almost every year! Excellent production values and stellar 3rd and 4th seasons makes this one a winner and no doubt would have ranked higher with a another season of momentum.
18. Star Cops- A mature, intelligent look at early 21st century policing of the newly emerging space race. Complex drama, and good FX for an 80s BBC show.
19. Blake's 7- More than meets the eye. It is a space adventure show but with a decidedly un-Trek-like bent..the heroes are "criminals". Not even 2-d paper cut-out FX can dampen the character dynamics here.
20. Defying Gravity- We need more shows like this...near-future SF grounded in reality. Enjoyed the large group of characters that felt "real" and the increasing tension and mystery at the end of the season.
