The Top Three Science Fiction Shows of the Eighties

There were a number of strong science fiction shows during the Eighties, but few matched the artistic depth, range, and power of these three:

V

Gripping enough to spawn a franchise that has included two subsequent series, novels, comics, and an upcoming reboot more than twenty years later, V is one of the best examples of Eighties science fiction television. V paints a frightening portrait of human collaboration with an alien invading force, long before The X-Files introduced the Syndicate and Colonists, or Earth: Final Conflict introduced the Taelons. Inspired by the groundbreaking special effects of the Star wars trilogy, V's special effects were top-notch, and paved the way for Independence Day among other science fiction productions.

Buy V - The Original TV Series on DVD at Amazon.com.

Quantum Leap

With its nifty narrative device that thrust the protagonist into a different situation every week, Quantum Leap was not only one of the best of the Eighties sci-fi shows, it was also extremely influential - watch a season of Sliders if you doubt that. It was also an affecting piece of science fiction - equal parts drama and comedy depending on the situation, and made more moving by notable performances by lead actor Scott Bakula and sidekick Dean Stockwell. The show tackled numerous social issues from race to women's rights to politics, as Scott Bakula's Dr. Sam Beckett leapt from year to year, making things right.

Buy Quantum Leap - Seasons 1-5 on DVD at Amazon.com.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Perhaps the best of the eighties science fiction shows (though it continued well into the nineties), Star Trek: The Next Generation set the bar extremely high for all future space exploration series. With top-notch acting and sophisticated concepts as the order of the day, Star Trek: The Next Generation provided poignant and insightful commentary on the human condition through the compelling characters such as Data, the android longing to be human. It was a show that was not afraid to be smart - a rare thing. Few shows can match the power of Star Trek: TNG to this day.

Buy Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete Series on DVD at Amazon.com.