The Best ’90s Sci-Fi Shows That Changed TV Forever—From ‘The X-Files’ to ‘Farscape’ 'Star Trek: DS9' to 'Stargate SG-1,' these 1990s sci-fis shaped modern TV October 25, 2025 Comments Clockwise from left: 'Stargate SG-1,' 'The X-Files,' 'Highlander: The Series' and 'Star Trek: Voyager' Courtesy the Everett Collection (4) Add as a preferred source on Google The 1990s were a golden age for science fiction and fantasy television — a decade when imagination returned to primetime in a big way. Cable and syndication opened new doors, special effects finally caught up with ambition, and audiences were ready to travel anywhere a storyteller could take them. On any given week, you could plunge to the bottom of the sea aboard SeaQuest DSV, cross the stars on Babylon 5 or face the shadows of conspiracy with Mulder and Scully on The X-Files . It was a time when science fiction didn’t just speculate about the future — it reflected the anxieties and hopes of its present. Shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Farscape gave viewers complex heroes who weren’t afraid to question authority or their own beliefs. Whether grounded in technology, myth or pure imagination, these series proved that television could be just as visionary as the movies—and often more daring. Looking back, the ‘90s stand as a thrilling bridge between old-school adventure and the serialized storytelling we now take for granted. 1. ‘Highlander: The Series (1992–1998) Created by: Peter S. Davis & Bill Panzer (via Davis-Panzer Productions) Cast: Adrian Paul (Duncan MacLeod), Alexandra Vandernoot (Tessa Noël), Stan Kirsch (Richie Ryan), Jim Byrnes (Joe Dawson), Peter Wingfield (Methos), Elizabeth Gracen (Amanda) Premise: Immortal Duncan MacLeod—of the same Scottish clan as the famed Connor MacLeod (from the original Highlander feature films)—lives in the modern world but is drawn into “The Game,” a centuries-old contest among Immortals who can only die if they are beheaded, battling each other for a mysterious “Prize.” Behind the scenes: The series was developed as a continuation of the 1986 film Highlander, produced through an international French-Canadian co-production (Gaumont Television and others) that filmed in both Vancouver and Paris. Davis-Panzer Productions set up the show to appeal to global syndication, leveraging international partnerships to finance its six-season, 119-episode run from 1992 to 1998. 2. ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993–1999, Syndicated) Created by: Rick Berman & Michael Piller Cast: Avery Brooks (Captain Benjamin Sisko), Nana Visitor (Major Kira Nerys), René Auberjonois (Odo), Terry Farrell (Jadzia Dax), Armin Shimerman (Quark), Colm Meaney (Chief Miles O’Brien), Alexander Siddig (Dr. Julian Bashir), Cirroc Lofton (Jake Sisko), Michael Dorn (Lt. Commander Worf), Nicole de Boer (Ezri Dax) Premise: Set on a space station near a newly discovered wormhole leading to the distant Gamma Quadrant, the series follows Starfleet and Bajoran officers as they confront political unrest, religious prophecy and the rising threat of interstellar war. Behind the scenes: Developed by Berman and Piller as the third Star Trek spin-off, Deep Space Nine was produced at Paramount Television and premiered in January 1993. It broke with franchise tradition by setting the action on a stationary outpost, enabling serialized arcs and character-driven moral complexity. Under showrunner Ira Steven Behr, the Dominion War storyline introduced darker themes of occupation, faith and identity, establishing DS9 as one of the most critically acclaimed Star Trek series. 3. ‘seaQuest DSV’ (1993–1996, NBC) Created by: Rockne S. O’Bannon Cast: Roy Scheider (Captain Nathan Bridger), Jonathan Brandis (Lucas Wolenczak), Don Franklin (Commander Jonathan Ford), Stephanie Beacham (Dr. Kristin Westphalen), Ted Raimi (Lieutenant Tim O’Neill), Michael DeLuise (Tony Piccolo), Marco Sanchez (Lieutenant Miguel Ortiz), Michael Ironside (Captain Oliver Hudson, Season 3) Premise: Set in the mid-21st century, the series follows the crew of the high-tech submarine seaQuest DSV 4600 as they explore the ocean’s depths, conduct scientific research and maintain peace among undersea colonies and nations. Behind the scenes: Created by Rockne S. O’Bannon and produced by Steven Spielberg ’s Amblin Television, SeaQuest DSV premiered in 1993 as NBC’s ambitious attempt to blend adventure, science fiction and ecological themes. Early on, plausible marine science, but later shifted toward more fantastical storylines, including extraterrestrial encounters. Roy Scheider frequently expressed frustration over these tonal shifts, and by the third season, the show had been rebranded SeaQuest 2032 with Michael Ironside as the new captain. The series ran for three seasons and remains notable for its pioneering underwater visual effects and environmental message. 