The 25 Best Comedy Sci-Fi TV Shows, Ranked By Fans

Matt Groening's follow-up to The Simpsons defied expectations by creating a sci-fi comedy that balanced sharp social satire with genuine heart. Launching in 1999, Futurama follows Philip J. Fry (Billy West), a pizza delivery boy accidentally cryogenically frozen and revived in the year 3000, where he joins the Planet Express delivery crew including one-eyed alien Leela (Katey Sagal) and foul-mouthed robot Bender (John DiMaggio). The show's brilliant writing staff, loaded with advanced degrees in mathematics and science, crafted intricate plots that respected actual scientific principles while delivering both clever wordplay and slapstick comedy. Despite facing multiple cancellations (first by Fox, then Comedy Central), Futurama's dedicated fanbase kept it alive through revivals, with its latest resurrection on Hulu in 2023 maintaining the show's signature mix of clever pop culture references, surprisingly emotional storytelling, and imaginative future-tech concepts. Over its run, the series has garnered multiple Annie Awards and Emmys, while episodes like "Jurassic Bark" and "The Luck of the Fryrish" are regularly cited among television's most emotionally impactful moments, proving that science fiction comedy can deliver both laughs and profound human drama.

This enduring British sci-fi comedy, which began on BBC Two in 1988 and continues to produce specials today, follows the misadventures of Dave Lister (Craig Charles), the last human alive, stuck on a mining spaceship three million years from Earth with a hologram of his annoying dead bunkmate Rimmer (Chris Barrie), a humanoid evolved from his cat (Danny John-Jules), and a neurotic android named Kryten (Robert Llewellyn). Created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, Red Dwarf carved out its own unique space in television history by combining British working-class humor with high-concept science fiction, tackling everything from time paradoxes to parallel universes while maintaining its core theme of space-age slackers just trying to find their way home. The show's distinctive blend of practical effects, sharp writing, and character-driven comedy has earned it a dedicated international following, spawning novels, a failed American pilot, and numerous specials after its original run. Despite multiple hiatuses and network changes, Red Dwarf has maintained its appeal through twelve series and various specials, proving that its combination of philosophical science fiction concepts and distinctly British humor about curry, lager, and bureaucracy creates an endlessly entertaining formula.

This NBC sitcom (1996-2001) took the fish-out-of-water concept to galactic heights, following four aliens posing as the Solomon family while studying human behavior in small-town Ohio. John Lithgow's career-defining performance as the hilariously pompous Dick Solomon earned him three Emmy Awards, leading an exceptional cast including Jane Curtin, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Created by Bonnie and Terry Turner, who also worked on Saturday Night Live, the show cleverly used its sci-fi premise to examine everyday human experiences through fresh eyes, turning mundane situations like discovering ice cream or understanding love into comedic gold. Though less overtly scientific than other genre entries, 3rd Rock distinguished itself with its combination of high-brow intellectual humor and pure slapstick physical comedy, particularly from Lithgow and Stewart. The series ran for six successful seasons, gathering 139 episodes, eight Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globes, while helping launch Gordon-Levitt's career and proving that mainstream network television could successfully blend traditional sitcom formats with science fiction elements. Its reruns continue to find new audiences, who appreciate its unique blend of clever writing, exceptional performances, and heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human.

Developed by Eric Kripke from Garth Ennis's controversial comic series, The Boys exploded onto Amazon Prime in 2019 as a razor-sharp satire of both superhero culture and corporate America. The series centers on Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) and Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid), who lead a group of vigilantes against corrupt superheroes, particularly the sociopathic Homelander (Antony Starr, delivering one of television's most chilling performances). While technically a sci-fi comedy, The Boys pushes boundaries with its unique blend of dark humor, graphic violence, and surprisingly nuanced political commentary. The show's success sparked a new wave of subversive superhero content, spawning spin-offs like Gen V and establishing itself as Amazon's flagship series. Each season has progressively raised the stakes while maintaining its satirical edge, earning critical acclaim for its fearless approach to controversial topics and Emmy nominations for its bold storytelling. Despite its over-the-top violence and crude humor, The Boys has resonated with audiences tired of traditional superhero narratives, proving that a show can be simultaneously outrageous and intelligent while delivering pointed commentary on celebrity culture, capitalism, and political extremism.

