The world of sci-fi TV is full of gems that were canceled way too soon. Whether it’s due to networks mishandling the show, the wrong timing, or just plain bad luck, many of these series deserve a second chance. Here’s a list of 50 sci-fi shows that, according to fans on r/SciFi and r/ScienceFiction, deserve a reboot.
1. Firefly
Firefly is the crown jewel of canceled-too-soon sci-fi. Mismanagement by Fox (airing episodes out of order!) doomed this cult classic. Fans still long for Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew of Serenity to return for more spacefaring adventures.
2. Alien Nation
A buddy-cop show with an alien twist, Alien Nation was ahead of its time. Although it ran for just one season in the late ‘80s, the concept of alien integration into human society feels more relevant than ever. This is prime material for a reboot that could dive into timely social issues.
3. The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
A blend of western, sci-fi, and campy fun, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. starred Bruce Campbell as a bounty hunter in a world of futuristic gadgets. It’s goofy, but a reboot could embrace its wild charm with modern effects.
4. Earth 2
Before its time, Earth 2 followed humanity’s attempt to colonize another planet after Earth’s demise. With better CGI and a renewed focus on survival stories, this show could be re-imagined for today’s audiences.
5. Space: Above and Beyond
This military sci-fi about space marines battling aliens was gritty and dark, but short-lived. A revival could capitalize on the success of similar shows like The Expanse.
6. seaQuest DSV
Essentially Star Trek under the sea, seaQuest DSV had a solid start before going off the rails. With modern technology and underwater visuals, this Spielberg-backed show could shine in a reboot.
7. Brimstone
Dark, gritty, and short-lived, Brimstone follows a detective hunting escaped souls from Hell. It has a very Constantine vibe that could be a hit in today’s supernatural TV landscape.
8. First Wave
First Wave combined sci-fi with conspiracy theories and Nostradamus prophecies. With an updated script, this concept could tap into modern obsessions with secret societies and alien invasions.
9. John Doe
A man with all the knowledge in the world, except who he is—John Doe was a slow burn that got cut short. A reboot could quicken the pace and deliver a more focused, thrilling mystery.
10. Dark Angel
Jessica Alba’s breakout role as a genetically enhanced soldier in a dystopian future, Dark Angel had a cool cyberpunk aesthetic that would fit right in today. It ended on a cliffhanger, so now’s the perfect time to reboot.
11. Farscape
With puppets, aliens, and space battles, Farscape was as weird as sci-fi gets. Its fanbase remains dedicated, and with today’s hunger for space operas, a reboot would go far.
12. Tremors: The Series
Yes, there was a Tremors series. With seven movies in the franchise, a reboot of the series with a fresh comedic horror angle could introduce Graboids to a new generation.
13. Threshold
This alien contact thriller was another victim of the infamous “Friday night death slot.” With today’s audiences enjoying Stranger Things-style weirdness, Threshold could finally get the attention it deserved.
14. Surface
Ahead of its time, Surface explored deep-sea creatures and conspiracy. With a renewed interest in underwater mysteries (looking at you, The Meg), it’s time for this show to resurface.
15. Invasion
Aliens after a hurricane? Invasion blended horror and sci-fi but got lost in the shuffle. A tighter script and modern effects could deliver the reboot fans are hoping for.
16. Day Break
Groundhog Day meets 24, Day Break followed a detective reliving the same day while solving a conspiracy. Time loops are big now, making this a prime candidate for a reboot.
17. Journeyman
Another time-travel show, Journeyman had potential but didn’t survive long. Given the current popularity of time-travel stories, this one could thrive in a reboot.
18. The Middleman
Quirky and weird, The Middleman was too offbeat for its time. Today’s streaming platforms, however, would be the perfect home for its brand of oddball humor and sci-fi madness.
19. Jericho
Nuclear attacks on American soil force a small Kansas town to band together in Jericho. Fans loved it so much they literally sent tons of peanuts to the network after its first cancellation. A modern reboot could tap into today’s fascination with apocalyptic scenarios.
20. Defying Gravity
A mix of Grey’s Anatomy and The Martian, this space-set drama fell victim to stiff competition. A more exploration-focused reboot could give it a second shot.
21. Eureka
Eureka was a lighthearted romp through a town filled with genius inventors. A reboot could revive that cozy, small-town sci-fi vibe we all need.
22. Almost Human
A futuristic cop paired with an android partner—Almost Human had all the elements for success but fell short. It could soar in today’s streaming world with better promotion and pacing.
23. FlashForward
A worldwide blackout that gives people visions of the future? FlashForward had a killer concept but didn’t quite stick the landing. A reboot could tighten up the story and embrace its potential as a mind-bending thriller.
24. Stargate Universe
SGU had a darker, more character-driven take on the Stargate universe, but it alienated some fans. A reboot could take this more serious tone and thrive among today’s mature sci-fi audiences.
