Highly rated Sci-Fi TV shows that were canceled too soon

As much as there is a great demand for quality Sci-Fi TV,  highly rated Sci-Fi TV shows that were canceled before concluding is common, leaving fans stranded for closure. These shows have passionate fan bases and compelling storylines, making their cancellations particularly disappointing for viewers.

As the relationship between creators and fans is reliant, the revival of canceled series stands is a collective influence wielded by dedicated audiences in the digital age. In this streaming era, we, as viewers can employ new strategies to persuade decision-makers: from boosting streaming numbers and engaging on social media to organizing fan events and supporting official merchandise.

Here are some of the best rated Sci-Fi TV shows that were canceled too soon

Farscape

Years running: 1999-2003, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 50’, Score: 8.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel), Created by: Rockne S. O’Bannon, Starring: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe

Synopsis: After astronaut John Crichton accidentally travels through a wormhole, he finds himself aboard a living spaceship called Moya, surrounded by alien fugitives. Together, they embark on a series of adventures while being pursued by various hostile forces.

Status: This Australian-American series gained a dedicated following for its unique characters, intricate plotlines, and groundbreaking visual effects. It was canceled after four seasons, leaving many story arcs unresolved. However, it did receive a miniseries called “Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars,” which provided some closure to the series.

The 4400

Years running: 2004-2007, Seasons: 4, Runtime: 42’, Score: 7.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: USA Network, Created by: René Echevarria, Scott Peters, Starring: Joel Gretsch, Jacqueline McKenzie, Mahershala Ali

Synopsis: After 4400 people who went missing over several decades suddenly reappear, each with special abilities, a government agency investigates their return and the mysteries surrounding their disappearance.

Status: The “4400” is indeed another example of a sci-fi TV show that was canceled before concluding. The show explored themes of government conspiracy, discrimination, and the consequences of extraordinary abilities. Despite its popularity and strong ratings, “The 4400” was canceled after four seasons, leaving many storylines unresolved. However, in 2019, it was announced that The CW was developing a reboot of the series, which would provide an opportunity to revisit the story and potentially provide closure for fans.

Firefly

Years running: 2002, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 44’, Score: 9.0/10 (IMDb), Channel: Fox, Created by: Joss Whedon, Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk

Synopsis: In a future where humanity has spread across the galaxy, the crew of the spaceship Serenity takes on various jobs while evading the oppressive Alliance government and dealing with the challenges of life on the frontier.

Status: Created by Joss Whedon, this space western garnered a dedicated fanbase despite being canceled after just one season. The story of the crew of the spaceship Serenity continues in the film “Serenity,” but many storylines remained unresolved.

Stargate Universe

Years running: 2009-2011, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 42’, Score: 7.6/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel), Created by: Brad Wright, Robert C. Cooper, Starring: Robert Carlyle, Louis Ferreira, Brian J. Smith

Synopsis: A group of people find themselves stranded aboard an ancient spaceship called the Destiny, which is traveling through the universe. As they struggle to survive and uncover the ship’s purpose, they encounter numerous challenges and mysteries.

Status: Part of the Stargate franchise, this series was canceled after two seasons, leaving fans without resolution to the story of a group of people stranded on an ancient spaceship.

Surface

Years running: 2005-2006, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 42’, Score: 7.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: NBC, Created by: Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, Starring: Lake Bell, Jay R. Ferguson, Carter Jenkins

Synopsis: When mysterious sea creatures begin appearing around the world, a marine biologist, a government researcher, and a teenager investigate the phenomenon and uncover a vast conspiracy.

Status: This short-lived series followed the discovery of mysterious sea creatures and their impact on the world. Despite a promising start, the show was canceled after one season, leaving viewers without answers to many of its mysteries.

Terra Nova

Years running: 2011, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 44’, Score: 6.8/10 (IMDb), Channel: Fox, Created by: Kelly Marcel, Craig Silverstein, Starring: Jason O’Mara, Shelley Conn, Stephen Lang

Synopsis: In a future where Earth is overpopulated and polluted, a group of colonists travels back in time to the prehistoric era to establish a new civilization. They must contend with dinosaurs, rival factions, and the challenges of building a society from scratch.

Status: This original TV series combined time travel with dinosaurs, but it was canceled after one season due to its high production costs and mixed reviews. Fans were left hanging with numerous unresolved plotlines.

