36 best science fiction TV series, ranked worst to first

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Image: UPN

32. Star Trek: Voyager

When it comes to Star Trek, there might not be a better representation of sci-fi TV than this Gene Roddenberry franchise. With that said, the lowest ranked series on this list is Voyager, and while it ranks below some of the other Star Trek series, there are things to like about this chapter in the franchise history.

One of the big things to note about it is that this sci-fi series had a female Starship captain in Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew). Yes, there are problems with the series including the prime directive making it just another Star Trek show and the setup having a brilliant premise (stranded in the Delta Quadrant, 75 years from home) with a slightly lackluster execution.

However, along the way, there is brilliance and some amazingly touching episodes. One character — the Doctor — is mostly around with great one-liners and some quality humor but he was also the center of focus in the season three episode “Real Life,” where he creates a holodeck family to see what having one is like. What was funny at first becomes tragic by the end — one of the most touching episodes of the entire series.

Add in the great Captain Janeway and the always interesting Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) to the Doctor, and you have some great characters to lead fans through what — admittedly — was a never-ending Borg-storyline. It never reaches the levels of the OG or TNG but there is still a lot here to like.

Star Trek: Voyager lasted for seven seasons and 172 episodes. Unlike many shows on this list, Voyager got a proper finale with the crew finally making it back home.