As a devoted movie buff, I can’t help but notice that it’s a bit too frequent for science fiction TV shows, in particular, to be abruptly cut short, leaving us hanging with an incomplete storyline. The grandeur and complexity of sci-fi productions often lead to series endings prematurely, despite there being plenty more narrative ground to cover. The cancellation of these shows feels particularly unfair because fans who’ve been loyal from the start miss out on the resolution they’ve been eagerly anticipating and never get closure regarding the destinies of our cherished characters.
Often, fantastic science fiction TV series are abruptly ended after just one season, such as “Firefly” or “Caprica”. To minimize the risk for innovative and emerging series like these, it’s common practice for creators to plan for contingencies by wrapping up loose ends in a way that could act as a series finale. This is different from shows that are unceremoniously canceled and unable to reach their intended conclusions. Despite the thrill of delving into their captivating stories, it’s disappointing when they leave us hanging with an uncertain ending. However, this leaves room for fans to cling onto hope that these series might be revived someday.
7. Stargate Universe (2009–2011)
The Stargate Franchise Was Given New Life Thanks To This Show
Viewers of the enchanting TV series “Once Upon a Time” might recall Robert Carlyle, the actor who shone in “Stargate Universe,” where he portrayed Nicholas Rush. Being part of the extensive “Stargate” universe, “Stargate Universe” followed its characters as they journeyed deep into space, discovering unexplored regions and unraveling the enigmas of the cosmos. A significant appeal of a show like “Stargate Universe” lay in its complex characters, whose flaws made them even more captivating to the audience.
Although Stargate Universe never returned after its dramatic finale, the show’s successor to Stargate SG-1, it remains captivating to explore how this series built upon the established storyline and addressed current social issues through the lens of science fiction. The acting and writing were exceptional, setting a high standard among contemporary shows in the genre. Unfortunately, the show was cut short, leaving fans wishing for more.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Stargate Universe (2009–2011) | 70% | 76% |
6. Altered Carbon (2018–2020)
After Anthony Mackie Joined Altered Carbon, It Found Its Footing
Netflix has a reputation for creating exceptional science fiction content, yet it frequently terminates shows before they reach their full potential, as was true for “Altered Carbon.” This series featured Joel Kinnaman in the first season and Anthony Mackie in the second as Takeshi Kovacs, an expertly trained soldier, hired gun, and political agitator on a quest to find his lost love. The story is adapted from Richard K. Morgan’s novel, skillfully combining social critique with the captivating cyberpunk atmosphere that set “Altered Carbon” apart from other shows in its genre.
The second season of “Altered Carbon” began to gain momentum, however, the expense of the show didn’t correspond with its level of recognition. Regrettably, the cancellation of season 2 followed closely after it was disclosed that Kovacs could be revived in another body. Apart from Kinnaman and Mackie, “Altered Carbon” boasts a remarkable cast, including Dichen Lachman. The actress is a notable figure in the sci-fi genre, recognized for her work in “Severance,” and brings her skills to “Altered Carbon.” Interestingly enough, she was also involved in another science fiction production on this list that was cut short prematurely.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Altered Carbon (2018–2020) | 75% | 64% |
5. Dollhouse (2009–2010)
Joss Whedon’s Lesser-Known Sci-Fi Project Is Still Worth Watching
Since 2003, the controversial ending of Firefly has been a popular topic of conversation. However, the creator of that series, Joss Whedon, introduced another compelling piece to the genre in 2009 with Dollhouse, which stars Eliza Dushku, a former cast member of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. This show combines elements of Westworld and traditional detective stories. The story revolves around Echo, played by Dushku, who agrees to be a doll – having different abilities and personas installed for various clients of a secretive corporation. As the series unfolds, it delves into complex and thought-provoking themes, with the stakes becoming increasingly high as the plot advances.
