Syfy is the ultimate hotspot for weird and fantastical television. Over the years, the network has treated viewers to some of the best horror, fantasy, and sci-fi shows out there — but which shows are the best of the bunch?
That’s what we’re here to discuss. On this list, you will find a wide variety of shows that represent the best of what Syfy has to offer. As such, you can expect to find space operas, slashers, and genre-bending series that defy classification. There are gritty dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies, along with everything in-between, so all taste buds should be covered.
Obviously, some excellent shows had to be left out as we’re only working with 10 here. Be that as it may, horror, fantasy, and sci-fi fans will likely agree that these series are highlights of their respective genres — even beyond the Syfy network. So, without further ado, here are the 10 best shows to ever be shown on Syfy.
10. Resident Alien
There are plenty of great shows about aliens, but few are as entertaining and unique as “Resident Alien.” That’s not a knock against other shows about extraterrestrial lifeforms. Rather, it’s an assessment of how wonderful “Resident Alien” is.
Starring TVLine Performer of the Week Alan Tudyk, “Resident Alien” is the ultimate fish-out-of-water story. It follows an extraterrestrial (Tudyk) who comes to Earth to destroy humanity, only to end up bonding with the residents of Patience, Colorado. Instead of wiping them out, he becomes the town doctor, solve mysteries, and protects the people he grows to call friends. The alien isn’t entirely good, mind you, as he kills the town doctor and assumes his identity, but no one is perfect.
Tudyk steals the show on “Resident Alien,” delivering a performance that’s simultaneously off-kilter and imbued with humanity. He actually comes across as an alien posing as a person. The series is full of humor, but there is an equal amount of heartfelt drama that will make you care about our alien protagonist and his neighbors.
9. Eureka
If you’re looking for more shows like “Twin Peaks,” consider adding “Eureka” to your watchlist. Both series are different tonally, with the former being a dark murder mystery and the latter opting for a more lighthearted approach. However, they share quirky small-town settings and eccentric characters, so they still hang out in the same wheelhouse.
“Eureka” is about a secret town that was built as a haven for the world’s greatest scientists. One day, Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) discovers the town and becomes the sheriff, forcing him to regularly save everyone from catastrophic incidents that are beyond his understanding. Jack is an everyman surrounded by geniuses, but his common sense approach to situations often saves the day.
“Eureka” is a weird, quirky series that’s perfect for when you’re in the mood for something light and breezy. It might be too bizarre for some tastes, but people who get “Eureka” will probably love it for the rest of their lives. Sci-fi stories often use fear to make us wary of scientific overreach, but this one proves that cautionary tales can still be ridiculous.
8. Warehouse 13
“Warehouse 13” was co-created by D. Brent Mote and Jane Espenson, the latter of whom is no stranger to fans of genre TV shows. As a writer, she’s worked on “Battlestar Galactica,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Foundation,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Torchwood,” which is quite the resume. “Warehouse 13” might not be her crowning achievement, but it still deserves to be celebrated.
The story follows Secret Service agents Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly), who get sent to work in the titular South Dakotan location. This is no regular warehouse, though, as it contains powerful artifacts with paranormal abilities. What’s more, Pete and Myka are tasked with finding more of these objects, resulting in time travel and other exciting scenarios.
“Warehouse 13” will appeal to fans of shows like “The X-Files” as it centers around mismatched agents dealing with otherworldly phenomena. It isn’t particularly original — and that’s fine. The characters are great, their adventures are lively, and it’s just a darn good way to spend time. Sometimes, the best shows are those that deliver exactly what we want to see, even if it’s predictable.
7. Chucky
Long-running horror franchises tend to drop in quality, but “Child’s Play” has remained consistent. Sure, it received an unwanted remake in 2019, but Don Mancini’s original saga about the murderous Chucky doll (voiced by Brad Dourif) has persevered. Syfy’s “Chucky” marked the franchise’s foray into television, and it’s a hoot if you like slashers about pint-sized menaces.
Despite changing mediums, “Chucky” doesn’t rewrite the “Child’s Play” formula too much. It’s a story about a doll tormenting teenagers — from the suburbs to Catholic school — so fans get what they want. Eventually, Chucky infiltrates the White House, as he needs to perform a ritual in a place where lots of wicked stuff has happened, which is a hoot. The series doesn’t shy away from social and political themes, but never at the expense of having fun.
“Chucky” earned rave reviews from critics, with the show currently boasting a 95% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. There is plenty of chaos and dark humor, but the human heroes are likable and easy to root for. Unfortunately, Syfy canceled “Chucky” after three seasons, but beloved horror franchises rarely stay dead forever.
6. Wynonna Earp
Wyatt Earp has appeared in countless Western TV shows and movies, but what about the rest of his bloodline? Syfy’s “Wynonna Earp” continues the legendary Old West lawman’s legacy through his great-great granddaughter (Melanie Scrofano) — but she has to deal with more dangerous threats than human bandits.