Alphas

Years running: 2011-2012, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 44’, Score: 7.3/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel), Created by: Zak Penn, Michael Karnow, Starring: David Strathairn, Ryan Cartwright, Warren Christie

Synopsis: A team of individuals with extraordinary abilities, known as Alphas, works for a clandestine government agency to solve crimes and prevent threats posed by other Alphas.

Status: This superhero drama aired on Syfy for two seasons before being canceled. The series ended on a cliffhanger, with several unresolved plotlines.

Almost Human

Status: Ended, Years running: 2013-2014, Seasons: 1, Runtime: 43’, Score: 8.1/10 (IMDb), Channel: Fox, Created by: J.H. Wyman, Starring: Karl Urban, Michael Ealy, Minka Kelly

Synopsis: In a future where human police officers are paired with android partners, a troubled detective is paired with an outdated android who exhibits human-like emotions. Together, they investigate crimes in a technologically advanced but dangerous world.

Status: Created by J.H. Wyman and produced by J.J. Abrams, this futuristic police procedural was canceled by Fox after just one season.

The Expanse

Years running: 2015-2022, Seasons: 6, Runtime: 42-56’, Score: 8.5/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy (Seasons 1-3), Amazon Prime Video (Seasons 4-6), Created by: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Starring: Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper

Synopsis: Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, the series follows the crew of the Rocinante as they become embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens the fragile balance of power between Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance.

Status: While it eventually found a new home after its initial cancellation, “The Expanse” was initially dropped by Syfy after three seasons. Fortunately, Amazon picked it up, allowing the story based on James S. A. Corey’s novels to continue.

Dark Matter

Status: Ended, Years running: 2015-2017, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 42’, Score: 7.5/10 (IMDb), Channel: Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel), Created by: Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie, Starring: Marc Bendavid, Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke

Synopsis: After waking up on a derelict spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there, a group of individuals must work together to uncover their identities and the secrets of their pasts while navigating a dangerous galaxy.

Status: This space opera was canceled after three seasons, leaving many questions unanswered about the crew of the spaceship Raza and their mysterious pasts.

Colony

Years running: 2016-2018, Seasons: 3, Runtime: 42’, Score: 7.4/10 (IMDb), Channel: USA Network, Created by: Carlton Cuse, Ryan J. Condal, Starring: Josh Holloway, Sarah Wayne Callies, Peter Jacobson

Synopsis: In a near-future Los Angeles occupied by mysterious extraterrestrial forces, a family struggles to survive while navigating the complexities of life under occupation and participating in the resistance against their alien rulers.

Status: Despite having a dedicated fanbase and generating interest with its intriguing premise and characters, “Colony” was canceled after three seasons. The decision to end the series left many fans disappointed, as there were still unresolved storylines and mysteries surrounding the true nature of the alien occupation.

The OA

Years running: 2016-2019, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 60’, Score: 7.8/10 (IMDb), Channel: Netflix, Created by: Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij, Starring: Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs, Emory Cohen

Synopsis: After disappearing for seven years, a young woman returns with mysterious abilities and a compelling story about her experiences in another dimension. As she gathers a group of followers to help her unravel the truth, they become entangled in a complex web of interdimensional travel and metaphysical exploration.

Status: This mystery Sci-Fi drama, created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, gained a cult following for its mind-bending storytelling and philosophical themes. Despite critical acclaim, Netflix canceled the series after two seasons, leaving fans with numerous unanswered questions.

Raised by Wolves

Status: Ended, Years running: 2020-2022, Seasons: 2, Runtime: 50-60’, Score: 7.5/10 (IMDb), Channel: HBO Max, Created by: Aaron Guzikowski, Starring: Amanda Collin, Abubakar Salim, Travis Fimmel

Synopsis: Two androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet after Earth has been destroyed by a religious war. As tensions rise between the atheists and believers among the surviving humans, the androids must protect their charges and uncover the secrets of their own origins.

Status: “Raised by Wolves” was a science fiction drama television series created by Aaron Guzikowski and produced by Ridley Scott. It premiered on HBO Max in 2020 and gained attention for its thought-provoking themes, stunning visuals, and ambitious storytelling. Despite the instant success in ratings and fan following, the show was canceled after two seasons due to the merger of HBO Max parent company WarnerMedia and Discovery.

Are there any petitions to bring these great Sci-Fi series back?

There have been numerous petitions from passionate fans to bring back several of these canceled Sci-Fi TV shows. Online petitions are a common way for fans to voice their desire for the revival or continuation of beloved series. These petitions are often shared on social media platforms and websites dedicated to fandoms. While they may not always result in the revival of a show, they serve as a way for fans to express their support and demonstrate their continued interest in seeing more of the story.