NBC's unlikely hit about a furry alien life form (voiced by creator Paul Fusco) hiding with a suburban family became one of the 1980s' most distinctive sitcoms. A.L.F. (who goes by Gordon Shumway) crashed into the Tanner family's garage from his dying planet Melmac, bringing his cat-eating appetites and wiseguy attitude to middle-class America. The show's unique blend of puppet work, practical effects, and family sitcom tropes created something entirely new for television, with A.L.F.'s sardonic personality and pop culture quips appealing to both children and adults. Running from 1986 to 1990, the series was notoriously difficult to produce due to its technical challenges and Fusco's puppet work requiring raised sets and precise timing from the human cast (including Max Wright and Anne Schedeen). Despite behind-the-scenes tensions, A.L.F. became a merchandising phenomenon, spawning everything from toys to a Saturday morning cartoon series. While its abrupt cliffhanger ending left fans hanging for years (until a 1996 TV movie provided closure), the show's influence can be seen in later series like 3rd Rock from the Sun and Resident Alien, which similarly use alien perspectives to comment on human nature through comedy.

This ABC sitcom (2009-2010) brilliantly satirized corporate culture through the lens of the R&D department at morally bankrupt Veridian Dynamics. Jay Harrington stars as Ted Crisp, the charming middle manager trying to maintain his ethics while overseeing bizarre scientific experiments and handling his crush on colleague Linda (Andrea Anders), all while dealing with his intimidating boss Veronica (Portia de Rossi in a career-best performance) and genius scientists Phil and Lem (Jonathan Slavin and Malcolm Barrett). Created by Victor Fresco (Andy Richter Controls the Universe), the show combined sharp workplace comedy with absurdist sci-fi elements like weaponized pumpkins and motion sensors that can't detect black people. Despite lasting only 26 episodes, Better Off Ted's intelligent writing, pitch-perfect cast chemistry, and eerily prescient commentary on corporate ethics and technological overreach have earned it a devoted following. The show's distinctive style, including its mock Veridian Dynamics commercials and direct-to-camera narration, influenced later series like Corporate and Silicon Valley, making it a vital predecessor to modern workplace satires.

Based on the Dark Horse comics, Resident Alien transformed from a potential basic cable curiosity into SYFY's biggest hit by riding the singular comedic talents of Alan Tudyk. As Harry Vanderspeigle, an alien who assumes the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor after crash-landing on Earth, Tudyk delivers a masterclass in physical comedy and fish-out-of-water humor while maintaining a character arc that grows increasingly complex. Created by Chris Sheridan (Family Guy), the series brilliantly balances episodic medical mysteries with larger storylines about Harry's secret mission and gradual humanization, particularly through his relationships with nurse Asta Twelvetrees (Sara Tomko) and his young nemesis Max (Judah Prehn), the only person who can see his true form. Since its 2021 debut, Resident Alien has earned critical acclaim for its blend of X-Files-style sci-fi, Northern Exposure-esque small-town charm, and genuine character development, while allowing Tudyk to showcase the kind of genre-savvy performance that made him a fan favorite in series like Firefly and Doom Patrol.

Originating in 1988 on Minneapolis UHF station KTMA before becoming a Comedy Central cornerstone, Mystery Science Theater 3000 revolutionized comedy by elevating the art of movie mockery. The premise is brilliantly simple: a human host (first Joel Hodgson, then Mike Nelson, and now Jonah Ray) is trapped on a satellite by mad scientists and forced to watch terrible B-movies alongside his robot companions Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot. Through its various incarnations across multiple networks (including Sci-Fi Channel and Netflix), MST3K has maintained its signature combination of rapid-fire wit, obscure pop culture references, and lovably homemade aesthetic. The show spawned a whole genre of commentary-style comedy and influenced everything from YouTube reaction videos to Twitch streaming culture. Its DIY charm and intricate puppetry work set it apart from slicker productions, while its writing room has launched numerous comedy careers and spin-off projects like RiffTrax. Beyond its cult status, MST3K earned a Peabody Award and has been cited as one of TV Guide's top cult shows of all time, proving that sometimes the best way to celebrate bad movies is to cleverly tear them apart with your robot friends.

