Sci-fi is a genre that lends itself perfectly to expansive, hugely imaginative shows that run for several years. However, throughout history, there have been several sci-fi shows which have proven to be undeniable masterpieces with as few as five seasons or fewer. Sometimes, less is more, and these exceptional series are irrefutable proof of that fact.
One simply ought to look at animated gems like the prematurely canceled Scavengers Reign, genre-defining classics like Star Trek: The Original Series, or masterfully serialized dramas from the streaming era like Dark. Sci-fi may be perfect for ever-growing shows that last for around a decade, but it’s also perfect for smaller, self-contained masterpieces like these.
10
‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)
Image via HBO Max
On several occasions, HBO Max has unfortunately demonstrated a tragic lack of appreciation and respect for the medium of animation, but perhaps never as outrageously as when they canceled Scavengers Reign. But though this avant-garde sci-fi series had the potential to run for many more years, it was initially pitched as a self-contained miniseries. So, looking back at it today, it feels like an entirely satisfying finished product.
It’s one of those overlooked animated shows that deserve more attention, a visually stunning and brilliantly surreal survival story about how isolation can breed destruction. It’s phenomenally written, gorgeously animated, and full of some of the best world-building of any recent sci-fi show, making it all the sadder that it wasn’t allowed to become the multi-season epic it was always meant to be.
9
‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966–1969)
Image via NBC
Nowadays, Star Trek is easily and by far one of the most iconic media properties on the planet, but that wasn’t always the case. It all began back in 1966 with Star Trek: The Original Series, a groundbreaking and boundary-pushing masterpiece that didn’t see particularly stunning success when it was on the air, but soon grew the hyper-loyal fandom that still props it up as a masterpiece today.
Is The Original Series the best Star Trek installment? Likely not, but it’s nevertheless one of the most important science fiction series in television’s history. It’s one of the sci-fi shows with the best world-building, the best ensemble cast, and the best writing of all time, and it achieved all of those titles with only three seasons.
Image via Bones
Back in 2003, the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist adapted Hiromu Arakawa‘s manga series of the same name, which at the time was far from over. As such, great though it may be, that original adaptation hasn’t aged the best. <em>Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood</em>, on the other hand, was designed as a much more faithful adaptation of the entire manga series. The result? One of the highest-rated animated shows in history on IMDb.
It’s one of the most universally beloved anime series ever, and for good reason. It’s a single-season filler-free masterpiece with airtight pacing and some of the best writing anime television has seen during the 21st century, perfect for fans and non-fans of the manga in equal measure. It’s emotionally stirring, it’s philosophically complex, and it’s as visually striking as any anime fan could possibly hope.
7
‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)
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A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like Lost
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
A must-see for all those who love mystery box shows like The X-Files .
Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…
5
‘Andor’ (2022–2025)
4
‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
3
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)
2
‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)
1
‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959–1964)
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