Skip to content The ultimate list of Alien Sci-Fi TV Series
Explore Alien Sci-Fi TV Series that have left an indelible mark on the Science Fiction genre as we unveil the best and most captivating series in the outer limits of television’s alien-infested landscapes, beyond the stars and into the heart of the unknown.
From classic encounters with otherworldly beings to cutting-edge narratives that push the boundaries of imagination, this curated collection takes you on a thrilling odyssey through the vast expanse of alien-influenced storytelling. An exploration of iconic shows that have captivated audiences with their gripping tales of intergalactic adventures, mysterious encounters, and the enigmatic unknown.
Alien Sci-Fi TV Shows (2020-)
3 Body Problem
Release date: 21 March 2024, Netflix
Release date: 21 March 2024, Runtime: 60′, Channel: Netflix, Created by: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Alexander Woo, Starring: Jovan Adepo, Liam Cunningham, Eiza González
Against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution during the 1960s, a significant decision sets off a series of events that reverberate into the present day. In a bid to address a pressing existential threat to the planet, a team of scientists collaborates with a determined detective. Their mission is to confront a perilous challenge facing humanity. A secret military project launches signals into space, aiming to establish contact with extraterrestrial beings.
Stemming from the creative world of Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin’s Hugo-awarded novel, this narrative forms the basis of the first book in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past series.
Invasion
Status: Ended, Years running: 2021-2024, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 1h, Score: 6.2/10 (IMDb), Channel: Apple TV+, Created by: Simon Kinberg, David Weil, Starring: Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson
An alien species threatens humanity’s existence upon visiting Earth. Events unfold in real-time through the eyes of five ordinary people across the globe as they struggle to make sense of the chaos unravelling around them.
Halo
Status: Ongoing, Years running: 2022-present, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 1h, Score: 7.2/10 (IMDb), Channel: Paramount+, Created by: Kyle Killen, Starring: Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone & Jen Taylor
Follows the journey into an epic 26th-century conflict between humanity and an alien threat known as the Covenant.
Intergalactic
Status: TBA, Years running: 2021- Seasons: 1, Runtime: 45’, Score: 4.6/10 (IMDb), Channel: Sky original, Created by: Julie Gearey, Starring: Savannah Steyn, Natasha O’Keeffe, Thomas Turgoose
A crew of fierce female convicts break free and go on the run.
The Nevers
Status: Ongoing, Years running: 2021-present, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 58 minutes, Score: 7.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: HBO, Created by: Joss Whedon, Starring: Laura Donnelly, Ann Skelly
“The Nevers” is set in Victorian London, where a supernatural event grants certain individuals, known as the “Touched,” unique powers. The series delves into the mysteries surrounding the origin of these powers and their connection to potential extraterrestrial involvement.
Raised by Wolves
Status: Cancelled Years running: 2020-2022, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 42–55′, Score: 7.5/10 (IMDb), Channel: HBO max, Created by: Aaron Guzikowski, Ridley Scott (exec. producer), Starring: Travis Fimmel, Amanda Collin, Abubakar Salim
Two androids, Father and Mother, are assigned the responsibility to nurture human children on the enigmatic planet Kepler-22b, following the destruction of Earth in a major conflict. As the human colony on the new planet faces potential division due to religious disparities, the androids grapple with the challenging and perilous endeavor of influencing the beliefs of the human inhabitants.
Avenue 5
Status: Ended, Years running: 2020-2021, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 30 minutes, Score: 6.8/10 (IMDb), Channel: HBO, Created by: Armando Iannucci, Starring: Hugh Laurie, Josh Gad
In this comedic science fiction series, the luxury space cruiser Avenue 5 experiences a malfunction, stranding its passengers and crew far from Earth. The show explores the challenges of surviving in space and the eccentricities of the ship’s inhabitants.
Alien Sci-Fi TV Series (2010-2019)
Lost in Space
Status: Ongoing, Years running: 2018-present, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 7.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: Netflix, Created by: Irwin Allen, Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Starring: Toby Stephens, Molly Parker
A modern reimagining of the classic series, “Lost in Space” follows the Robinson family as they become stranded on an unknown planet after their spaceship crash-lands. They encounter strange alien environments and technology while trying to find their way back to Earth.
Altered Carbon
Status: Ended, Years running: 2018-2020, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 8.0/10 (IMDb), Channel: Netflix, Created by: Laeta Kalogridis, Starring: Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy
In a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, “Altered Carbon” follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier who is brought back to life to solve a wealthy man’s murder. The series explores themes of identity, technology, and the potential for extraterrestrial influence on human affairs.
The Orville
Status: Ongoing, Years running: 2017-present, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 44 minutes, Score: 8.0/10 (IMDb), Channel: FOX, Created by: Seth MacFarlane, Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Adrianne Palicki
Captain Ed Mercer and his crew explore space on the U.S.S. Orville, dealing with interstellar conflicts, strange phenomena, and humorous situations.