Seth MacFarlane's love letter to Star Trek evolved from what many initially dismissed as "Family Guy in space" into one of contemporary television's most thoughtful science fiction series. Debuting on Fox in 2017 before moving to Hulu as The Orville: New Horizons, the show follows Captain Ed Mercer (MacFarlane) and his crew aboard the exploratory vessel USS Orville, including his ex-wife and first officer Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki). While early episodes leaned heavily on comedy, The Orville gradually transformed into a serious science fiction drama that maintains its sense of humor, tackling complex issues like gender identity, religious extremism, and artificial intelligence with surprising depth. The show's production values rival those of modern Star Trek series, with stunning visual effects and a cinematic score by MacFarlane's longtime collaborator Bruce Broughton. Despite its initial mixed reception, The Orville has earned praise for its ambitious storytelling and world-building, with many Trek fans considering it a spiritual successor to The Next Generation's episodic, philosophical approach to science fiction. Through three seasons, it has proven that reverent homage can coexist with original storytelling, creating something that honors its influences while establishing its own identity.

Running from 2006 to 2012 on Syfy (then Sci-Fi Channel), Eureka crafted a unique blend of small-town charm and cutting-edge science fiction that helped define the network's original programming. The series follows U.S. Marshal Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) who becomes sheriff of Eureka, a secret town of genius scientists working on advanced technologies for the government. Created by Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia, the show balanced accessible humor with complex scientific concepts, making it appealing to both casual viewers and hardcore sci-fi fans. Eureka's strength lay in its ensemble cast, including Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Joe Morton, and its ability to tackle serious scientific concepts while maintaining a light, optimistic tone that set it apart from darker genre fare. The show's format of "something goes wrong with the experiment of the week" provided a reliable framework for both comedy and drama, while long-running storylines about time travel and alternate timelines kept viewers engaged across five seasons. Eureka's success helped establish Syfy's brand of quirky, science-based programming, paving the way for similar shows like Warehouse 13 and proving that smart science fiction could be both fun and family-friendly.

This ambitious animated series created by Olan Rogers combines serialized storytelling with genuine emotional depth in ways rarely seen in sci-fi comedy. Debuting on TBS in 2018 before moving to Adult Swim, Final Space follows Gary Goodspeed (voiced by Rogers), an imprisoned astronaut who befriends a mysterious alien named Mooncake while serving his sentence aboard a prison spacecraft. The show's unique visual style and cinematic score set it apart from other animated series, while its willingness to balance silly humor with serious dramatic stakes and character development earned critical praise. Despite its comedic elements, Final Space took bold narrative risks across its three seasons, tackling themes of loss, sacrifice, and redemption while building an intricate mythology. The voice cast, including David Tennant, Ron Perlman, and Conan O'Brien, helped elevate the material beyond typical animated fare. Though it ended prematurely in 2021, Final Space's blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure garnered a passionate fanbase and demonstrated the potential for adult animation to tell complex, emotionally resonant stories within a sci-fi comedy framework.

From Armando Iannucci (Veep) comes this HBO sci-fi comedy set aboard a luxury space cruise ship thrown off course by a catastrophic accident. Hugh Laurie leads an ensemble cast as Ryan Clark, the charming but fraudulent captain trying to maintain order among increasingly panicked passengers and an incompetent crew while dealing with the ship's eccentric billionaire owner Herman Judd (Josh Gad). Debuting in 2020, Avenue 5 applies Iannucci's signature brand of caustic political satire to space tourism, exploring themes of class warfare, corporate incompetence, and human nature under pressure. The show's impressive production design and visual effects create a believable near-future setting for its darkly comic scenarios, while its stellar cast (including Zach Woods and Rebecca Front) delivers the sharp dialogue with perfect timing. Though it only ran for two seasons, Avenue 5's unique blend of disaster epic and cringe comedy offered a fresh take on both space narratives and social satire, suggesting that human foolishness will follow us even into the cosmos.

