With the latest Star Trek series coming to an end, and a not insignificant wait ahead until Strange New Worlds returns, the question of what Trek fans should watch to bide the time looms large. Naturally, there’s plenty of Star Trek backlog to rewatch, but the world of sci-fi has more options that might scratch the same itch. Star Trek has become a foundational franchise in the world of sci-fi, and its influence is evident in many places. Likewise, it shares many themes with other series, intentionally or not. This is fantastic news, as it means there are plenty of binge-worthy series out there just waiting to be discovered. In other words, get ready to add to your watch list, because one of these series is perfect for you.
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It’s safe to say that Star Trek is facing a transitional period, thanks to Paramount’s merger with Skydance. This could mean many great things on the horizon, but it will likely come with a significant gap as creators decide what path forward is the appropriate choice for the franchise. At least Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has two more seasons before the end, so this will help shorten that gap. Following that, we’re going to have to rely on some other sci-fi series for a time, or rewatch the classics.
9) Stargate SG-1
Star Trek fans looking for a larger franchise to check out should consider watching Stargate SG-1. Stargate SG-1 is based on the original Stargate film, which eventually spawned several other series, including Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe. In other words, if you dive into this franchise, you’ll have a lot of content to binge-watch.
Stargate SG-1 is more of a military sci-fi series than Star Trek, but there’s a similarly intrepid spirit revolving around the Stargate problem. Not unlike Deep Space 9‘s central premise, in this world, people discovered a stargate capable of opening pathways to far-flung planets. And of course, this comes with a fair bit of risk, thanks to an alien race with grand galaxy-domination plans. The cast trades on the same sort of easy charisma and culture clashes of the best Trek shows, as US Air Force colonel (Jack O’Neill), a brilliant Egyptologist (Daniel Jackson), an astrophysicist and US Air Force Captain (Sam Carter), and a Jaffa alien (Teal’c) put their differences aside to complete their missions.
Stargate SG-1 is available to stream on Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and The Roku Channel.
8) The Orville
Star Trek fans looking for something a bit more comedic would probably appreciate what The Orville has to offer. The Orville seamlessly blends action, adventure, sci-fi, and comedy into one cohesive story. More importantly, the creators have been very transparent about being inspired by Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The series revolves around the USS Orville, an exploratory spaceship led by Captain Edward Mercer. Together with his crew, Captain Mercer faces many strange and interesting events, many of which fit a more episodic format (sound familiar?). The series has a solidly personal touch, thanks to the character-driven subplots, and Seth MacFarlane brings his usual brand of intricately observed references and affectionate parody to make a sci-fi show that actually stands on its own feet quite apart from its obvious link to Trek history.
The Orville is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
7) Stargate Atlantis
Stargate Atlantis is a spin-off series from Stargate SG-1. There was a time when both series were airing simultaneously, so if you watch both series, you will see characters crossover here and there. Stargate Atlantis picks up following the seventh season of Stargate SG-1, with most of the adventures taking place in an entirely different galaxy, complete with a new existential threat.
The story begins when scientific experts (including Daniel Jackson) believe they have finally cracked an important code in the Stargate. They may have just found the lost city of Atlantis, only it isn’t on Earth. It’s through a Stargate. Like Star Trek: Voyager‘s tragic premise, the expedition team wrestles with the psychology of their journey potentially being one-way. Stargate Atlantis introduces a (mostly) new set of characters, a new alien threat, and a ton of memorable moments, and it’s one for Star Trek fans who enjoy away team mission episodes.
Stargate Atlantis is available to stream on Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
6) Babylon 5
Babylon 5 originally began life as a movie (Babylon 5: The Gathering) before turning into a television series in 1994. It’s a solid series for Star Trek fans to check out, as all five seasons offer extensive lore and an exploration of sci-fi elements, as well as the interplay of alien species and similar group dynamics that drove Trek at its heart.
