"From 'Doctor Who' to 'Stranger Things': The Cult Appeal of Sci-Fi TV"

23 April 2023

Cult TV shows have a special place in the hearts of viewers who become devoted fans, eagerly awaiting each new episode and poring over every detail of their favorite characters and storylines. What sets these shows apart from mainstream hits is their ability to capture the imagination and create a dedicated following, often for years or even decades after their initial release. 


Whether it's the blend of sci-fi and other genres, the complex themes and issues explored, or the memorable characters and storylines, cult shows have a special magic that draws in viewers and keeps them hooked. In this article, we'll take a closer look at 12 great sci-fi based television shows that have achieved cult status and explore why they continue to be beloved by fans around the world.


davros doctor who dalek leader

1. "Doctor Who" - This British TV series first premiered in 1963 and is known for its titular character, the Doctor, a time-traveling alien from the planet Gallifrey who travels through space and time in a spaceship called the TARDIS. The show has a dedicated following due to its blend of sci-fi, adventure, and humor, as well as the unique concept of regeneration, which allows the Doctor to change his appearance and personality over time. The show has also been successful in reinventing itself over the years, with new actors and showrunners bringing fresh perspectives to the story.


2. "The X-Files" - This American TV series first aired in 1993 and follows FBI agents Mulder and Scully as they investigate paranormal phenomena and government conspiracies. The show has a cult following due to its blend of horror, sci-fi, and conspiracy theory themes, as well as the dynamic between the two lead characters, who have a strong chemistry and provide comic relief. The show also popularized the "monster-of-the-week" format, which became a staple of many subsequent sci-fi shows.


gillian anderson xfiles red dress
Dana Scully / Gillian Anderson...

3. "Firefly" - This American TV series was created by Joss Whedon and premiered in 2002, but was cancelled after just one season due to low ratings. The show has since gained a cult following due to its unique blend of sci-fi and western genres, as well as the witty and quotable dialogue, memorable characters, and complex world-building. The Firefly show also explores themes of colonialism and individuality, and has been praised for its diverse cast.


4. "Battlestar Galactica" - This American TV series premiered in 2004 and is a reimagining of the 1970s show of the same name. The show follows the last remnants of humanity as they flee from their home planet and are pursued by the robotic Cylons. The show has a cult following due to its complex characters, intense drama, and exploration of complex moral and ethical issues, such as the nature of humanity, the role of religion, and the ethics of war.


5. "Star Trek: The Original Series" - This classic American TV series premiered in 1966 and follows the crew of the starship Enterprise as they explore the galaxy and encounter new civilizations. The show has a cult following due to its groundbreaking approach to science fiction, which tackled social and political issues of the time, such as racism, war, and feminism. The show also introduced many iconic sci-fi concepts, such as warp drive, transporters, and the Prime Directive.


6. "The Twilight Zone" - This classic American TV series premiered in 1959 and is known for its anthology format, which features standalone episodes with twist endings. The show has a cult following due to its use of science fiction and horror to explore human nature and morality, as well as the iconic narration and music by creator Rod Serling. The show also attracted many famous actors and writers, such as William Shatner and Ray Bradbury.


7. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" - This American TV series premiered in 1997 and follows the titular character, a teenage girl who is chosen to fight supernatural evil. The show has a cult following due to its blend of horror, sci-fi, and humor, as well as the strong female lead and exploration of teenage issues. The show also featured a diverse cast and tackled topics such as sexuality, mental health, and power dynamics. 


buffy vampire slayer

Note, that's two cult classics for writer / director Joss Wheedon. Dollhouse is not on the list however...


8. "The Outer Limits" - This classic American TV series premiered in 1963 and is known for its use of sci-fi and horror to explore philosophical and ethical issues. The show has a cult following due to its anthology format, which features standalone episodes with different storylines and characters. The show also featured many well-known actors and writers, such as Robert Duvall and Harlan Ellison, and tackled themes such as artificial intelligence, time travel, and the nature of reality.


9. "Farscape" - This Australian-American TV series premiered in 1999 and follows astronaut John Crichton as he is transported to a distant part of the universe and joins a crew of escaped prisoners on a living spaceship. The show has a cult following due to its unique blend of sci-fi, comedy, and drama, as well as the complex characters and relationships. The show also explores themes of identity, culture clash, and the nature of reality.


10. "Twin Peaks" - This American TV series created by David Lynch premiered in 1990 and follows FBI agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the murder of a young woman in a small town. The show has a cult following due to its surreal and mysterious atmosphere, as well as the quirky and memorable characters. The show also explores themes of duality, dreams, and the dark underbelly of small-town life. Not even sure this is a sci-fi film, however it's here. Deal with it. 


11. "Orphan Black" - This Canadian TV series premiered in 2013 and follows Sarah Manning, a woman who discovers she is a clone and is drawn into a conspiracy involving other clones. The show has a cult following due to its intricate plot, strong performances by lead actress Tatiana Maslany, and exploration of themes such as identity, nature vs. nurture, and reproductive rights. The show also tackles issues such as genetic engineering and corporate greed.


12. "Stranger Things" - This American TV series created by the Duffer Brothers premiered in 2016 and is set in the 1980s, following a group of kids who encounter supernatural events in their small town. The show has a cult following due to its nostalgia for 80s pop culture, as well as the strong ensemble cast and suspenseful plot. The show also explores themes of friendship, loss, and government conspiracy.


Overall, these science fiction based television shows have achieved cult status due to their unique themes, memorable characters, and exploration of complex social, philosophical, and ethical issues. They have captured the imaginations of audiences through their creative storytelling, engaging visuals, and imaginative world-building, which have allowed them to remain popular and influential long after their original air dates.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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