Science fiction has always been a gateway to the extraordinary, and space operas take that to the next level. These are stories of grand adventures, epic battles, and larger-than-life characters, where the universe itself is the stage. While Star Wars dominates the cultural conversation, the small screen has been home to many space operas that, despite their quality, have slipped from public memory. Here are ten near-perfect space operas that deserve a second look.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981)
Before Star Wars became a phenomenon, there was Buck Rogers. This TV series brought the classic comic strip character to life, following Captain William "Buck" Rogers (Gil Gerard), a 20th-century astronaut who is frozen in space and wakes up 500 years later in a post-apocalyptic Earth. He uses his piloting skills to defend the planet from alien threats.
The show was a delightful mix of high-stakes adventure and campy charm. It didn't take itself too seriously, offering bright visuals, clever humor, and plenty of space battles. It was pure entertainment, a product of its time but still a fun ride for fans of retro sci-fi.
Dark Matter (2015-2017)
Based on Blake Crouch's novel, Dark Matter is a mind-bending space opera that explores the multiverse. Physicist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) is kidnapped and thrust into alternate realities where his life took different paths. He must navigate these parallel worlds to get back to his family, facing off against his own doppelgangers.
This show is a character-driven thriller that asks deep questions about identity and choice. It's a space opera in the sense that it deals with infinite possibilities, but it's grounded in intimate family drama. The result is a near-perfect blend of epic scope and personal stakes.
Farscape (1999-2003)
When astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder) is sucked through a wormhole, he finds himself on a living ship called Moya, surrounded by alien fugitives. Together, they flee a ruthless military empire. Farscape was a groundbreaking series, thanks to the incredible puppetry from The Jim Henson Company.
The show was a wild ride, mixing dark emotional arcs with bizarre humor and psychological horror. It flipped the script on typical sci-fi tropes, featuring morally grey characters and a romance for the ages between Crichton and Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black). It's a time capsule that delivered on every level.
Killjoys (2015-2019)
From Canada came Killjoys, a thrilling space Western about three interplanetary bounty hunters. The show followed Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), John (Aaron Ashmore), and D'avin (Luke Macfarlane) as they navigated a complex political landscape in the Quad, a star system controlled by a powerful corporation.
With its sharp dialogue, action-packed episodes, and a compelling mythology, Killjoys was a hidden gem. It balanced episodic adventures with an overarching plot that kept viewers hooked. It's a shame it's not more widely remembered.
More Forgotten Gems
Other shows that deserve a shout-out include Babylon 5, which was a pioneer in serialized storytelling, and Lexx, a bizarre and darkly comedic series that pushed boundaries. Andromeda, created by Gene Roddenberry, also had its moments, despite a troubled production.
If you're looking for more hidden gems, check out our list of perfect shows under 20 episodes or dive into a space opera adaptation we deserve. For those who love the genre, there's always something new to discover.
These shows may not be on everyone's radar today, but they were near-perfect in their execution. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, they're worth seeking out. So, next time you're in the mood for a cosmic adventure, give one of these a try.
