Welcome, space adventurers!
In this article, we’re exploring the vast universe of space opera TV shows. But here’s the twist: we’re leaving Star Trek off the list.
Don’t get us wrong, Star Trek is legendary and has defined the genre for decades, but there’s a whole galaxy of other incredible space operas that deserve the spotlight, too!
So, buckle up and get ready to blast off as we count down the 15 best space opera TV shows that aren’t Star Trek!
Killjoys, Space/CTV Sci-Fi Channel (2015 – 2019)
Killjoys is the space bounty hunter show you didn’t know you needed!
Set in a distant system called the Quad, this series follows Dutch, Johnny, and D’avin—three fearless bounty hunters (or “Killjoys”) who work for a powerful interplanetary organization.
Their mission? Track down fugitives, bring them in, and try not to get too entangled in the Quad’s messy politics. But it’s never that simple!
With a perfect mix of action, humor, and heart, Killjoys brings you into a world of hidden secrets, and plenty of space drama.
It’s a wild ride through a universe where loyalty and survival are always at odds, and our trio’s friendship is just as thrilling as the sci-fi action.
Firefly, Fox (2002)
Joss Whedon’s Firefly is a fan-favorite that blends space opera with Western themes.
Set in a future where humanity has colonized a new star system, the show follows Captain Mal Reynolds and his ragtag crew aboard the Serenity.
They navigate lawless space, dodge the oppressive Alliance, and take on odd jobs to survive.
Firefly is beloved for its witty dialogue, lovable characters, and unique setting. Though it was short-lived, it built a cult following and is widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi shows.
With humor, action, and heart, Firefly is a must-watch for anyone craving a fresh take on the space opera genre.
The Expanse, SyFy/Prime Video (2015 – 2022)
The Expanse is an epic, gritty space opera that takes a hard sci-fi approach, set in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System.
Earth, Mars, and the Belters in the asteroid belt are locked in a tense political standoff, and things are about to get explosive.
The story kicks off when Detective Miller, spaceship captain Jim Holden, and a conspiracy involving an alien threat collide, leading to intense stakes across the system.
Known for its stunning visuals, complex characters, and realistic portrayal of space physics, The Expanse isn’t just about epic space battles—it’s about humanity on the edge.
If you love high-stakes drama with twists that will keep you hooked, this is a must-watch!
Battlestar Galactica, Sci-Fi (2004 – 2009)
Battlestar Galactica is an intense, philosophical space drama that redefined what a sci-fi show could be.
The series follows the last remnants of humanity as they flee from the Cylons—intelligent robots who’ve wiped out human civilization.
Led by the Battlestar Galactica, the survivors are searching for the fabled planet Earth. But it’s not all battles and explosions; Battlestar Galactica dives into deep questions about survival, humanity, and morality.
With complex characters, shocking twists, and moral dilemmas that keep you thinking, this show has earned its place as a sci-fi masterpiece.
Get ready for a dark, gripping journey that feels all too real.
Dark Matter, Space/SyFy (2015 – 2017)
Imagine waking up on a spaceship with no memory of who you are or how you got there.
That’s the premise of Dark Matter, where six strangers wake up on the Raza, a ship in deep space, and soon discover they all have mysterious pasts and dangerous skills.
With each episode, secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and new enemies appear.
This show keeps you guessing with its intriguing mysteries, action-packed moments, and the characters’ struggle to figure out who they are—both as individuals and as a team.
Dark Matter is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of suspense, drama, and high-stakes space adventure.
Farscape, Nine Network (1999 – 2003)
In Farscape, astronaut John Crichton gets flung across the universe through a wormhole and ends up on a living spaceship filled with alien fugitives.
Sounds wild, right? It is!
Farscape is an imaginative, character-driven adventure with all the strange alien creatures, weird planets, and mind-bending storylines you could want.
The heart of the show is its ragtag crew—a mix of strange, lovable aliens and Crichton himself, who’s constantly trying to find his way home.
Known for its unique style, humor, and ambitious storytelling, Farscape is a space opera that’s as emotional as it is thrilling. It’s strange, bold, and unforgettable.
Cowboy Bebop, Netflix (2021)
Say what you will about this show but Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop is a stylish, live-action reimagining of the beloved anime that takes viewers on a wild ride through a future where bounty hunters roam the galaxy.
The story follows Spike Spiegel, a laid-back ex-hitman with a mysterious past, Jet Black, the gruff but lovable ex-cop, and Faye Valentine, the sassy con artist with a knack for trouble.
Together, they form a ragtag crew on the Bebop spaceship, hunting down criminals while dealing with their own baggage.
With its mix of jazz, gritty noir vibes, and over-the-top space action, Cowboy Bebop serves up a fun, genre-bending adventure for anyone who loves their sci-fi with a splash of cool.
Babylon 5, PTEN/TNT (1993 – 1998)
Babylon 5 takes place on a massive space station, a hub for diplomacy and trade between various alien species.
This show broke new ground in serialized storytelling, weaving an intricate narrative arc across multiple seasons.
With political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and epic space battles, Babylon 5 explores themes of power, loyalty, and the struggles between peace and war.
