Sci-fi has been part of the television landscape since at least the 1950s. Now in the 21st Century, we have the technology to bring those creative visions to reality. We discuss 16 of the most influential sci-fi TV series of the past 25 years.

For our 2026 Pride Special, we look at 16 of the most groundbreaking TV shows of the past and present that showcased queer characters and stories.

“The X-Files” premiered on Fox in 1993 and became an instant pop-culture phenomenon. The sci-fi show developed an intense fandom fixated on agents Mulder and Scully investigating monsters of the week, alien abductions, and vast government conspiracies. We look back on its best episodes.