Hidden Gems of 1970s Sci‑Fi TV

The seventies were a boom time for space adventures, but many shows have slipped into the shadows. A few of these series still feel fresh when you watch them today, and they deserve a second look.

1. Planet of the Apes (TV Spin‑Off)

In 1974, a single season followed two astronauts who crash on a future Earth ruled by intelligent apes. The show re‑imagined the original film’s story, adding new characters and a fresh take on the familiar world.

2. Space: 1999 (UK)

Running from 1975 to 1977, this series centers on a lunar research station that is blasted into space by accidental radiation, turning the Moon into a ship. The crew must navigate alien worlds and find a way back to Earth while dealing with bizarre extraterrestrials. The series’ design even influenced the look of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars.

3. Future Cop (1977)

Veteran actor Ernest Borgnine joined forces with a robot partner in this blend of police drama and science‑fiction. Two seasoned cops and their android sidekick fight crime in Los Angeles, adding a unique human‑machine dynamic to the typical cop‑show formula.

4. Man from Atlantis (1977)

This campy adventure introduced a deep‑sea hero, Mark Harris, who swam through time portals, battled villains, and explored ocean mysteries. Though it ran for only thirteen episodes, its style left a lasting impression.

5. Logan’s Run (TV Series)

The post‑apocalyptic film was turned into a TV series following two young rebels who flee a society that kills people at thirty. They chase freedom across futuristic cities, aided by an android friend named Rem. Despite a strong creative team, the show lasted only one season.

These forgotten shows remind us that 1970s science fiction wasn’t just about the big names; it also offered inventive stories that still resonate with fans today.