5 Sci-Fi Shows That Did Star Wars Better Than Star Wars

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The original Star Wars film, released in 1977, revolutionized science fiction. Ever since, new franchises have attempted to find their place in the genre without directly copying it. However, the most successful ones often build upon—and sometimes even enhance—the ideas Star Wars first presented.

Lots of science fiction shows are either reimagining older series or creating completely new stories. While they all try to capture what made Star Wars so beloved, these shows don’t just rely on familiar elements—they actually build on them, going beyond the original’s iconic imagery.

Lost in Space Revived a Dormant Franchise

Both versions of Lost in Space center on the Robinson family’s adventures in space. The original 1965 show depicted their struggle for survival after a mission gone wrong left them stranded. The 2018 Netflix series reimagines the story: the Robinsons are selected to help establish a colony on a new planet, but a mishap leaves them shipwrecked on a perilous world, forcing them to fight for survival.

The initial concept of Lost in Space borrowed from Homer’s The Odyssey, with the Robinson family traveling to various planets in their attempt to get back home. The Netflix series departed from this by keeping the family on a single planet for multiple episodes, instead focusing on the feeling of being stranded on an alien world – a theme also explored in Star Wars. While Star Wars quickly moved past this idea, Lost in Space built upon it throughout its three seasons.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Brought Adventure Back to the Franchise

The original Star Trek series was groundbreaking science fiction, launching the concept of a starship crew exploring new worlds and encountering alien civilizations on thrilling adventures. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, while a prequel set ten years before the original, successfully recaptures the spirit and charm that made the first series so beloved.

It’s surprising to say, but Star Trek actually excels at something Star Wars does well – capturing a sense of wonder – and takes it even further. Unlike the often war-focused Star Wars, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds also delivers plenty of fun and adventure. The show is a great example of how borrowing successful elements from another franchise can work brilliantly.

The Expanse is All About Realistic Space Conflict

The Expanse realistically portrays the harsh realities of space travel and how existing political conflicts could easily escalate into a full-scale galactic war. The story centers around three groups – those living on Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt – who are drawn closer to conflict by the discovery of a powerful alien substance.

The show feels realistic and deliberately echoes the wonder people felt watching space battles in Star Wars. However, instead of focusing on the thrill of combat, every decision feels crucial to preventing disaster. The Expanse isn’t about escapism; it’s a gritty and compelling story about simply trying to survive.

Firefly is a Near-Perfect Sci-Fi Show

The sci-fi series Firefly, which first aired in 2002, takes place in a galaxy recovering from a large-scale civil war – a setting similar to Star Wars. Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his crew earn a living by transporting passengers and goods, but their journeys quickly become filled with unexpected twists and difficult conflicts.

Though it only lasted one season and had a follow-up movie called Serenity, Firefly quickly gained a dedicated following. Captain Reynolds is a lot like Han Solo, and the show offers a fantastic look at what life as a smuggler in the Star Wars universe might be like. It’s a show every Star Wars fan should definitely check out.

Battlestar Galactica Added Deeper Themes to a Beloved Series

The 2004 series Battlestar Galactica wasn’t just another remake of an old show; it was a bold, gritty reimagining that changed the landscape of science fiction. The series follows the crew of the spaceship Battlestar Galactica as they journey through space, carrying the last survivors of humanity in search of a new home – Earth. Along the way, they face numerous challenges.

Unlike the more fantastical Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica is a deeply serious show, and that’s what sets it apart. It explores what it means to be human, creating a sense of real danger and consequence. While it doesn’t have Jedi, Battlestar Galactica captivates viewers with compelling stories and a fantastic cast.

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2026-05-23 23:36