For example, after the cancellation of “Firefly,” fans launched multiple petitions and campaigns to bring the show back. Although these efforts did not lead to a revival of the series, they helped to keep the show’s legacy alive and contributed to the production of the film “Serenity.”

Similarly, fans of “The Expanse” rallied together after its cancellation by Syfy, launching petitions and social media campaigns to save the show. Their efforts paid off when Amazon Prime Video picked up the series for additional seasons.

Fans of other canceled shows like “The OA” and “Almost Human” have also organized online petitions in the hopes of convincing networks or streaming platforms to reconsider their decisions.

While petitions can sometimes influence decision-makers, the ultimate fate of a TV show often depends on a variety of other factors, including viewer demand, production costs, and the availability of the cast and crew.

Have the fans ever succeeded in bringing back any of the canceled sci-fi shows?

Fans have sometimes played a significant role in resurrecting Sci-Fi TV shows that were canceled, either through campaigns, petitions, or through the support of streaming platforms or other networks. Here are a few examples:

• “The Expanse”: After Syfy canceled “The Expanse” following its third season, fans launched a massive campaign to save the show. Their efforts included online petitions, social media campaigns, and even a crowdfunding initiative to fly a banner over Amazon Studios’ headquarters. The campaign caught the attention of Amazon, which subsequently picked up the series for additional seasons, allowing the story to continue.
• “Lucifer”: Although not strictly a sci-fi show, the urban fantasy series “Lucifer” faced cancellation after three seasons on Fox. However, a passionate fan campaign, including hashtags like #SaveLucifer and #PickUpLucifer, caught the attention of Netflix, which picked up the show for additional seasons.
• “Timeless”: This time-travel drama was canceled by NBC after its first season but was subsequently renewed for a shortened second season following a fan campaign that included social media activism and efforts to reach out to the network directly. Despite facing cancellation again after its second season, NBC aired a two-part finale movie to wrap up the story in response to fan demand.

While not every fan campaign succeeds in resurrecting a canceled show, these examples demonstrate the impact that passionate fanbases can have in advocating for their favorite series and influencing decisions by networks and streaming platforms.

How can the viewers influence the revival of these canceled Sci-Fi series now in the time of streaming platforms?

Viewers can use several strategies to persuade the revival of Sci-Fi TV shows that were canceled in the era of streaming platforms:

• Streaming Numbers: One of the most effective ways to demonstrate the demand for a revival is by increasing viewership numbers on the streaming platforms where the show is available. Encouraging friends, family, and fellow fans to watch or rewatch the series on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu can help boost its popularity metrics.
• Engagement on Social Media: Engaging with the show and its creators on social media platforms can also make a difference. Posting about the series, using relevant hashtags, and tagging the streaming platforms or production companies in posts expressing support for a revival can help generate buzz and demonstrate fan interest.
• Petitions and Campaigns: Online petitions and campaigns can still be effective tools for rallying support. Platforms like Change.org allow fans to create and share petitions, gathering signatures from supporters around the world. These petitions can then be presented to streaming platforms, networks, or production companies as evidence of fan demand.
• Fan Events and Gatherings: Organizing fan events, watch parties, or fan conventions dedicated to the canceled series can help keep its fanbase engaged and energized. These events can also attract media attention and demonstrate continued enthusiasm for the show.
• Direct Communication: Directly contacting streaming platforms, networks, or production companies through emails, letters, or social media messages can also be effective. Politely expressing interest in seeing the series revived and explaining why it’s meaningful to you as a viewer can help decision-makers understand the show’s importance to its fanbase.
• Merchandise Sales: Supporting official merchandise associated with the series can also send a message to decision-makers about the show’s continued popularity and profitability. Purchasing DVDs, Blu-rays, or merchandise from licensed retailers can contribute to the show’s financial success.

In the dynamic landscape of the modern entertainment industry, the cancellation of beloved TV series no longer means the end. With the rise of streaming platforms, viewers now possess the power to advocate for the revival of their favorite shows. From sci-fi gems with untapped potential to cult classics that left fans lingering for closure, passionate audiences are finding innovative ways to make their voices heard.

By leveraging these strategies and demonstrating the continued interest and support for Sci-Fi TV shows that were canceled, viewers can increase the chances of seeing their favorite science fiction shows revived on streaming platforms.