8 Brilliant Sci-Fi Shows That Fell Just Short of Being Masterpieces

Perfect sci-fi is rare, but shows that come close can be just as rewarding. They may feel dated in places, suffer a few narrative missteps, or be cut short before reaching their potential. Still, series such as the British cult favorite Red Dwarf and the more recent Colony deliver imaginative worlds, memorable characters, and striking visuals that make them well worth seeking out.

Loosely adapted from William Gibson’s 2014 novel, The Peripheral became a casualty of the extended 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and ended up as a single-season entry that never fully realized its promise. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz and executive-produced by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the show embraces cyberpunk aesthetics and a slow-burn approach.

That deliberate pacing won’t suit viewers who prefer nonstop action, but it rewards those who appreciate thoughtful, patient science fiction. Red Dwarf has amassed almost four decades of devoted fans and grown into a multimedia franchise, despite only 12 seasons airing.

United Kingdom

sci-fi, red dwarf, colony, the peripheral, william gibson, chloe moretz, jonathan nolan, lisa joy, sag-aftra, cyberpunk