Colony
Status: Ended, Years running: 2016-2018, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 42 minutes, Score: 7.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: USA Network, Created by: Carlton Cuse, Ryan J. Condal, Starring: Josh Holloway, Sarah Wayne Callies
In a near-future Los Angeles occupied by extraterrestrial forces, a family struggles to survive and resist the alien authority.
The Expanse
Status: Ongoing, Years running: 2015-present, Seasons: 6, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 8.5/10 (IMDB), Channel: Syfy, Amazon Prime Video, Created by: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Starring: Steven Strait, Cas Anvar
Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, the series delves into political tensions, conspiracies, and the discovery of an alien proto-molecule with far-reaching implications.
The 100
Status: Ended, Years running: 2014-2020, Seasons: 7, Runtime: 43 minutes, Score: 7.6/10 (IMDB), Channel: The CW, Created by: Jason Rothenberg, Starring: Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley
“The 100” is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a group of survivors, primarily young adults, return to Earth from a space station to assess its habitability. They encounter various threats, including other survivors and potentially dangerous alien life forms.
Extant
Status: Ended, Years running: 2014-2015, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 42 minutes, Score: 6.6/10 (IMDb), Channel: CBS, Created by: Mickey Fisher, Starring: Halle Berry, Pierce Gagnon
In “Extant,” astronaut Molly Woods returns from a 13-month solo mission in space, but she soon discovers that she’s pregnant with a child who may not be entirely human. The series explores the implications of her mysterious pregnancy and the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Defiance
Status: Ended, Years running: 2013-2015, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 43 minutes, Score: 7.0/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy, Created by: Kevin Murphy, Rockne S. O’Bannon, Michael Taylor, Starring: Grant Bowler, Julie Benz
“Defiance” is set in a future Earth where multiple alien species have arrived and integrated with humanity, resulting in a new society. The series follows the residents of the town of Defiance as they navigate the challenges of coexisting with various alien races while dealing with political intrigue and post-apocalyptic landscapes.
Falling Skies
Status: Ended, Years running: 2011-2015, Seasons: 5, Runtime: 43 minutes, Score: 7.1/10 (IMDB), Channel: TNT, Created by: Robert Rodat, Starring: Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood
In a post-apocalyptic world invaded by aliens, a group of survivors, led by Tom Mason, fights to reclaim Earth from the alien occupation.
The Event
Status: Ended, Years running: 2010-2011, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 43 minutes, Score: 7.0/10 (IMDb), Channel: NBC, Created by: Nick Wauters, Starring: Jason Ritter, Sarah Roemer
The series follows the mysterious disappearance of an airplane and the uncovering of a government conspiracy involving extraterrestrial detainees and a planned extraterrestrial arrival on Earth.
Alien Sci-Fi TV Series (2000-2009)
Fringe
Status: Ended, Years running: 2008-2013, Seasons: 5, Runtime: 46 minutes, Score: 8.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: FOX, Created by: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Starring: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson
An FBI division investigates bizarre and unexplained phenomena, including those with connections to parallel universes and otherworldly influences.
Battlestar Galactica
Status: Ended, Years running: 2004-2009, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 44 minutes, Score: 8.7/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy, Created by: Ronald D. Moore, Starring: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell
After the near-extinction of humanity, the survivors search for the mythical Earth while being pursued by the robotic Cylons, some of which have taken on human forms.
Firefly
Status: Ended, Years running: 2002-2003, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 44 minutes, Score: 9.0/10 (IMDb), Channel: FOX, Created by: Joss Whedon, Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres
Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his crew navigate a post-civil war galaxy while taking on smuggling jobs and encountering various alien races.
The 4400
Status: Ended, Years running: 2004-2007, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 43 minutes, Score: 7.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: USA Network, Created by: Scott Peters, René Echevarria, Starring: Joel Gretsch, Jacqueline McKenzie
Over several decades, thousands of people are mysteriously returned to Earth, each possessing unique abilities. A government agency investigates the source of these returns and the significance of these abilities.
V (the Visitors)
Status: Ended, Years running: 1983-1985, 2009-2011, Seasons: 2 (each), Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 6.8/10 (IMDb), Channel: NBC, ABC (respective versions), Created by: Kenneth Johnson (1983), Scott Peters (2009), Starring: Various
Both the 1983 and 2009 series depict the arrival of seemingly benevolent extraterrestrial visitors known as the “Visitors,” who harbor dark intentions toward Earth.
Alien Sci-Fi TV Series (1990-1999)
Roswell
Status: Ended, Years running: 1999-2002, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 42 minutes, Score: 7.5/10 (IMDb), Channel: The WB, UPN, Created by: Jason Katims, Starring: Shiri Appleby, Jason Behr
This series follows a group of teenagers who discover they are descendants of aliens and must protect their secret while navigating high school life.
Farscape
Status: Ended, Years running: 1999-2003, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 50 minutes, Score: 8.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy, Created by: Rockne S. O’Bannon, Starring: Ben Browder, Claudia Black
Astronaut John Crichton is accidentally transported to a distant part of the universe and joins a diverse crew aboard a living spaceship, encountering bizarre alien species and cultures.