Paul Feig's Yahoo! Screen original series (2015) represents one of streaming television's earliest missed opportunities, delivering a perfectly crafted space comedy that arrived on a doomed platform. Set in 2105, the show follows the inexperienced crew of the UMP Cruiser as they accidentally travel through a wormhole into an unknown universe. Led by the overenthusiastic but underqualified Captain Stewart Lipinski (Karan Soni) and his resentful sister Karen (Bess Rous), the series combines workplace comedy dynamics with sci-fi adventure in ways that prefigured shows like Avenue 5. The ensemble cast, including Mystery Science Theater 3000's Joel Hodgson and Trace Beaulieu, brings both comedy credentials and genre awareness to their roles. Though it only produced eight episodes, Other Space earned praise for its clever writing, character dynamics, and ability to craft engaging stories despite budget limitations, proving that strong concepts and execution can overcome platform constraints.

Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Rick & Morty transformed from an Adult Swim animated experiment into one of television's most influential sci-fi comedies. The series follows alcoholic super-scientist Rick Sanchez and his anxious teenage grandson Morty (originally voiced by Roiland, now by Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden) as they traverse infinite dimensions and parallel universes, blending high-concept science fiction with dark family dynamics and nihilistic humor. Since its 2013 debut, the show has earned both critical acclaim and a massive cult following, known for its sharp writing that seamlessly weaves together crude humor with philosophical concepts and emotional depth. Its influence extends far beyond television, spawning merchandise empires, cultural phenomena (like the infamous McDonald's Szechuan sauce incident), and countless imitators trying to capture its blend of smart and stupid comedy. Despite some controversial moments and creative team changes, Rick & Morty has maintained its position as a cornerstone of modern adult animation across seven seasons, appealing to viewers who appreciate both quantum physics jokes and fart humor, while earning multiple Annie Awards and an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.

Steve Carell and The Office creator Greg Daniels reunited for this ambitious 2020 Netflix series that satirizes the creation of America's newest military branch. Carell stars as General Mark Naird, a decorated Air Force officer tasked with leading the fledgling United States Space Force alongside his skeptical chief scientist Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich). Despite its stellar cast, including Lisa Kudrow, Ben Schwartz, and Jimmy O. Yang, and a timely premise based on real-world events, Space Force struggled to balance sharp political satire and workplace comedy. The show's impressive production values and cinematic style, unusual for a comedy series, reflected Netflix's significant investment, with some episodes reportedly costing more than most feature films. While it only ran for two seasons, Space Force stands out for its attempt to blend contemporary political commentary with sci-fi elements and traditional sitcom dynamics, offering a unique perspective on the militarization of space and bureaucratic absurdity. The chemistry between Carell and Malkovich provided the show's strongest moments, proving that even rocket science can be fertile ground for character-driven comedy.

Genndy Tartakovsky's groundbreaking Cartoon Network series (1996-2003) follows boy genius Dexter, who operates a massive secret laboratory in his suburban home while constantly battling his meddling sister Dee Dee and rival scientist Mandark. While primarily aimed at children, the show's clever writing and visual style appealed to viewers of all ages, combining sci-fi concepts with family sitcom dynamics and silent film-style physical comedy. The series was revolutionary in its animation approach, using bold geometric shapes and limited animation to create a distinctive look that influenced countless animated shows that followed. Dexter's Laboratory helped establish Cartoon Network's reputation for sophisticated children's programming, paving the way for series like Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack. Its blend of mad science, sibling rivalry, and pop culture references (including numerous homages to classic sci-fi films and anime) created a template for smart, multi-layered animation that remains influential decades later.

