The 2000s have brought many well-known and memorable sci-fi movies and series that explored the mysteries of space, introduced supernatural threats, and boldly went where no man had gone before. However, some of them, like Andromeda or The Strangerers, have all but fallen into oblivion, while others are still as captivating and relevant today as they were at the beginning of the 21st century.
From space smugglers to immortal Time Lords, extraterrestrial investigators, and intergalactic soldiers, some '00s series have introduced protagonists still loved today and stories that stood the test of time. These 5 TV shows are the perfect examples that certainly deserve a watch even 20 years later.
Misfits (2009)
This British TV show about snarky London youngsters turned superheroes has run for good five seasons and earned a loyal fan base even outside the UK. It follows a group of young offenders who were sentenced to community service and gained supernatural powers after a mysterious electrical storm. The fact that the characters are down-to-earth, flawed, and as far from being the 'chosen ones' as they can possibly be, makes them relatable and weirdly likable. The show isn't afraid to show the human, imperfect side of the new superheroes and portrays their mundane teenage struggles complicated by the newly found powers. While shows like I'm Not Okay With This and even The Boys have explored similar themes, Misfits' rough, working-class charm, dry wit, and killer soundtrack make it stand out on its own.
Even though the series has taken a hit after the departure of perhaps the most memorable and beloved character, Nathan Young, played by TheUmbrella Academy's Robert Sheehan, after season 2, it remains a treat that stood the test of time and shouldn't be missed. If nothing else, the IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes ranking (92%) are clear proof of that.
Fringe (2008)
A spiritual successor to The Twilight Zone and The X-Files, Fringe follows the members of the FBI Fringe Division Olivia (Anna Torv), Peter (Joshua Jackson), and Walter (John Noble) as they investigate a series of supernatural events, often related to the parallel universe. The show is known for taking bold chances and experimenting with form and function from season to season, exploring multiple realities, timelines, and inter-character relationships. It's imaginative, often wonderfully random, and sheds its seemingly established boundaries with nonchalant ease. But mostly, it's pure, unrestrained fun.
While the show's season 1 received moderate reviews, Fringe fully blossomed in its subsequent seasons, gained a loyal following and a somewhat cult status, and spawned a series of comic books, novels, and an ARG. Its quirky humor, outlandish plots, and excellent performance more than stand the test of time.
Doctor Who (2005)
This hugely popular BBC show originally ran from 1963-1989, but 2005 marks the start of its modern era with the widely successful reboot by Russel T Davies. It follows the adventures of the Doctor, an alien Time Lord, who travels through time and space with his human companions in a TARDIS, masked as a signature blue police box. The Doctor's ingenious regeneration ability that occurs when the Time Lord is on the brink of death allows for effortless and scripted use of different actors for the role without breaking the continuity. During the modern era, the Doctor's mantle was picked up by Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and, most recently, Jodie Whittaker, the first-ever female Doctor.
Considering that Whittaker's run is coming to an end and Davies is returning as the show's showrunner, the rumors and speculations about who would take up the role of the next Doctor have been running wild. While the latest seasons have seen a decline in the show's popularity, many Whovians are hoping Doctor Who will once again dazzle the audience with their remarkable adventures, exciting new enemies, and impossible choices.
Battlestar Galactica (2004)
The multi-award-winning Battlestar Galactica, a re-imagining of the original 1978 show, started with a gripping mini-series and was followed by four massively popular seasons. It focuses on the war with an android race known as Cylons and the fate of a group of human survivors onboard the Galactica spaceship in their search for the fabled Earth. The series is often described as a sci-fi allegory of the war on terror and touches on the complex topics of identity, loyalty, religious zeal, hatred, and moral choices.
Despite having a galaxy as a backdrop, the series does an excellent job portraying the couped-up feeling of a group of people trapped aboard the ship, unveiling their complex relationships, faults, motivations, and aspirations. It's a story of hope as much as war, hatred, and conflict. While the idea of using robots to understand the finer points of humanity is far from being a new one, even almost 20 years later, Battlestar Galactica remains one of the best shining examples that are still relevant today.
Firefly (2002)
Even though Joss Whedon's sci-fi western was unfortunately canceled after only one season, it gained cult status after its release on DVD. Until today, it retains a fiercely loyal and growing fan base known as 'Browncoats' or 'Firebronies.' The show follows the misadventures of a raggedy group of smugglers under the command of the captain Mel Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) aboard a firefly-type spaceship called Serenity.
Firefly became an iconic classic thanks to its unique setting, outlandish stories, fleshed-out and diverse characters, quotable lines, distinct humor, and remarkable cast. Post-cancellation, the series spawned a 2005 sequel movie Serenity and continued as a series of comic books to much delight of the fans. Two decades later, Firefly remains a fresh, relevant, and hilarious must-watch for any sci-fi, western, or space opera lover.