4. ‘The X-Files’ (1993–2002, Fox) Created by: Chris Carter Cast: David Duchovny (FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder), Gillian Anderson (FBI Special Agent Dana Scully), Mitch Pileggi (Assistant Director Walter Skinner), William B. Davis (The Cigarette Smoking Man) Premise: Two FBI agents investigate unexplained and often paranormal cases known as “X-Files.” Mulder believes in the existence of aliens and government conspiracies, while Scully, a medical doctor and skeptic, seeks rational, scientific explanations. Their partnership bridges faith and reason as they uncover sinister forces within and beyond the government. Behind the scenes: Created by Chris Carter and produced by Ten Thirteen Productions, The X-Files premiered on Fox in September 1993. Shot primarily in Vancouver, the series was inspired by Kolchak: The Night Stalker and Watergate-era distrust of government institutions. Its blend of horror, science fiction and procedural storytelling helped redefine television genre writing. “Monster-of-the-week” episodes alternated with an overarching alien conspiracy mythos. The show became a cultural phenomenon, earning 16 Emmy Awards and spawning two feature films, a spin-off (The Lone Gunmen) and later revival seasons. Kolchak: ‘The Night Stalker’ Turns 50—Honoring Darren McGavin‘s Greatest Role Every Christmas, television audiences are reminded of actor Darren McGavin thanks to his portrayal of “The Old Man” in the holiday perennial A Christmas Story (1983), and while that may be the character that the late actor is likely to be remembered for by modern audiences, there are many others who recall him as the […] 5. ‘Babylon 5’ (1994–1998, PTEN/TNT) Created by: J. Michael Straczynski Cast: Michael O’Hare (Commander Jeffrey Sinclair), Bruce Boxleitner (Captain John Sheridan), Claudia Christian (Lt. Commander Susan Ivanova), Jerry Doyle (Security Chief Michael Garibaldi), Mira Furlan (Ambassador Delenn), Andreas Katsulas (Ambassador G’Kar), Peter Jurasik (Ambassador Londo Mollari), Richard Biggs (Dr. Stephen Franklin), Stephen Furst (Vir Cotto) Premise: Set aboard a diplomatic space station in the mid-23rd century, Babylon 5 serves as a neutral meeting place for rival alien species. Over five years, its crew faces wars, political intrigue, and moral crises that shape the fate of the galaxy. Behind the scenes: Created and executive produced by J. Michael Straczynski, Babylon 5 premiered in 1994 on the Prime Time Entertainment Network (PTEN) before moving to TNT for its final season. Straczynski envisioned the series as a five-year, pre-planned saga—one of television’s first fully serialized science fiction narratives. The show pioneered early CGI for space effects and tackled complex sociopolitical and spiritual themes. It earned Hugo Awards for “The Coming of Shadows” and “Severed Dreams,” and remains a landmark in long-form genre storytelling. 6. ‘Earth 2’ (1994–1995, NBC) Created by: Billy Ray, Michael Duggan, Carol Flint, Mark Levin Cast: Debrah Farentino (Devon Adair), Clancy Brown (John Danziger), Jessica Steen (Dr. Julia Heller), Joey Zimmerman (Ulysses “Uly” Adair), Rebecca Gayheart (Bess Martin), Sullivan Walker (Yale), Antonio Sabàto Jr. (Alonzo Solace) Premise: In a future where Earth is dying and children suffer a fatal illness known as “the Syndrome,” expedition leader Devon Adair organizes a launch to a distant Earth-like planet, G889. After crash-landing far from the intended settlement site, the colonists must survive a harsh alien environment, contend with mysterious native species and find a cure. Behind the scenes: Produced by Amblin Entertainment in association with Universal Television, the series premiered on November 6, 1994, and ran for one season of 21 episodes. The creators emphasized a strong female lead in Devon Adair—one of the earliest such commanders in 1990s sci-fi—and shot key exterior footage in Northern New Mexico. Although critically praised for its ambition and world-building, the show faced declining ratings and was cancelled in June 1995. 7. ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ (1995–2001, UPN) Created by: Rick Berman, Michael Piller, and Jeri Taylor Cast: Kate Mulgrew (Captain Kathryn Janeway), Robert Beltran (Commander Chakotay), Roxann Dawson (Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres), Robert Duncan McNeill (Lieutenant Tom Paris), Tim Russ (Lieutenant Tuvok), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Ethan Phillips (Neelix), Garrett Wang (Ensign Harry Kim), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine, from Season 4 onward) Premise: When a Federation starship and a rebel Maquis vessel are flung 70,000 light-years from Earth into the unexplored Delta Quadrant, their combined crews must cooperate under Captain Kathryn Janeway to find a way home, facing hostile alien species and moral challenges along the journey. Behind the scenes: Created to help launch the United Paramount Network (UPN), Voyager premiered in January 1995 as the fourth live-action Star Trek series. Executive producers Rick Berman and Jeri Taylor emphasized character-driven storytelling anchored by Kate Mulgrew’s groundbreaking role as the first female Star Trek captain. The show balanced classic episodic exploration with serialized development, particularly after the introduction of former Borg Seven of Nine in Season 4. Produced at Paramount Television, it ran seven seasons and concluded in May 2001 with the two-part finale “Endgame.” 28 'Star Trek' Crossovers That United the Franchise Across 6 Decades For nearly six decades, Star Trek has built one of television and film’s most expansive shared universes. But unlike comic book crossovers that sometimes feel reverse-engineered to tie things together, Trek’s connective tissue—from The Original Series to The Next Generation and beyond—has usually grown organically. A familiar character steps through a turbolift, an old starship is […] 8. ‘Sliders’ (1995–2000, Fox/Sci-Fi Channel) Created by: Robert K. Weiss and Tracy Tormé Cast: Jerry O’Connell (Quinn Mallory), Sabrina Lloyd (Wade Wells), John Rhys-Davies (Professor Maximilian Arturo), Cleavant Derricks (Rembrandt “Crying Man” Brown), Kari Wuhrer (Maggie Beckett), Charlie O’Connell (Colin Mallory) Premise: A brilliant physics student invents a device that opens wormholes to parallel Earths, allowing him and his companions to “slide” between alternate realities where history unfolded differently. Each world offers new dangers, political twists and glimpses of what might have been. Behind the scenes: Developed by Tormé and Weiss for Universal Television, Sliders premiered on Fox in March 1995 and ran for three seasons before being revived by the Sci-Fi Channel for two more. Early episodes used alternate history as social commentary, but network interference and budget cuts in later years shifted the tone toward action-adventure. John Rhys-Davies left during Season 3 after creative disputes, and production later moved from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Despite turmoil, Sliders maintained a loyal fanbase and remains a defining 1990s sci-fi cult favorite. 9. ‘The Outer Limits’ (1995–2002, Showtime/Sci-Fi Channel) Created by: Leslie Stevens (original series); revived and developed by Pen Densham and Mark Stern Cast: Anthology format featuring guest stars including Alyssa Milano, Beau Bridges, Robert Patrick, Kevin Nealon, and Rebecca De Mornay Premise: A modern revival of the 1963–65 anthology series, The Outer Limits presents self-contained stories exploring the consequences of advanced science, alien contact and human hubris. Each episode opens with a narration warning viewers that an unsee presence is “now controlling the transmission,” echoing the original’s famous introduction. Behind the scenes: Pen Densham and Mark Stern developed the revival for Showtime, with Alliance Atlantis producing in Vancouver. It debuted in March 1995 and ran for four seasons on Showtime before continuing for three more on the Sci-Fi Channel. Known for its darker tone and moral complexity, the series updated classic speculative fiction themes with 1990s-era visual effects and socially relevant narratives, earning CableACE and