7 Great Sci-Fi Shows That Continued After They Were Canceled

Science fiction has proven to be one of the most consistently popular genres in fiction, thanks largely to the huge scope and imaginative nature of its stories. Sci-fi is a genre capable of delivering speculative fiction set in a largely realistic representation of modern society, or of imagining far-flung futures among the stars featuring aliens and seemingly impossible technology. Many of the very best sci-fi TV shows have earned a lasting place in the annals of pop culture and continue to boast a large fan base even after their initial runs have come to an end. However, a sci-fi show’s finale isn’t always the ending it appears to be.

Over the years, there have been many cult sci-fi TV shows that have commanded popularity that outlived the show itself. This has seen shows revived not on the screen, but in other formats, with comic books being an especially popular way of continuing a show’s story after its ending. On several occasions, sci-fi shows have continued after cancellation thanks to comic book adaptations, giving their fans a better chance for closure regarding their stories.

7) Dollhouse (Fox, 2009-2010)

While Dollhouse might be the lesser-known of Joss Whedon’s famous short-lived TV shows, that isn’t to say that it didn’t earn an impressive following in its brief tenure. The show, which followed a corporation that implanted individuals known as Dolls with temporary abilities or personalities, was cancelled after its second season. However, its story was picked up in the comic series Dollhouse: Epitaphs, which followed multiple different characters navigating the aftermath of the Dollhouse‘s ending. Not only is it a sci-fi show that aged incredibly well, but its comic book continuation was equally intriguing.

6) Jericho (CBS, 2006-2008)

Jericho began its run in 2006, and its story followed the residents of the eponymous Kansas town in the immediate aftermath of nuclear war. It ran for just 29 episodes over two seasons, but in that time, it amassed a considerable cult following. Considering its popularity, many considered Jericho a sci-fi TV show that was cancelled too soon, and after plans for a movie continuation were scrapped, it found its way onto the pages of a comic book series. The comic continuation wrapped up various storylines that the show’s cancellation had left unresolved.

5) Star Trek: The Original Series (NBC, 1966-1969)

There are a handful of sci-fi TV shows that changed the world, but few of them have been as influential as Star Trek: The Original Series. After it was cancelled after its third season in 1969, the show’s story lived on through its tie-in comic series, which continued to chronicle the adventures of the USS Enterprise and its iconic crew. The comic book series bridged the gap between The Original Series and the eventual Star Trek TV revival, helping to keep the franchise relevant during its absence on the small screen.

4) Farscape (Syfy, 1999-2003)

As well as being known for having some of the best sci-fi TV aliens, Farscape is remembered as a show whose run was cut tragically short. Originally planned to unfold over five seasons, Farscape‘s story was left unresolved when it was cancelled after season 4, which ended on a cliffhanger. Instead of leaving the narrative unfinished, Farscape was continued in the form of a comic book miniseries, which continued its narrative outside of the medium in which it began.

3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (The WB & UPN, 1997-2003)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer managed to blend fantasy, horror, and sci-fi with teen drama in one of the most successful shows of the late ’90s. Despite the premise, only a handful of Buffy episodes were actually scary, allowing the show to appeal to a huge audience. And, while the show was cancelled, it came to an end that still left its fans hungry for more. Thankfully, this was offered in the form of a canonical continuation penned by Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, which helped the comic book series to remain consistent with and maintain the audience of the original show.

2) Firefly (Fox, 2002)

It’s fair to say that Firefly was a sci-fi TV show well ahead of its time, as the show’s premature cancellation has been a sore subject for the massive fan base it has since cultivated. Joss Whedon’s space western told the imaginative story of a crew of smugglers who turned to crime after finding themselves on the losing side of a galactic civil war, and it captured the hearts of fans everywhere. Its abrupt cancellation after just 14 episodes wasn’t the end, however, as Firefly‘s story was continued in both a standalone movie and a tie-in comic book series that helped flesh out its fascinating world.

1) Smallville (The WB & The CW, 2001-2011)

Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, but Smallville took a novel approach to his origin story by stretching it out over 10 seasons, following Clark Kent before he became the Man of Tomorrow. The show’s success saw that premise drag on perhaps a little too long, ending with Clark finally becoming Superman in its final moments. However, after a decade of teasing, fans who wanted to follow Tom Welling’s take on the hero weren’t disappointed, as Smallville‘s story was continued in a series of comic books that chronicled the show’s characters as they became the more recognized versions of themselves within wider DC lore.

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