The 15 Best Sci-Fi Comedy Series Ever (2024)

While sci-fi is a genre known for its epic stories where the main characters are constantly exploring strange new worlds, some of the genre’s greatest achievements on television have come from combining its creativity with comedy. You’d think that a fish-out-of-water wouldn’t fuse well with hard sci-fi and concepts of space, time travel and technology. Well, you’re wrong.

TV shows like Star Trek and Doctor Whoare sci-fi legends. Over the years, they have cultivated a devoted following by mixing captivating stories with subtle humor and staying proportionate all along. But for those who have already consumed the more popular sci-fi TV shows, we’ve curated a list of some lesser known comedic sci-fi shows that deserve just as much recognition, if not more.

These funny and futuristic works of televised fiction have it all – clever writing, zany characters, playful social satire and increasingly absurd premises. They are comedic masterpieces masquerading as sci-fi gems and are overlooked in favor of more successful and popular shows. That said, we’re here to help you discover your new favorite comedy sci-fi shows.

15 The Middleman (2008)

the middleman

Release Date

June 16, 2008

Cast

Matt Keeslar , Mary Pat Gleason , Natalie Morales

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

1

In The Middleman, we follow Wendy Watson, a struggling artist who shares an apartment with her animal activist friend. Lacey. Wendy is hired by a secret agency to fight against threats like mad scientists, hostile aliens, and strange science fiction phenomena. A rookie heroine herself, Wendy joins forces with the eccentric title character, and they fight an endless array of supernatural forces – from robots to smugglers – to protect humanity.

A Hidden Cult Classic

A short-lived but highly beloved cult series, The Middleman only aired for a couple dozen episodes before being canceled due to low ratings. Regardless, it left an enormous impact on the sci-fi genre.

The series is adapted from the Viper Comics series created by Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Les McClaine, and it stars Matt Keeslar and Natalie Morales as the perfect and oddly humorous crime fighters. As far as comedy goes, it is “the kind of show you'll want to watch repeatedly to catch a line you missed the first time.”

14 Future Man (2017 – 2020)

Future Man

Where to Watch

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Release Date

2017-00-00

Cast

Josh Hutcherson , Eliza Coupe

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

0

Co-produced by Seth Rogen, Future Man is a time-traveling sci-fi adventure series that revolves around a janitor named Josh Futturman, who excels at a popular video game about saving the world. After he completes the game, he is recruited by Tiger and Wolf, two mysterious visitors from the future, and told about how mankind is on the brink of ruin from the real Biotic Wars and he must battle those responsible to stop the disaster.

An Action-Packed Ride Across Time

Led by a powerhouse trio of Josh Hutcherson, Eliza Coupe and Derek Wilson, Future Man is an extremely raunchy and irreverent series that never takes itself too seriously. It ran for three seasons, during which time, the show sent its protagonists on unhinged trips across time and space, making sure there were jokes and laughter gags at every turn. Of course, beyond the production values and genre-bending comedy, the plot is clever and layered as well.

13 Quark (1977 – 1978)

A gem of a classic, Quark is another short-lived sci-fi comedy TV show worth checking out. It is set on the USS Garbage scow, a massive space vessel that roams the galaxy collecting the universe’s trash and is commanded by its inventor, Adam Quark. His highly unusual motley crew includes a set of identical twins as navigators, a humanoid being acting as the ship’s engineer, an old and mad scientist, and a Spock-like science officer.

Each mission takes Quark and company on a strange new adventure.

Quark Was Way Ahead of Its Time

With its tongue-in-cheek tone and ensemble of lovable oddballs, Quark feels like a science-fiction version of M*A*S*H. Only, it came decades earlier. The series was created by Buck Henry for NBC and it was led by Richard Benjamin, who took on the charming and delightful title role with equal parts absurdity and sincerity. Even though its satire of bureaucracy was too weird for the mainstream audience of the 1970s, Quark found a devoted fan base.