Earth: Final Conflict
Status: Ended, Years running: 1997-2002, Seasons: 5, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 6.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syndication, Created by: Gene Roddenberry, Starring: Kevin Kilner, Lisa Howard
In “Earth: Final Conflict,” an advanced alien race called the Taelons arrives on Earth, offering their technology and assistance. However, a human resistance group led by William Boone works to uncover the Taelons’ true motives, revealing a complex and often deceptive relationship between the aliens and humanity.
Dark Skies
Status: Ended, Years running: 1996-1997, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 7.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: NBC, Created by: Bryce Zabel, Brent V. Friedman, Starring: Eric Close, Megan Ward
Set during the Cold War, this series follows a couple who become involved in a secret government organization that investigates alien conspiracies and encounters extraterrestrial beings.
The Outer Limits
Status: Ended, Years running: 1963-1965, 1995-2002, Seasons: 2 (1963), 7 (1995), Runtime: 51 minutes (1963), 44 minutes (1995), Score: 8.1/10 (IMDb), Channel: ABC (1963), Showtime, Syfy (1995), Created by: Leslie Stevens (1963), Various (1995), Starring: Various
Both the original series (1963-1965) and its 1995 revival feature standalone episodes with various science fiction and alien-related themes. Each episode explores different scenarios, often with a twist ending, and delves into the mysteries of the unknown.
Babylon 5
Status: Ended, Years running: 1994-1998, Seasons: 5, Runtime: 45 minutes, Score: 8.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: TNT, Created by: J. Michael Straczynski, Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian
Set on a space station, the series explores diplomacy, war, and the interactions between various alien species in a politically complex and diverse universe.
The X-Files
Status: Ended, Years running: 1993-2018, Seasons: 11, Runtime: 45 minutes, Score: 8.6/10 (IMDb), Channel: FOX, Created by: Chris Carter, Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson
FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully investigate paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena, including government conspiracies and alien abductions.
Alien Sci-Fi TV Series (1980-1989)
Alien Nation
Status: Ended, Years running: 1989-1990, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 7.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: FOX, Created by: Rockne S. O’Bannon, Starring: Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint
In a world where aliens have integrated into society, a human detective partners with an alien detective to solve crimes in Los Angeles.
War of the Worlds
Status: Ended, Years running: 1988-1990, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 7.1/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syndication, Created by: Greg Strangis, Starring: Jared Martin, Lynda Mason Green
In the 1988 series, Earth faces an alien invasion as humanity confronts technologically advanced extraterrestrial tripods.
Alien Sci-Fi TV Series spanning decades
Stargate SG-1
Status: Ended, Years running: 1997-2007, Seasons: 10, Runtime: 44 minutes, Score: 8.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: Showtime, Syfy, Created by: Brad Wright, Jonathan Glassner, Starring: Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks
A military team uses a stargate to explore alien worlds and defend Earth from the Goa’uld and other extraterrestrial threats.
Stargate Atlantis
Status: Ended, Years running: 2004-2009, Seasons: 5, Runtime: 44 minutes, Score: 8.1/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy, Created by: Brad Wright, Robert C. Cooper, Starring: Joe Flanigan, Rachel Luttrell
A spin-off of SG-1, this series follows a team exploring the lost city of Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy, uncovering advanced alien technology and facing new dangers.
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Original Series
Status: Ended, Years running: 1966-1969, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 50 minutes, Score: 8.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: NBC, Created by: Gene Roddenberry, Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy
The crew of the starship USS Enterprise explores the galaxy, encountering various alien species & planets, and challenges in their mission to boldly go where no one has gone before.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Status: Ended, Years running: 1987-1994, Seasons: 7, Runtime: 44 minutes, Score: 8.6/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syndication, Created by: Gene Roddenberry, Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes
Set a century after the original series, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew continue the exploration of space, diplomacy, and encounters with diverse alien civilizations.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Status: Ended, Years running: 1993-1999, Seasons: 7, Runtime: 45 minutes, Score: 7.9/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syndication, Created by: Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Starring: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois
Stationed near a stable wormhole, Deep Space Nine is a hub for diplomatic and political intrigue as it hosts encounters with different alien races.
Star Trek: Voyager
Status: Ended, Years running: 1995-2001, Seasons: 7, Runtime: 45 minutes, Score: 7.8/10 (IMDb), Channel: UPN, Created by: Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Starring: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran
The starship USS Voyager is stranded in a distant part of the galaxy, and its crew must navigate alien territories and make alliances on their journey back to Earth.
Star Trek: Enterprise
Status: Ended, Years running: 2001-2005, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 60 minutes, Score: 7.5/10 (IMDb), Channel: UPN, Created by: Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, Starring: Scott Bakula, Jolene Blalock
A prequel to the original series, “Enterprise” explores the early days of space exploration and humanity’s first encounters with alien species.
Doctor Who
Status: Ongoing, Years running: 1963-present, Seasons: 38, Runtime: 45 minutes, Score: 8.6/10 (IMDb), Channel: BBC, Created by: Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, Donald Wilson
The Doctor, a time-traveling alien Time Lord, travels through time and space with companions, encountering various alien species, historical events, and cosmic mysteries.