Gemini Awards during its run. 10. ‘Space: Above and Beyond’ (1995–1996, Fox) Created by: Glen Morgan and James Wong Cast: Morgan Weisser (Lt. Nathan West), Kristen Cloke (Capt. Shane Vansen), Rodney Rowland (Lt. Cooper Hawkes), Lanei Chapman (Lt. Vanessa Damphousse), Joel de la Fuente (Lt. Paul Wang), James Morrison (Lt. Col. Tyrus Cassius “T.C.” McQueen) Premise: In the mid-21st century, Earth’s first interstellar war erupts when humanity’s colonies are attacked by an alien species known as the Chigs. The series follows the “Wildcards,” a squadron of young Marine aviators fighting on the front lines while grappling with loss, duty and questions of humanity’s place in the universe. Behind the scenes: Created by former X-Files producers Glen Morgan and James Wong, Space: Above and Beyond premiered on Fox in September 1995. The series combined realistic military structure with hard science fiction, drawing inspiration from films like The Right Stuff and Full Metal Jacket. Filmed at Fox Studios in Los Angeles with ambitious special effects and model work, it was praised for its serious tone and character depth. Despite critical acclaim, high production costs and low ratings led Fox to cancel it after one season of 24 episodes, leaving several storylines unresolved. 11. ‘VR.5’ (1995, Fox) Created by: Jeannine Renshaw, Thania St. John, and Michael Katleman Cast: Lori Singer (Sydney Bloom), Anthony Head (Dr. Joseph Bloom), Michael Easton (Duncan), Louise Fletcher (Dr. Bobbi Henson, “The Committee”) Premise: A shy telephone technician discovers she can access a hidden level of virtual reality known as “VR.5,” where she can enter and interact with other people’s subconscious minds. Drawn into a shadowy organization’s experiments, she begins to uncover secrets about her family, her own psyche and the nature of reality itself. Behind the scenes: Created by Jeannine Renshaw and Thania St. John, VR.5 was one of the earliest network series to explore virtual reality technology and identity through a psychological lens. Premiering in March 1995 on Fox, the show stood out for its surreal imagery, experimental editing and emotional storytelling. Despite critical praise, it was canceled after 10 episodes due to low ratings and limited promotion. Its cult following endures for its ambitious blend of science fiction and introspective drama. 12. ‘Earth: Final Conflict’ (1997–2002, Syndicated) Created by: Gene Roddenberry (developed for television by Majel Barrett Roddenberry) Cast: Kevin Kilner (William Boone), Lisa Howard (Lili Marquette), Von Flores (Ronald Sandoval), Anita La Selva (Zo’or), Robert Leeshock (Liam Kincaid), Leni Parker (Da’an), Richard Chevolleau (Marcus “Augur” Deveraux) Premise: When an alien race known as the Taelons arrives on Earth promising peace and technological progress, humanity welcomes them as benefactors—but a covert resistance soon uncovers that the aliens may have a hidden agenda involving genetic manipulation and control. Behind the scenes: Based on unused notes and concepts left by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, Earth: Final Conflict was developed posthumously by his widow, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, and produced by Atlantis Films. The series premiered in syndication in October 1997, combining political intrigue and moral ambiguity in a near-future setting. Filmed in Toronto, it became one of the most successful syndicated sci-fi dramas of the late 1990s. Frequent cast changes and tonal shifts marked later seasons, but the show remained notable for its exploration of humanity’s relationship with alien intelligence and its moral complexity. 13. ‘The Visitor’ (1997–1998, Fox) Created by: Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin Cast: John Corbett (Adam MacArthur), Leon Rippy (Agent Ray Patterson), Grand L. Bush (Agent Michael Wright), Steve Railsback (Col. James Vise), John Storey (Dr. Joshua Nodelman) Premise: Adam MacArthur, an Air Force pilot abducted by aliens during World War II, mysteriously returns to Earth five decades later, unchanged and possessing strange healing powers. Pursued by the government and guided by an extraterrestrial mission, he seeks to help humanity avoid self-destruction. Behind the scenes: Created by Independence Day filmmakers Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, The Visitor premiered on Fox in October 1997. Produced by Centropolis Television and 20th Century Fox, it blended spiritual and science fiction themes, reflecting Emmerich and Devlin’s fascination with extraterrestrial intervention. The series was filmed in Vancouver and featured a cinematic visual style rare for network television at the time. Despite positive early reviews and strong production values, declining ratings led Fox to cancel the show after one 13-episode season. 14. ‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997–2007, Showtime/Sci-Fi Channel) Created by: Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright Cast: Richard Dean Anderson (Colonel Jack O’Neill), Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson), Amanda Tapping (Captain/Major Samantha Carter), Christopher Judge (Teal’c), Don S. Davis (Major General George Hammond), Teryl Rothery (Dr. Janet Fraiser) Premise: Following the events of the 1994 film Stargate, a secret U.S. Air Force team known as SG-1 travels to distant worlds through an ancient alien device called the Stargate. Their missions uncover powerful alien races, ancient civilizations and an ongoing war against the parasitic Goa’uld. Behind the scenes: Developed by Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright for Showtime, Stargate SG-1 premiered in July 1997 as a continuation and expansion of Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s feature film. Filmed in Vancouver, the series was produced by MGM Television and became a cornerstone of late-1990s and early-2000s sci-fi. Richard Dean Anderson’s wry leadership style helped redefine the tone from the movie’s more somber approach. After five seasons on Showtime, the show moved to the Sci-Fi Channel, running for a total of 10 seasons and spawning the spinoffs Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe. 15. ‘Highlander: The Raven’ (1998–1999, Syndicated) Created by: Dennis Berry and Maurice Phillips Cast: Elizabeth Gracen (Amanda Darieux), Paul Johansson (Nick Wolfe), Patricia Gage (Lucy Becker), Hannes Jaenicke (Bert Myers) Premise: Immortal thief Amanda Darieux, introduced in Highlander: The Series, attempts to turn over a new leaf after centuries of crime and manipulation. Teaming with ex-cop Nick Wolfe, she confronts enemies old and new while struggling to balance her conscience with her immortal instincts. Behind the scenes: Produced by Davis–Panzer Productions, Highlander: The Raven was developed as a spinoff of Highlander: The Series and filmed primarily in Toronto. Dennis Berry and Maurice Phillips directed and helped shape the show’s tone, which leaned toward a romantic crime drama rather than sword-and-sorcery fantasy. Despite Gracen’s popularity as Amanda, network pressure for a broader audience and uneven critical reception led to cancellation after one 22-episode season. 16. ‘Farscape’ (1999–2003, Sci-Fi Channel) Deal of the Day This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal Created by: Rockne S. O’Bannon Cast: Ben Browder (John Crichton), Claudia Black (Aeryn Sun), Anthony Simcoe (Ka D’Argo), Lani Tupu (Pilot/Crais), Jonathan Hardy (voice of Rygel XVI), Virginia Hey (Zhaan), Gigi Edgley (Chiana), Wayne Pygram (Scorpius) Premise: Astronaut John Crichton is hurled through a wormhole to a distant galaxy and finds himself aboard a living ship, Moya, crewed by escaped alien prisoners. Stranded far from home, Crichton becomes caught in galactic conflicts while forging unlikely bonds with his shipmates and struggling to survive in an unpredictable universe. Behind the scenes: Produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with Hallmark Entertainment and filmed in Sydney, Australia, Farscape premiered in March 1999 on the Sci-Fi Channel. Creator Rockne S. O’Bannon, together with executive producers Brian Henson and David Kemper, combined Henson’s groundbreaking animatronics with mature, character-driven storytelling and a darkly comic tone. Its imaginative alien designs, bold emotional arcs and complex mythology earned critical acclaim and a passionate cult following. Though canceled in 2003 after four seasons, fan demand led to the 2004 miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars, which concluded the saga. More classic sci-fi TV series Source: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/classic-tv/best-1990s-sci-fi-tv-shows-to-watch-now