Related: 10 TV Shows That Capture The Aesthetic Of The '70s

12 Dexter's Laboratory (1996 – 2003)

Dexter's Laboratory (2006)

Where to Watch

See Also

Jerry O'Connell Bio, Age, Parents, Wife, Height, Net, Sliders, TVBall-strike calls get lots of postseason attention

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Release Date

April 28, 1996

Cast

Candi Milo , Kathryn Cressida , Jeff Bennett , Kath Soucie , Eddie Deezen

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

4

In Dexter’s Laboratory, a genius boy named Dexter uses his secret lab hidden under his bedroom to conduct experiments and hone his skills. He is constantly at odds with his extroverted big sister Dee Dee, who is always trying to get in his lab and play with his inventions, no matter how dangerous they turn out to be. Their hapless antics make for the most destructive and hilarious episodes.

Sibling Love, or Scientific Chaos?

You are not a true ‘90s kid if you haven’t spent your weekends glued to Cartoon Network on the weekends to watch your favorite animated shows. Dexter’s Laboratory made science fun for kids with its clever wordplay and silly humor and taught viewers about the trials of growing up. The siblings were voiced by Christine Cavanaugh and Candi Milo, who infused them with imaginative and infectious energy. Overall, the show became a landmark for smart cartoons.

11 People of Earth (2016 – 2017)

People of Earth is an alien abduction comedy from creator David Jenkins. It revolves around a skeptical and experienced writer named Ozzie Graham who stumbles upon a support group for alien abductees and digs for the truth behind their claimed alien encounters. As he delves deeper, his own beliefs are thrown out the window because the more far-out and troubled their tales get, the more they seem real and possible.

Fresh Take on the Extraterrestrial

Even though this wonderful and weird sci-fi comedy from TBS only lasted for two seasons, it was one of the few at the time to offer a humorous take on the existence of UFOs.

In just twenty episodes, it subverted audiences’ expectations by being quirky and relatable, with the endearing ensemble providing the most easy-going laughter as they search for answers and a place to belong. Also praised for its high-concept premise, People of Earth is probably one of the best comedies of the decade.

10 Better Off Ted (2009 – 2010)

Better Off Ted

Where to Watch

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Release Date

March 18, 2009

Cast

Jay Harrington , Portia de Rossi , Jonathan Slavin , Malcolm Barrett , Isabella Acres

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

2

Set against the backdrop of an amoral science-based company called Veridian Dynamics, Better Off Ted follows a hapless single father and head of research development Ted, who is simply trying to get past each day without getting into too much trouble. Surrounded by outlandish coworkers, Ted’s daily struggles range from testing unethical products and science projects to making sure the company maintains its position in the cutthroat corporate world.

Workplace Comedy Infused With Sci-Fi

Criminally underrated, this sci-fi series adds satire to the nine-to-five grind. It portrays a ridiculously exaggerated corporate giant where there is no regard for ethics or normalcy, just plain and perfect humor. Better Off Ted is led by a cast that includes Jay Harrington and Portia de Rossi among others. Critics spread praises for its writing, direction and surreal humor, calling it “the most original sitcom to come along in a while.”

9 Futurama (1999 – Present)

Futurama

Where to Watch

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Release Date

March 28, 1999

Cast

Billy West , John Di Maggio , Katey Sagal , Phil LaMarr , Lauren Tom , Tress MacNeille , David Herman , Frank Welker

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

7

A science-fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening (known for The Simpsons), Futurama begins in the late 20th century, with pizza delivery boy Philip J. Fry getting cryogenically frozen for 1,000 years and waking up in the future. He looks for a new job and lands a spot at an intergalactic delivery company run by his distant nephew. Along with Leela and Bender, he goes on zany adventures and gets caught up in the most hysterical situations.

Futurama Is The Simpsons in Space

Groening uses the animation medium to parody science-fiction giants like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. There are so many references to the shows that the universe of Futurama doesn’t even seem strange anymore.

The show has been revived a couple of times but its gorgeously beloved ensemble has continued to deliver laughs by staying faithful to its pulpy roots. The iconic voice cast, which includes Billy West, John DiMaggio and Katey Sagal, deserve all the praise for their work.

