The rise and eventual dominance of streaming coincided with some exceptionally imaginative, future-oriented programming across the TV medium.
Television has seen a surge in imaginative sci-fi programming, particularly during the 2010s. Unfortunately, many of these series struggled to attract the viewer attention they deserved amidst the overwhelming abundance of content from streaming platforms. TVLine recently spotlighted ten such shows that deserve a second viewing. Here’s a look at these underappreciated series, each offering unique narratives and characters that resonate today.
"Counterpart" stars J.K. Simmons as Howard Silk, a mild-mannered bureaucrat who discovers a parallel universe. This espionage thriller invites viewers into a world where counterparts grapple with profound questions of identity and choice. Despite its critical acclaim, the series was canceled by Starz after two seasons, leaving many fans yearning for more.
In "Travelers," humanity’s last hope is to send minds back in time to prevent global catastrophe. The series dives deep into the complexities of characters like Grant MacLaren (Eric McCormack), who must juggle the life of his host while dealing with the emotional ramifications of his mission. Despite captivating storytelling, it also faced an early cancellation after three seasons, leaving its narrative potential unexplored.
"12 Monkeys" takes viewers on a thrilling ride through time as James Cole (Aaron Stanford) attempts to prevent a devastating plague. Throughout its four-season run, the show intricately weaves time travel twists with character-driven narratives, wrapping up its complex plot satisfactorily. Its layered storytelling has garnered it a passionate cult following.
"People of Earth" combines humor with heart, focusing on Ozzie Graham (Wyatt Cenac), a journalist who unintentionally joins a support group for alien abductees. The show's gentle comedy brings a refreshing take on the alien narrative, though it was canceled before exploring its character arcs fully, making it a worthwhile revisit.
"Continuum" offers a nuanced portrayal of a future society riddled with corporate control. Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) finds herself trapped in the past while pursuing a radical group. Over four seasons, the series not only delivers on thrills but also questions the moral implications of time travel, balancing character development with ethical dilemmas.
"Humans" explores the relationship between humans and autonomous synthetic beings in a society that increasingly relies on technology. The narrative questions the nature of consciousness and legal rights, making it remarkably relevant in today’s AI discussions. The series spans three seasons and ends with unresolved plot threads, prompting viewers to ponder its themes long after watching.
Combining elements of mystery and comedy, "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" showcases an unusual detective and his sidekick solving bizarre cases tied together by interconnectedness. While its innovative storytelling captivated viewers, the series was canceled after two seasons, leaving many storylines untouched.
In "Colony," former FBI agent Will Bowman (Josh Holloway) navigates life during an alien occupation. Rather than focusing solely on the extraterrestrial threat, the show delves into human responses to fear and control, offering a compelling character-driven narrative over three seasons before its cancellation.
"Killjoys" follows a trio of bounty hunters traversing a distant planetary system. The dynamic and playful interactions among characters reveal deeper stories against the backdrop of interplanetary conflict. With five seasons, it stands as a rich and enjoyable narrative within the sci-fi genre.
The resurgence of interest in these ten shows underscores the need for viewers to explore overlooked series that offer innovative storytelling and in-depth character exploration. This exploration reveals how quality programming can sometimes fall through the cracks in an era of content saturation.
As viewers seek nostalgic yet fulfilling experiences, these series remind us of the creativity that flourished in the 2010s sci-fi landscape, deserving a place back in viewing schedules.
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