Science fiction as a genre started out as a cult classic. Every mainstream show we know today, like Doctor Who and Star Trek, was once only seen and loved by small groups of passionate nerds. But as science fiction grew in popularity, so did these cult classics become mainstream. However, some TV shows remained relatively obscure.
What makes a series objectively popular versus a cult classic? With sci-fi shows, the factors are usually how weird they can get. The cult classics have niche, screwball humor or they go in directions with the plot that most mainstream shows would reject for being too "out there." But those risks still pay off for the most devoted fans, and the weird or obscure become favorites for those viewers. Here are some of the weird sci-fi shows that may not have ever become massively popular in mainstream media, but developed a cult following nonetheless.
1. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-1999)
Mystery Science Theater 3000 can be thought of as a precursor to YouTube reaction videos, with a bucket-load of zany, weird sci-fi thrown in. A janitor who was trapped on a satellite by some mad scientists is forced to react to terrible movies for the scientists' research. The janitor builds robots to keep him company, and each episode is of him and the robots riffing on the movies they have to watch.
The series was not very popular at first, and it was only thanks to dedicated fans that it continued. It went through several channels and cast changes, but MYST3K managed to stay on the air for a decade because fans (called Mysties) shared it through word of mouth. Even all these years after the series ended, Mysties have taken up the call to show this cult classic to anyone who will watch. Does that make them the mad scientists studying the reactions of their 'captive' audience?
2. Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Twin Peaks is a genre-bending series that covers mystery, drama, comedy, and science fiction. It is odd, even before any supernatural elements occur. These oddities are due to David Lynch and Mark Frost, the creators of the series, adding the essence of soap opera melodramas and old detective films into the mix. But even with the strangeness, Twin Peaks has become loved enough to receive a third season in 2017.
In the small town of Twin Peaks, Washington, FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) comes to investigate the murder of a local girl, Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). While the town is full of dark secrets, there is more going on than just the human conflicts. Agent Cooper begins to have dreams that help him unlock the mysteries of the town.
3. Lexx (1996-2002)
When discussing weird sci-fi shows, you cannot forget Lexx. It is one of the weirdest science fiction series ever to actually make it to the screen. The plot isn't really what makes it so odd, but the content within. Lexx is definitely an adult show, with several character arcs based around sex and raunchy comedy. But it also can't be considered a full comedy when it deals with existential ideas around life and death.
An undead assassin, security guard, sex slave, and a robot head travel through space in an organic spacecraft. That plot summary is enough to get you asking questions, but there's more. This group becomes part of a rebellion against an alien religious cult. While trying to fight against the Divine Order, the group travels between two different universes. If you're not turned off by adult content, you might want to check out why this series has become a fan-favorite.
4. Farscape (1999-2003)
When you think of Jim Henson's puppets, you are probably more used to fantasy stories like The Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal. But the puppet aliens in Farscape are what made this series so unique. Yep, this sci-fi series has Brian Henson and The Jim Henson Company as major parts of the creative team. That doesn't mean that Farscape is a silly Muppet story, though; the plot is complex and deals with the nuances of intergalactic war.
John Crichton (Ben Browder) is an American astronaut that gets transported through a wormhole to a new galaxy. He joins a group of aliens on a living spaceship as they each want to find their way back home. Unfortunately, getting home for any of them proves difficult when they have to escape the conquest and control of aliens known as the Peacekeepers.
5. Firefly (2002-2003)
Firefly deserved so much more than it received. The space Western was becoming pretty popular, and could have made it mainstream, if Fox hadn't canceled it before season one had even finished airing. It was a travesty to fans, who were able to convince Universal Pictures to create the film Serenity as a consolation. But it still should have been revived!
Nine people are trying to survive the 'final frontier' in the Serenity, their Firefly-class spaceship. It really is the idea of the Wild, Wild West but in space. A few of the crew are outlaws, including Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his first mate, Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres), after losing the war against the Alliance. Also, the pilot of the Serenity, Wash, is played by Alan Tudyk. With such a great cast, it feels like even more of a slight for Firefly to have been canceled so early.
6. Fringe (2008-2013)
Fringe had some really trippy storylines and certain episodes weirded me out, but I loved it all the same. And I fully admit to only beginning this series because it had John Noble as Walter Bishop. As a fan of The Lord of the Rings, I had to see 'Denethor' in whatever else he acted in.
Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) is an FBI agent assigned to the weird cases. She brings in a somewhat-mad scientist, Walter Bishop (Noble), and his son Peter (Joshua Jackson) to help her understand the fringe science that has now become her everyday. Strange deaths and seemingly impossible circumstances lead to even bigger mysteries. Olivia must confront the fact that there is a reason she and Walter have to be the ones investigating these supernatural occurrences.
7. Sense8 (2015-2018)
Sense8 was created by the geniuses behind The Matrix: the Wachowski sisters. The transgender sisters wanted to make a show that covered topics that were often shied away from in media. Through science fiction, they were able to have honest discussions about sexuality and gender in an empathetic and understanding way.
Eight people around the world find that they are psychically linked, sensing each other's thoughts and feelings. They try to discover what made them 'sensates,' and how they received such powers, while also trying to live normal lives. But when a terrifying power begins to hunt them down, the eight will need to use their connections to save themselves.
Mainstream popularity doesn't always mean that the show is good. There are plenty of gems hidden under the moniker of "cult classics." These sci-fi shows may have been too weird for mainstream media, but they have some of the most devoted fans and will continue to be beloved for years to come for their quirks.