8 Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016 – 2017)

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

Where to Watch

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Release Date

October 22, 2016

Cast

Samuel Barnett , Elijah Wood , Hannah Marks , Amanda Walsh , Mpho Koaho , Dustin Milligan , Tony Amendola , Tyler Labine

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

0

Fans of Doctor Who should definitely check out this sci-fi gem. It revolves around the antics of the titular fast-talking ‘holistic’ detective, who simply does not believe in coincidences. Which is why when a crime leads him to bellhop Todd Brotzman, Dirk convinces him to become his assistant. Together, they use unorthodox methods and silly hunches to solve bizarre cases. And every time, somehow, things end up working their way.

Detective Drama with Absurd Premise

Loosely based on a cult novel series, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency only lasted for two seasons, but the episodes covered everything – from missing persons’ cases to assassins with psychic powers.

The more mysterious and magical the adventures got, the more entertained the audience were. Its strength lay in Samuel Barnett and Elijah Wood's dynamic performances as well as the ingenine narrative, which combined the detective format with a refreshing sci-fi premise and absurd takes on both.

Related:

7 Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988 – Present)

Mystery Science Theater 3000

Release Date

November 27, 1988

Cast

Michael J. Nelson , Kevin Murphy , mary jo pehl , Bill Corbett , Joel Hodgson , Jonah Ray , Felicia Day , Patton Oswalt

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

13

Mystery Science Theater 3000 is basically YouTube reaction videos in the form of a television series. The premise of the 13-season long show centers around a janitor named Joel Robinson, who becomes an unwilling test subject for two mad scientists.

Apparently, they trap him on the Earth-orbiting Satellite of Love and force him to watch some of the worst B-movies ever made so they can monitor his reactions to them. Joel, along with his robot pals, provides real-time running commentary on the acting, plots, special effects and more.

Simply the Greatest of All Time

Revived multiple times by various networks over the course of three decades and counting, MST3K transformed a difficult viewing experience into TV comedy gold. It was beloved by fans across the world because they took pleasure in what Joel and his robot sidekicks have to say about the most ridiculous low-budget flicks. The theatrical, mike-dropping commentary was a unique format at the time, and it paved the way for more individuals to make fun of trashy movies.

6 Sliders (1995 – 2000)

Sliders

Release Date

March 22, 1995

Cast

Cleavant Derricks , Kari Wuhrer , Tembi Locke , Robert Floyd

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

5

When an experiment in quantum physics goes wrong, Quinn and his friends get stuck in a parallel universe and find themselves “sliding” between worlds in their search for a way back home. Their timer device sends them into the most bizarre alternate dimensions, like a world where America lost the Revolutionary War and another where patriarchy does not exist. Each of their slides bring thrills and chills in equal proportion.

An Adventure Spanning Parallel Worlds

When movies started to explore the multiverse, viewers were more than captivated by the myriad of possibilities. But looking back to the 1990s, Sliders had already taken television audiences on a joyride of surprises with its five seasons and a revival film. Anchored by refreshing performances from Jerry O'Connell, John Rhys-Davies and more, the series had certain plot points that were extremely creative. Other times, the friends were just having fun.

5 Rick and Morty (2013 – Present)

Rick and Morty

Where to Watch

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Release Date

December 2, 2013

Cast

Chris Parnell , Spencer Grammer , Sarah Chalke

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

7

As far as adult animated shows go, Rick and Morty is among the most successful ones. The protagonists are a sociopathic genius scientist Rick Sanchez and his unintelligent grandson Morty Smith. The pair goes on randomly insane adventures across multiple universes and planets.

While they don’t exactly get along, their reckless missions draw them closer. Whether fighting mutant blobs or causing intergalactic trouble, Rick and Morty manage to find comfort and chaos everywhere they go.

Well-Constructed and Endlessly Funny

A smashing hit on Adult Swim, Rick and Morty has aired for seven seasons so far. Its sci-fi plots are ingenious. But what’s more praiseworthy is the episodes’ ability to deliver massive doses of humor in their 22-minute long runtime. The main characters are voiced by several artists like Justin Roiland, Ian Cardoni, Chris Parnell, and more. Not only does the show subvert sci-fi expectations, but it also offers a demented take on family by being sharp and unpredictable.

