Copyright Screen Rant
The science fiction genre has produced numerous memorable shows over the years, but it has been on the decline as of late, and several great sci-fi TV series wouldn't be able to get made in the present day. TV simply isn't the same as it used to be. Much has changed, which has significantly affected the way shows are made. This is especially true when talking about sci-fi projects. Audiences won't be able to find many long-running, successful sci-fi series on network TV or on most streaming platforms in this day and age (Apple TV is the exception). It's just not feasible. Consequently, a significant number of iconic sci-fi shows wouldn't have a leg to stand on if they were produced today. 8 The Expanse 2015–2018, 2019–2022 Some consider The Expanse to be the defining sci-fi show of the 21st century, and for good reason. Unfortunately, it wouldn't have stood a chance if it were made today. The Expanse originally aired on Syfy before moving over to Amazon Prime Video after its third season, where it released three more seasons. It then ended for good in 2022. In total, The Expanse produced six seasons and 62 episodes, all of which were released over a seven-year span. While that might not seem like much to some, a show like The Expanse wouldn't have lasted past its first season in the present. For starters, it was expensive to make. Some estimate its budget between $5 and $10 million per episode. Streaming services are hesitant to spend that much on any production, especially if it doesn't come with a built-in fanbase like new Marvel or Star Wars shows. As proof, Netflix has canceled more sci-fi series after their first (sometimes second) seasons than anyone can count. Netflix is where sci-fi and fantasy projects go to die. The Expanse had a high budget because of its significant scale. And no one would be happy if the producers downsized its world in order to save some money. So, no one would take a chance on it. But since it wasn't made today, perhaps some platforms would be willing to bet on The Expanse and produce a seventh season. 7 Fringe 2008–2013 Similar to The Expanse, Fringe wouldn't have made it in the present because of its budget. The Fox sci-fi series, created by J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, spent $10 million to produce the pilot alone. Meanwhile, the cost of Fringe's other episodes is estimated at $4 million. Its high budget, mixed with the fact that it aired on network TV, is enough to prove that Fringe wouldn't get made today. One of the reasons why Fox canceled Fringe was that it was too expensive, with the other being its declining ratings. Networks just don't have the bandwidth or resources to fund shows like Fringe unless they're unbelievably popular. The Fox series also released 20 episodes or more during its first four seasons. That would presently be a feat for any network sci-fi show, given that most network shows in general are just now getting back to producing more episodes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, fans should be grateful Fringe was made in the late 2000s. 6 Westworld 2016–2022 This might sound repetitive, but a show like Westworld also wouldn't succeed right now due to its expenses. The pilot episode of the HBO dystopian sci-fi western drama TV series reportedly cost $25 million to make. Meanwhile, Westworld's season 1 budget was around $100 million, and its fourth season's budget was $160 million. The cost to produce Westworld isn't surprising. Not only was it an HBO sci-fi show, but it also featured a cast of many famous actors, like Evan Rachel Wood, Anthony Hopkins, and Thandiwe Newton. However, even if a series like Westworld were made today with an all-star cast, HBO wouldn't take a chance on it because it likely wouldn't attract many viewers. 5 Lost 2004–2010 Many consider Lost to be one of the best sci-fi shows of all time. However, that doesn't mean it would still thrive nowadays. It aired on broadcast TV, ran for six seasons and 121 episodes, and was quite expensive to produce (ABC spent $14 million on the pilot alone). This is all but unheard of today. If that's not proof that Lost wouldn't survive on network TV right now, I don't know what is. The good news is that it wasn't made in the 2020s. Instead, it aired during the 2000s and, as such, was one of the most popular TV series at the time. Many things have changed regarding network TV, though, meaning another show like Lost is impossible. 4 The X-Files 1993–2002, 2016–2018 The X-Files' original nine-season run would be an impressive achievement for any current network TV show, let alone one in the sci-fi genre. Fox's drama is lauded as one of the greatest sci-fi series of all time, which is why it lasted for so long and returned for two more seasons in 2016 and 2018. However, that certainly wouldn't happen now. Fox continuously renewing an expensive and complex show like The X-Files in this day and age is unheard of. The network just canceled 9-1-1: Lone Star, partly due to its high budget. So, something similar to The X-Files undoubtedly wouldn't make the cut on Fox, especially if it produced more than 20 episodes a season. 3 Sense8 2015–2018 Sense8's cancellation after only two seasons is proof enough that it wouldn't get made today. Each season 1 episode of the Netflix sci-fi drama series cost an estimated $4.5 million to produce, while that number increased to $9 million in season 2. The streaming service claimed that the show's audience wasn't large enough to support that big a budget. Sense8's fanbase was loud and passionate, though, resulting in many trending campaigns to bring back the show. The fans were successful in getting an elongated special, but not a third season, because Netflix wasn't about to take that risk. Now, seven years later, the landscape of TV has continued to change, making Sense8 season 3 even more unrealistic. 2 Mork & Mindy 1978–1982 Mork & Mindy was a one-of-a-kind TV show as it was both a sitcom and a sci-fi series — a combination that's unfeasible today. However, back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was a certified hit. Robin Williams and Pam Dawber's ABC comedy ran for four seasons and almost 100 episodes (and helped launch Williams' acting career). Unfortunately, things are different now. Sitcoms are hit or miss nowadays, while sci-fi shows on network TV are all but unheard of because they're so risky. So, combining those two genres would be a recipe for disaster, meaning that Mork & Mindy, no matter how iconic it was, wouldn't get produced in this day and age. 1 Heroes 2006–2010 Almost all superhero sci-fi shows that stand a chance today are ones under the Marvel or DC umbrella (the one exception is The Boys). Consequently, a series like NBC's Heroes would be a complete failure in the present. In fact, it's highly improbable that a network would even greenlight Heroes because it's unlikely to succeed and last past its first season.
