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With so many science fiction shows premiering each year, it's easy to lose focus and miss out on watching some of them, no matter how interesting and innovative they might be. Science fiction has many subgenres, but space western is one of the less common ones. As such, it should be possible to keep track of all the shows belonging to this genre, especially if the viewers count out anime.
But even though there aren't that many great space western TV shows, some of them flew under the radar and didn't get nearly as much attention from the audience as they would have deserved. So fans looking to watch some underappreciated space western shows have multiple options to choose from.
5 Flash Gordon
As one of the oldest space western TV shows, Flash Gordon has been later overshadowed by the 1980 movie adaptation. As a result, the 1930s series currently has only slightly over 2,000 ratings on IMDb, making it one of the overlooked jewels. Even though it's sometimes presented as a movie lasting over four hours, the series was originally screened in thirteen episodes. Just like the 1980 movie version, it focuses on the heroic Flash Gordon and his friends and allies who stand against the cunning imperator Ming and other enemies in order to save Earth from destruction.
The special effects haven't aged well, and some viewers might consider them funny nowadays. Despite that, the sense of wonder and discovery that's at the heart of the story as well as Flash's battle against Ming all make it one of the staples of the space western genre, and a classic no fan should miss out on watching.
4 Star Trek: The Animated Series
Also known as Star Trek: TAS, the animated series never got as much attention as the first or subsequent live-action Star Trek shows. It ran only briefly and has 22 episodes in total. However, it's still worth watching not only for all Star Trek fans but those who enjoy space westerns as well. The series often sees Kirk, Spock, and other crew members go on adventures that wouldn't be out of place in westerns with only some modifications.
They regularly discover new worlds and face dangerous enemies. The series has another advantage, and that's the fact that the actors from Star Trek: The Original Series reprised their roles once again, which will be good news for all those who like their characters. Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek's creator, considered the original series a space western and the animated series follows in its predecessor's footsteps, making it a must-watch for all fans of the genre.
3 Battlestar Galactica
Just like Flash Gordon, this series was overshadowed by the later version of the same story, Battlestar Galactica, which started airing in 2004. The 1978-1979 series, therefore, belongs among the 1970s forgotten science fiction series. It has 21 episodes and about 19 hours in total, making it easy to binge-watch in a relatively short time. Battlestar Galactica centers on the ship and its crew who are trying to find Earth after the Twelve Colonies of Mankind have been destroyed.
Considering how high the stakes are and the dangers the heroes face, it's natural to become invested in their destinies and curious about what will happen next. As it often happens with older TV sci-fi shows, the special effects are no longer as impressive as they once were, but that doesn't make the series any less worth watching. Just like in classic westerns, there are two sides, a seemingly weaker one (the heroes) and the stronger one (the Cylons), and it's up to the outsiders to figure out a way to win while traveling through dangerous and undiscovered lands.
2 The Martian Chronicles
Ray Bradbury is one of the best-known science fiction writers of all time, and The Martian Chronicles, a series of stories describing the colonization of Mars, easily belongs among his most celebrated work. So it was only natural it got a TV adaptation as well - 30 years after the stories were first published. The 1980 miniseries mostly flew under the radar, with just 2,000 on IMDb.
That's despite the strength of the topic and the fact that the cast included some known names, such as Rock Hudson in the leading role, and Roddy McDowall. The series has only three episodes, so anybody interested can finish watching it in just four hours. The story gives space to multiple heroes, but the connection to the western genre is undeniable. Just like western heroes colonize new places, so do the heroes of this story - with the difference being that they're on Mars and face challenges and dangers that no western hero could have ever dreamed of.
1 Defiance
With three seasons under its belt, Defiance is one of the newest space western series, but it hasn't drawn as much attention to itself as other science fiction shows from the 2010s. Based on the computer game, Defiance tells the story of Earth fighting the alien Votans who came to the planet after their solar system had been destroyed. The main hero, Jeb Nolan, returns to his home city after years spent serving in the army and begins protecting the local people, like a lone ranger guarding his city in the westerns.
The series is often surprising as it offers more than one plot twist. Grant Bowler in the leading role comes across as sympathetic, and the series has a strong cast overall. What's important to take into consideration is that the first few episodes keep a slower pace, which might deter some viewers, but Defiance creates a rich and fascinating world that can attract the audience if given the chance to do so.