4 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996 – 2001)

3rd Rock From the sun

Release Date

January 9, 1996

Cast

John Lithgow , Kristen Johnston , Jane Curtin , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , French Stewart , Wayne Knight

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

6

In 3rd Rock from the Sun, four aliens are sent from their planet to Earth on a mission to observe the behavior of human beings. They disguise themselves as humans and live in an attic apartment in the fictional city of Rutherford, Ohio.

Dr. Dick Solomon leads his crew, which comprises Tommy, the oldest member of the crew stuck in the body of a teenager; Sally, a security officer; and Harry, their transmitter with horrible communication skills. They’re forced to be 20-somethings with temp jobs, which leads to several mishaps.

Offers Unique Sci-Fi Escapism

Created by Bonnie and Terry Turner for NBS, this beloved sci-fi sitcom is so silly that it’s almost relatable. The best element of the show is the aliens’ inexperience and unfamiliarity with Earth because it leads to several witty jokes about culture and the mundanity of following a routine. Ahead of the 90s trends, it paved the way for the genre to embrace social commentary and workplace satire as something that entertains audiences. The series also won a bunch of Primetime Emmy Awards.

3 Hyperdrive (2006 – 2007)

Hyperdrive is a British sitcom created by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley. It takes place in the year 1951 and follows the adventures of the crew of HMS Camden Lock as they convince alien governments to transfer their businesses to Britain in order to protect their country’s interests. But all is not as easy as it seems because Commander Henderson and his crew are often outmatched by their opponents and no day aboard their starliner is ever routine or relaxed.

Shenanigans on a Space Station

Nick Frost headlines this show as the bumbling leader of the crew; his character reminding Star Wars fans of Captain Kirk. Hyperdrive only lasted for two seasons and twelve episodes, but in the brief time, it plunged viewers into a dysfunctional and ever-changing universe with its gorgeous visuals and incredibly paced narrative. Its cult following developed with time after fans were on the lookout for silly shows about space to provide them with non-stop laughter.

Related: 10 Sci-Fi TV Series That Are Scientifically Accurate

2 Eureka (2006 – 2012)

Eureka

Where to Watch

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Release Date

July 18, 2006

Cast

Colin Ferguson , Salli Richardson-Whitfield , Joe Morton , Erica Cerra , Jordan Hinson , Niall Matter

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

5

The protagonist of Eureka, Deputy U.S. Marshal Jack Carter, arrives in the titular town, which is a high-tech, government-funded town populated by scientific geniuses. Here, the greatest minds of the country immerse themselves in super-powered inventions and creative experiments to make stuff that would shape the future. But the challenge is to avoid dangers because there is only so much Global Dynamics can do to cover their mishaps up. Carter steps in to save the day.

Makes Hard Sci-Fi Accessible to All

A Syfy original, Eureka charmed its audiences for six seasons. The heartwarming cast was made of Colin Ferguson, Jordan Danger and Salli Richardson. Their likable turns allowed the show to explore the possibilities of innovation and deliver spectacle after spectacle of humor. Also worth mentioning is the fact that all the storylines were based on hard sci-fi concepts, which were meant to get viewers invested in the complex and boundary-pushing plots.

1 Red Dwarf (1988 – Present)

Red Dwarf (1988)

Where to Watch

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Release Date

February 15, 1988

Cast

Danny John-Jules , Chris Barrie

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

Seasons

12

Most of the shows on this list see a motley crew of likable characters going on an intergalactic adventure. So to find creatively within the same trope is a huge responsibility.

Red Dwarf switches things up by introducing viewers to Dave Lister, the last human alive. He is stranded three million years deep into space on the titular ship, with only a hologram creation of his once roommate, an evolved neurotic cat, and an android to keep him company. Their encounters involve mutants and their quests range from time travel to battling computers.

30 Years On, Red Dwarf Has Aged Well

Red Dwarf is so legendary that it still holds its title as the longest-running, highest-rated sitcom on BBC Two. A cult hit without a doubt, it spanned over a decade and was revived on several occasions because viewers simply couldn’t get enough of its lovable misfits and their adventures across space and time.

The show is testament to the fact that when done right, no idea is too silly to mine for laughs. Critics praise the series for striking “a unique balance of sci-fi comedy” and we cannot agree more.