5 Sci-Fi Series From The '80s That Redefined The Genre
The science fiction genre would look completely different today if these iconic shows didn't break new ground for sci-fi storytellers everywhere.
The 1980s were a golden age for science fiction, with many iconic series redefining the genre. Among these, one of the most influential was the two-part miniseries "V" in 1983. The show depicted alien visitors arriving on Earth, claiming peaceful intentions, but ultimately manipulating human culture and establishing authoritarian control. Inspired by Sinclair Lewis' 1935 novel, "It Can't Happen Here", "V" explored themes of fascism, persecution, and the dangers of relinquishing scientific inquiry.
Another groundbreaking series was "Red Dwarf", a British sci-fi comedy that ran for over two decades. The show blended parody, reverence, and unique humor, paving the way for modern series like "Rick and Morty" and "The Orville". "Zeta Gundam", the sequel to the iconic "Mobile Suit Gundam", brought a new level of complexity to the mech anime genre.
It introduced deeper themes of war, political corruption, and the gray areas of good and evil, influencing later Gundam series. Lastly, "Max Headroom", a satirical cyberpunk TV series with a futuristic twist, was an early pioneer of the genre, setting the stage for cyberpunk shows in the years to come.
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