25. Dollhouse
In a world where people’s memories are wiped and replaced for secret missions, Dollhouse explored fascinating ethical questions. With dystopian tech shows like Black Mirror thriving, Dollhouse could find a new home.
26. The River
Found footage, supernatural threats, and a missing wildlife expert in the Amazon? The River had a great setup. A reboot could ramp up the eerie jungle vibes for a hit on streaming platforms.
27. Terra Nova
A show about time travel and dinosaurs—what could go wrong? Apparently, budget. Still, Terra Nova has tons of potential if given a second chance with today’s improved CGI.
28. Helix
A viral outbreak in the Arctic with biotech conspiracies? Helix had the tension and horror but lacked the audience. With our current fascination with virus-based thrillers, it could be the perfect time for a reboot.
29. Caprica
Set before Battlestar Galactica, Caprica explored the origins of the Cylons. Its philosophical tone was too slow for fans, but today’s love for introspective sci-fi makes it a ripe candidate for a reboot.
30. Last Resort
A nuclear submarine crew goes rogue and declares itself a nuclear nation—how did Last Resort not take off? With some fine-tuning, a reboot could bring in the military drama audiences crave today.
31. Awake
A man lives in two realities—one where his wife survived a car accident and one where his son did. Awake was a unique concept ahead of its time, but today’s appetite for complex, layered stories could make it a hit.
32. Dark Matter
Six strangers on a spaceship with no memories of who they are. Dark Matter had moral dilemmas and space battles, but was canceled too soon. A reboot could fill in the unanswered questions.
33. Continuum
A cop from 2077 gets stuck in 2012 while chasing terrorists in Continuum. Time travel and dystopia go hand in hand, and a reboot could take the concept even further.
34. Colony
Set in an alien-occupied Los Angeles, Colony blended survival and resistance stories. With more political intrigue, a reboot could capture the attention of today’s dystopian sci-fi fans.
35. Incorporated
In a dystopian future controlled by corporations, Incorporated featured a man infiltrating a mega-corporation to save the woman he loves. A reboot could lean into our current fascination with corporate dystopias.
36. The OA
Blending sci-fi, fantasy, and supernatural elements, The OA was cut short just as it was getting interesting. Fans still demand answers. A reboot could finally deliver closure on Prairie’s dimension-hopping journey.
37. Alphas
A team of people with special abilities led by a neurologist in Alphas had a grounded, X-Men feel. It could find new life with today’s superhero fatigue.
38. V (2009)
Aliens disguised as peaceful visitors come to Earth—but they have a sinister agenda. The 2009 reboot didn’t last, but with better pacing and character development, it could be a hit today.
39. Warehouse 13
Government agents hunt down supernatural artifacts in Warehouse 13. It was a fun, lighthearted series that could thrive with a fresh cast and crazier gadgets in a reboot.
40. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
Following random bizarre clues, Dirk Gently solves mysteries in this chaotic, offbeat show. It was too weird for mainstream TV, but today’s streaming audience would love it.
41. Salvation
An asteroid is on a collision course with Earth, and Salvation explored the attempts to stop it. This apocalyptic thriller could find its audience with more tension and urgency in a reboot.
42. Travelers
Time travelers from a dystopian future inhabit bodies moments before they die to save humanity. Travelers balanced action and ethics and could thrive with today’s love for time-travel stories.
43. Forever
An immortal medical examiner trying to solve the mystery of his own eternal life, Forever was canceled after one season. A reboot could dive deeper into his past lives and expand on the supernatural elements.
44. The Expanse
We know The Expanse ended, but fans want more. Whether it’s a spin-off or continuation, there’s still so much to explore in the political intrigue and space battles of this rich universe.
45. Night Sky
Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons discover a portal to another planet beneath their home. Night Sky had heart and mystery, and a reboot could lean further into the interplanetary intrigue.
46. Jupiter’s Legacy
Generational conflict between superheroes sounds amazing, but Jupiter’s Legacy didn’t quite stick the landing. A reboot with more character development could bring this intriguing premise to life.
47. Altered Carbon
In a world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, Altered Carbon embraced cyberpunk noir. A reboot or continuation could add more depth to the gritty world it created.
48. Raised by Wolves
Androids raising human children on an alien planet—Raised by Wolves dove deep into philosophical themes but was canceled just as it was getting good. A reboot could continue exploring the complex themes of faith and humanity.
49. Paper Girls
A group of 12-year-old girls gets caught in a time-travel adventure in Paper Girls. The show had potential, and a reboot could give it the Stranger Things-meets-Back to the Future treatment it deserves.
50. The Peripheral
The Peripheral explored virtual reality and dystopian futures before being canceled after the writers’ strike. A reboot or continuation could expand on the fascinating world it built.