Created by Emily Andras, “Wynonna Earp” follows Scrofano’s character as she battles the reincarnated souls of the baddies her aforementioned ancestor killed — along with demons, witches, and other supernatural goons. The premise is reminiscent of shows like “Brimstone,” “Reaper,” and “The Bondsman,” but “Wynonna Earp” scores extra points for its Western sensibilities.
“Wynonna Earp” also shines thanks to Scrofano, whose performance as the eponymous gunslinger is tremendous. She is full of charisma and oozes cool, making her an easy hero to root for. The series doesn’t hold back when it comes to action either, so fans of high-octane thrills will find plenty to enjoy.
5. Stargate SG-1
Roland Emmerich’s 1994 “Stargate” was supposed to launch a film trilogy, but that never happened. Instead, it spawned a multi-media franchise that found plenty of success on the small screen, starting with “Stargate SG-1,” which is one of the great ’90s sci-fi shows that still hold up today.
“Stargate SG-1” picks up right after the events of the movie, following a military unit that uses the eponymous Stargate to travel between different planets. Each episode typically sees the soldiers take on extraterrestrial threats and explore strange new worlds, leading to some crazy interstellar adventures.
“Stargate SG-1” is a fun show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. However, the stakes matter, and there’s plenty of drama and action to add some edge to the proceedings. The storytelling is more rip-roaring than thought-provoking, but it still addresses some weighty themes pertaining to power, politics, and other heady issues.
4. The Expanse
If you like your sci-fi to be hard and complex, this show has you covered. Based on James S.A. Corey’s novel series, “The Expanse” is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. This has resulted in interplanetary friction between Earth, Mars, and the outer planets, but a wider conspiracy risks causing all-out war.
“The Expanse” is loaded with political intrigue and dense world-building, which has led to some viewers comparing it to “Game of Thrones.” That’s a fair assessment, but “The Expanse” isn’t derivative of HBO’s hit fantasy series by any means. The series boasts an original story that feels surprisingly true-to-life thanks to its scientific accuracy and themes pertaining to political polarization.
Of course, “The Expanse” doesn’t skimp out when it comes to spectacle, but it’s more suited to viewers who prefer slow-burn storytelling. The series starts out as a noir-inspired detective mystery before growing into so much more — but the less said about it, the better. If you haven’t seen “The Expanse,” go in blind and prepare to have your mind blown.
3. The Magicians
If you’re looking for a show about young people overcoming existential and fantastical obstacles, “The Magicians” will scratch an itch. Based on Lev Grossman’s novels of the same name, Syfy’s five-season wonder is perfect viewing for people who want a fantasy series that blends dark humor with mature drama.
“The Magicians” centers on Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), a student who enlists in a university for folks with special abilities. On paper, it screams Syfy’s answer to “Harry Potter,” but “The Magicians” subverts the tropes we associate with stories of that ilk. For example, magic isn’t presented as the answer to all of life’s problems. The characters still have to deal with the messy things that make us human — and spells don’t fix that.
“The Magicians” boasts the wonder and excitement we associate with the best fantasy TV shows, so expect plenty of imagination. However, the complex characters and nuanced storytelling are what really gives this one its magic. It’s not always for the faint-hearted, but no one will accuse the series of lacking substance.
2. Farscape
What’s the best way to make shows about space travel more exciting? The answer is to add more puppets. Rockne S. O’Bannon’s “Farscape” features animatronic aliens, who co-star alongside human actors to tell a story about underdog heroes evading fascists beyond the stars.
“Farscape” follows John Crichton (Ben Browder) and the crew of the Moya as they go on the lam in space. That premise sounds like every other space opera you’ve ever seen, but “Farscape” stands out as an original as it has one of the best sci-fi universes out there. The aliens even have their own slang, which is a testament to the thought and care put into creating this world. “Farscape” is also very silly at times, and that goes a long way in upping the show’s endearing levity.
“Farscape” was also a major influence on James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, showcasing just how much of an impact it made on the sci-fi genre as a whole. For fans who enjoy space opera spectacle combined with swashbuckling spacefaring adventure, “Farscape” is an automatic must watch.
1. Battlestar Galactica
Who’d have ever thought that a reboot of a campy ’70s space opera would become one of the best sci-fi shows of all time? “Battlestar Galactica” is a lesson on how to do remakes the right way, and it remains a cornerstone of small-screen science fiction.
Created by Roland D. Moore and David Eick, “Battlestar Galactica” takes place in a universe that’s been devastated by a robotic race known as the Cylons. The story follows the crew of the eponymous titular ship as they voyage through the stars protecting what’s left of humanity. However, that description doesn’t cover the majesty of “Battlestar Galactica,” as the series is an examination of the complexities of human nature, politics, and theology.
The “Battlestar Galactica” reboot is notably darker than the original series. It’s a morally ambiguous drama that reflects the socio-political mood of the 2000s following events like 9/11, presenting a nuanced look at conflict. Nothing is ever black and white — and that makes for exciting television. Sci-fi shows don’t come much smarter than this one, but it’s still very accessible and entertaining.