Its cast of characters—from the idealistic Commander Sinclair to the mysterious Ambassador Kosh—gives life to the station and the conflicts within it.
If you love a well-crafted storyline and deep character development, Babylon 5 is a classic that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Andromeda, Global/Syndication (2000 – 2005)
Based on ideas from Gene Roddenberry, Andromeda follows Captain Dylan Hunt, who’s trapped in suspended animation for 300 years and wakes up to find the galaxy in chaos.
With his sentient ship, Andromeda, and a crew of misfits, Dylan sets out to restore order and rebuild the Commonwealth, a fallen intergalactic alliance.
The show combines action, humor, and epic space battles with a solid dose of philosophical pondering.
Andromeda is a fun, adventurous space opera that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re looking for a blend of Roddenberry-esque idealism and a touch of swashbuckling, this is the show for you!
Stargate SG-1, Showtime/Sci-Fi (1997 – 2007)
Stargate SG-1 expanded the story of the 1994 Stargate movie, taking viewers on a wild journey through the galaxy using alien portals.
Led by Colonel Jack O’Neill, SG-1 explores new planets, fights alien threats, and uncovers ancient mysteries.
It’s the ultimate mix of adventure, exploration, and military sci-fi, with plenty of humor and camaraderie among the team.
With ten seasons and several spin-offs, Stargate SG-1 became a cornerstone of sci-fi television.
If you’re looking for an action-packed, episodic space adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Stargate has it all—mysteries, mythologies, and a whole lot of wormhole fun.
The Orville, Fox/Hulu (2017 – present)
Created by Seth MacFarlane, The Orville started as a lighthearted spoof of Star Trek, but quickly grew into a heartfelt space adventure in its own right.
Following the crew of the Orville, a mid-level exploratory spaceship, the show combines comedy with meaningful exploration of complex issues like ethics, relationships, and identity.
It’s funny, yes, but it’s also full of exciting space missions and genuine character development.
The Orville blends humor with sci-fi drama in a way that’s refreshingly entertaining, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves space operas with a side of laughs.
Space: Above and Beyond, Fox (1995 – 1996)
Space: Above and Beyond was a hidden gem of ’90s sci-fi that followed a group of Marine Corps pilots fighting a war against a mysterious alien species known as the Chigs.
Set in the mid-21st century, the show introduced us to the “Wildcards” squadron—young, ambitious, and thrown into a brutal interstellar war.
It balanced intense space battles with deep character-driven storytelling, tackling themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and what it means to be human in a universe that’s anything but welcoming.
Despite only lasting one season, Space: Above and Beyond gained a cult following for its gripping war drama and grounded military sci-fi approach.
Foundation, Apple TV+ (2021 – present)
Adapting Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series is no small feat—it’s one of the most influential sci-fi sagas of all time. But Apple TV+ swung for the stars and delivered an ambitious, visually stunning space epic.
The show follows the struggle to preserve knowledge and civilization as the mighty Galactic Empire faces inevitable decline.
Mathematician Hari Seldon predicts this fall using “psychohistory,” a science that can forecast large-scale societal events. His followers form the Foundation, a group tasked with shortening the dark ages that will follow.
With breathtaking visuals, a sprawling narrative, and Lee Pace absolutely owning his role as the enigmatic Emperor, Foundation is grand, philosophical, and packed with intergalactic intrigue.
It’s the kind of show that makes you feel like you’re witnessing history unfold—across the entire galaxy.
Lexx, Citytv (1997 – 2002)
Imagine Red Dwarf got drunk with Barbarella and had a bizarre fever dream—that’s Lexx.
This outrageous Canadian-German cult classic was one of the strangest and most daring space operas ever to hit TV.
It followed a ragtag crew aboard the Lexx, an organic, planet-destroying spaceship shaped like a giant bug.
Led by the hapless Stanley Tweedle, the crew included Zev/Xev (a genetically engineered love slave), Kai (a dead assassin from a destroyed civilization), and 790 (a sarcastic robot head who was creepily obsessed with Zev).
Lexx was over-the-top, irreverent, and downright bizarre—mixing dark humor, camp, and jaw-droppingly weird sci-fi concepts.
If traditional space operas are Shakespeare, Lexx is an underground punk rock concert in deep space. And we love it for that.
Blake’s 7, BBC1 (1978 – 1981)
Finally, before Firefly and before The Expanse, there was Blake’s 7—the British space opera that redefined what sci-fi could be.
Created by Doctor Who writer Terry Nation, Blake’s 7 followed a group of political prisoners and rebels fighting against the tyrannical Terran Federation.
Led by Roj Blake, the crew of the stolen alien ship Liberator took on impossible missions, clashed with ruthless villains, and constantly bickered like a dysfunctional family.
What made this show stand out was its morally complex characters. Unlike Star Trek, where the heroes were noble and principled, Blake’s 7 was all about antiheroes—backstabbing, betrayals, and hard choices were just another day at the office.
It was gritty, unpredictable, and had one of the most shocking finales in sci-fi history. If you love rebellion-fueled space adventures with a dark edge, Blake’s 7 is a must-watch.
Do you agree with our picks for the top space opera sci-fi shows? Are there any series you’d like to add to this list? Let us know in the comments!