Though primarily a drama, this Fox/Sci-Fi Channel series (1995-2000) incorporated enough humor and wild concepts to qualify as partial comedy. Following Quinn Mallory (Jerry O'Connell) and his fellow dimensional travelers as they "slide" between parallel Earths, the show combined high-concept sci-fi with fish-out-of-water humor and social commentary. Created by Tracy Tormé and Robert K. Weiss, Sliders excelled at presenting alternate histories with both dramatic weight and satirical edge, whether showing worlds where the British won the Revolutionary War or where antibiotics were never discovered. The core cast, including John Rhys-Davies and Cleavant Derricks, brought charm and credibility to even the most outlandish scenarios. Despite suffering from network interference and cast changes in later seasons, Sliders' early episodes remain celebrated for their clever blend of speculative fiction and entertainment, influencing later series like Rick & Morty in their exploration of multiple realities. The show's ability to use parallel universes as a lens for examining contemporary social issues while maintaining its sense of adventure made it a unique entry in the sci-fi comedy-drama spectrum.

This ahead-of-its-time NBC series (1977-1978), created by comedy legend Buck Henry, follows Adam Quark (Richard Benjamin), commander of a United Galaxy Sanitation Patrol ship tasked with collecting space garbage. The show's premise brilliantly combines workplace comedy with sci-fi parody, featuring a crew that includes a plant-based science officer, clone navigators with opposing personalities, and a transmale first officer (decades before gender identity became a mainstream topic). While it lasted only eight episodes, Quark's influence can be seen in later series like Red Dwarf and Futurama, particularly in its focus on blue-collar workers in space and its willingness to tackle serious sci-fi concepts through a comedic lens. The show's mix of high-concept science fiction ideas with lowbrow workplace humor created a template for many later series, while its progressive elements regarding gender and identity were remarkably forward-thinking for late-1970s network television. Despite its brief run, Quark remains a fascinating example of how science fiction comedy can address social issues while maintaining its sense of humor.

Created by David Jenkins centers on a support group for alien abductees (or "experiencers") in small-town Beacon, New York. Wyatt Cenac stars as Ozzie Graham, a skeptical journalist who finds himself drawn into the group's orbit after realizing his own repressed alien encounters. The show's genius lies in its parallel storytelling, splitting time between the lovably damaged support group members and the equally dysfunctional aliens observing them, including a bickering trio of extraterrestrials played perfectly by Ken Hall, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Michael Cassidy. People of Earth distinguishes itself by treating both human trauma and alien workplace comedy with equal sincerity, building a rich mythology while maintaining genuine empathy for its characters' struggles. Despite lasting only two seasons, the series earned critical praise for its subtle humor, stellar ensemble cast (including Ana Gasteyer and Oscar Nuñez), and ability to find fresh angles in well-worn alien invasion tropes.

ABC Family's 2008 series, adapted by Javier Grillo-Marxuach from his own comic book, stands as one of the most clever genre mashups in television history. Natalie Morales stars as Wendy Watson, an artist recruited by the mysterious Middleman (Matt Keeslar) to help fight comic book-style threats while maintaining a secret identity and attempting to live a normal twenty-something life. The show's rapid-fire dialogue, packed with pop culture references and intentionally over-the-top comic book phraseology ("Sweet Jupiter Jazz!"), creates a unique tone that simultaneously parodies and celebrates superhero and sci-fi conventions. Despite lasting only 12 episodes, The Middleman earned a devoted following for its sharp wit, chemistry between leads, and ability to tackle everything from evil Mexican wrestlers to trout-craving zombies while maintaining its own internal logic. The series stands as a precursor to more recent genre-aware shows like Doom Patrol, proving that smart, self-referential sci-fi comedy could work even on a modest cable budget.