During its broadcast, the series “Dollhouse” was often overlooked and criticized as inferior to Joss Whedon’s other works. Yet, rewatching it now reveals how ahead of its time it was for contemporary projects. Regrettably, when “Dollhouse” was canceled, it disrupted the storyline, forcing the series finale to jump ahead in time without allowing viewers to adjust to the new setting. Despite Echo discovering her identity by the end of “Dollhouse”, there are too many loose ends and room for interpretation that make it less than fully satisfying.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Dollhouse (2009–2010) | 72% | 84% |
4. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017)
The American Version Of This Offbeat Series Has Become A Cult Classic
After achieving fame in the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Elijah Wood has embarked on a variety of intriguing and eccentric projects, with the television series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency being one example. Originally based on the books by Douglas Adams, this show was initially produced for television in 2010 before being reimagined in 2016. In the series, Wood portrays Todd Brotzman, a character who provides the straight-laced counterpoint to the eccentric Dirk Gently, played by Samuel Barnett. Blending humor with its supernatural elements, the show concluded after two seasons.
Over time, Dirk Gently delved deeper into the eccentric and unusual aspects of the plot, setting it apart from other television shows. This unique quality helped attract a dedicated fanbase, as evidenced by the petition created by fans to keep the show running (as reported by The Hollywood Reporter). The series finale did tie up some loose ends and conclude certain storylines, but it also left room for future narratives that would have been intriguing to witness.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017) | 85% | 94% |
3. Westworld (2016–2022)
After Many False Starts, Westworld Was Robbed Of Its Well-Deserved Final Season
The first season of the TV show titled “Westworld” is an exceptional piece of television. It presents compelling characters, offers sufficient plot twists, and constructs enough enigma to keep viewers gripped. Numerous attempts have been made in exploring the sci-fi-Western genre, as well as investigating the boundary between creation and awareness within androids and artificial intelligence. Evan Rachel Wood’s outstanding portrayal anchors “Westworld,” but the show faced criticism following season 2 due to not fully living up to the expectations set by season 1.
Despite the abrupt cancellation of Westworld after plans were set for season 5, it’s frustrating that the show ended on such an open-ended note among other sci-fi TV shows that concluded with cliffhangers. With its rollercoaster journey throughout the seasons and a strong comeback from its second installment, Westworld had the promise to become a legendary series if given a fifth season. The reasons for the delay are numerous, but fans are still hopeful that Westworld will return to fulfill its potential.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Westworld (2016–2022) | 80% | 75% |
2. The OA (2016–2019)
This Boundary-Pushing Project Could’ve Gone On For A Long Time
The creators of the show “The OA,” Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, produced one of Netflix’s finest original series in the last ten years, a fact that continues to be lamented today. With the lack of resolution fans and critics deserved after accompanying the enigmatic character OA/Prairie, portrayed by Marling, on her mind-twisting journey, is truly disheartening. The anticipation for the second season in 2019 led us to believe that we would finally unravel the mysteries hinted at since the first season. Regrettably, “The OA” took things a step further by…
Without a doubt, “The OA” isn’t meant for those who don’t appreciate intricate analyses of film and television narratives, as it delves deeply into self-awareness and sophisticated storytelling. The final episode of “The OA” hinted that in her new world, Hap (Jason Isaacs) was by Prairie’s side. Had “The OA” been renewed for a third season, there would have been no limit to the directions the writers could have taken the story or the surprises they might have prepared for their devoted audience.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| The OA (2016–2019) | 84% | 83% |
1. The Peripheral (2022)
Chloë Grace Moretz Leads This Mind-Bending Series
According to William Gibson’s book, renowned science fiction writer, “The Peripheral” was a thrilling amalgamation of virtual reality and parallel universes. Chloë Grace Moretz played the leading role as Flynne, our heroine, who found herself enmeshed in an intricate tale that transported her to a future realm via a VR body known as a peripheral. As Flynne navigated the political machinations and perilous escapades of this possible future, viewers grew increasingly curious to unravel the mystery surrounding the novel reality that Flynne was immersed in.
The multiple elements that led to the termination of “The Peripheral” include a number of factors. Originally, the show was given the go-ahead for a second season, but the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike postponed filming, and the expensive production costs from the first season might have made it challenging to continue. Moreover, since “The Peripheral” intended to explore its narrative beyond just one season, the ending leaves several unresolved questions for viewers. This leaves Flynne’s fate up in the air following her return to London.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| The Peripheral (2022) | 79% | 85% |
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2025-05-28 04:31