The story revolves around a space station: the unsurprisingly named Babylon 5. It’s a neutral ground for alien races to come together, trade, and hopefully establish diplomacy – very Deep Space 9, again. Naturally, not everything tends to go so smoothly, particularly not when centuries of emotional baggage get thrown into the mix.
Babylon 5 is available to stream on Tubi and The Roku Channel.
5) The Expanse
The Expanse is a dramatic sci-fi series perfect for Star Trek fans who enjoyed the more political side of the series. The story is set in a far future, in which humanity has taken to the stars. It’s a common theme, but what makes The Expanse stand out is the intergalactic politics. In particular, the U.N. Security Council Member Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and detective Josephus Miller (Thomas Jane) have unintentionally put themselves in the center of a potential conflict, thanks to a conspiracy they’ve uncovered. Failure to understand and prevent the conspiracy could tear apart the fragile peace that has been established.
The Expanse is a brutal and heavy-hitting series, but it’s also deeply clever and political. The series is based on James S.A. Corey’s novels, so readers who are craving more at the end of the show should consider checking them out, as several books were left untouched by the adaptation.
The Expanse is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
4) Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica is a wildly popular sci-fi series, so the odds are good that most sci-fi fans have at least heard of it. Recent discussions about a remake have probably helped bring this 2004 series back into the public’s eye, so now is the perfect time to hop on board and binge the series. The series isn’t afraid to get gritty or dark, portraying a version of humanity doing everything possible to survive.
The story takes place many years from now, in a different part of the galaxy. Humanity is still present, but it’s hanging on by a thread after a horrible attack courtesy of the Cylons. Two leaders step up to lead a fleet of ships: Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos) and President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell).
Battlestar Galactica is available to rent through Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
3) Scavengers Reign
Scavengers Reign is the only animated series on this list, though there are plenty of other solid fits for Star Trek fans. It’s one part action, one part adventure, and a whole lot of sci-fi and horror. Crucially, the story picks up following the film Scavengers, so while it isn’t required to watch it first, it’s probably a good idea.
Scavengers Reign begins at Demeter 277, a stranded cargo ship. Thankfully, they’re stranded close enough to a habitable planet to not be immediately doomed, but we all know how these stories go. The survivors immediately break into three factions, though their paths eventually bring them back together. Sadly, there’s only one season of Scavengers Reign available, but it’s still worth binge-watching.
Scavengers Reign is available to stream on Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
2) Red Dwarf
Series like Red Dwarf remind viewers that sci-fi doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, which Star Trek always kept at its heart, too. And the British sci-fi sitcom was a pretty unique offering all around. The story follows Dave Lister, a technician who wakes up millions of years into the future, courtesy of suspended animation. There’s just one problem, as he’s now the last living human.
It all began when Lister was put into suspended animation as punishment (his crime? Sneaking his cat on board). During that time, the ship was exposed to fatal radiation levels. Only Lister and his cat were spared, but the ship kept Lister asleep until the levels returned to normal. Now it’s just Lister, a hologram, and Cat aboard the Red Dwarf, with Star Trek-like mission of the week episodes, hugely imaginative alien species and worlds, and a lot of well-observed meta humor.
Red Dwarf is available to stream on Sling TV, Britbox, and Peacock.
1) Farscape
Farscape is arguably one of the best series for Star Trek fans to check out, having aired from 1999 to 2003. The series not only explores some fascinating sci-fi elements, but also includes impressive puppets and prosthetics, thanks to the involvement of the Jim Henson Company behind the scenes.
The story begins with a human astronaut named John Crichton (Ben Bowder). He’s participating in what should be an impressive, yet ordinary, test flight that inevitably goes wrong. There’s a different dynamic from the outset to Trek, but the wormhole that ruins John’s mission unites him with a ragtag crew aboard a sentient ship that has a similarly imaginative spirit to the oddest parts of the Star Trek universe.
Farscape is available to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Sling TV.
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