Hulu's underappreciated sci-fi comedy (2017-2020) throws every time travel trope into a blender with raunchy humor and surprising heart. Josh Hutcherson stars as Josh Futturman, a janitor and gaming enthusiast who's recruited by two post-apocalyptic warriors, Tiger and Wolf (Eliza Coupe and Derek Wilson, both stealing every scene), after beating an "unbeatable" video game. Created by Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Future Man gleefully subverts sci-fi conventions while paying homage to classics like The Last Starfighter and The Terminator. The show's strength lies in its willingness to follow its bizarre premises to their logical conclusions, whether that means James Cameron showing up as a door expert or Josh having to save the world with herpes. Across three tightly-plotted seasons, Future Man maintains its signature mix of crude humor and genuine character development, while its clever handling of time travel paradoxes and alternate timelines often rivals more serious genre entries.

This gloriously weird German-Canadian co-production (1996-2002) follows the crew of the Lexx, a massive living spaceship shaped like a dragonfly that can destroy planets. Led by Stanley Tweedle (Brian Downey), a cowardly security guard who accidentally becomes captain, the crew includes a love-struck robot head, a potentially insane assassin, and a half-lizard love slave. Created by Paul Donovan, Lexx deliberately pushes against sci-fi conventions with its dark humor, sexual themes, and nihilistic worldview. The show's distinctive visual style, combining practical effects with early CGI, created a unique aesthetic that matched its bizarre narrative choices. Despite (or because of) its weirdness, Lexx developed a devoted cult following, particularly in Europe, for its fearless blend of horror, comedy, and sexuality. The series stands as a testament to the creative freedom of late '90s cable television, when shows could experiment with format and content in ways that would be unlikely today.

Max Landis's adaptation of Douglas Adams's cult novels creates its own unique chaos theory of television, following the interconnected adventures of "holistic detective" Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett) and his reluctant assistant Todd (Elijah Wood). Running for two seasons on BBC America (2016-2017), the show takes Adams's concept of the fundamental interconnectedness of all things and spins it into a series of increasingly complex mysteries involving time travel, body-swapping, parallel universes, and a corgi that might be a princess. The series stands out for its commitment to its own internal logic, no matter how bizarre, while building an emotional core around its central relationships, particularly between Dirk and Todd, and Todd and his sister Amanda (Hannah Marks). Despite its premature cancellation, Dirk Gently developed a passionate following for its unique blend of sci-fi concepts, detective story conventions, and character-driven comedy, all tied together with a distinctively quirky visual style and intricate plotting that rewards careful viewing.

This BBC Two comedy (2006-2007) stars Nick Frost as Space Commander Henderson, an incompetent but enthusiastic leader of the HMS Camden Lock, whose mission is to promote British interests in the 22nd century. Created by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley, Hyperdrive offers a distinctly British take on space exploration comedy, focusing less on technical challenges and more on the mundane bureaucratic aspects of space diplomacy. The show's particular genius lies in translating contemporary British concerns about declining global influence into a future setting while featuring Frost's trademark lovable buffoonery. Despite its modest budget, Hyperdrive makes clever use of its limitations, focusing on character dynamics and situational comedy rather than special effects. Though it only ran for two series, the show's influence can be seen in later space comedies that blend workplace humor with sci-fi elements, while its deadpan approach to intergalactic diplomacy offers a unique counterpoint to more action-oriented space series.

This adult animated series (2004-2007) pushed the boundaries of both computer animation and sci-fi satire, originally spawning from an internet short before landing on Sci-Fi Channel. The show follows the adventures of the Jupiter 42's crew, led by the morally flexible purple alien Chode McBlob and his voluptuous android Six (voiced by Carmen Electra in season one, then Gina Gershon). Created by Chris Moeller and Chuck Austen, Tripping the Rift distinguished itself with its hard-R approach to sci-fi parody, tackling everything from Star Trek to Star Wars while mixing adult humor with surprisingly sharp social commentary. The show's CGI animation, while dated by today's standards, represented a significant step forward for television animation at the time. Despite its often crude humor and gratuitous content, the series managed to sneak in clever critiques of religion, politics, and social issues, making it a spiritual predecessor to shows like Rick & Morty in its willingness to blend high-concept sci-fi with deliberately provocative comedy.