5 Best Sci-Fi Sitcoms Of All Time, Ranked

Iconic, genre-defining sci-fi shows like “Doctor Who,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Battlestar Galactica” have their fair share of laughs. But other than Seth MacFarlane’s “The Orville,” comedy isn’t necessarily part of their prime directive. Luckily, science fiction can tell any kind of story. If you’re looking to get some laughs with a side of sci-fi, there have been several sitcoms throughout television history that have offered audiences exactly that. 

From “Alf” to “Red Dwarf” to “The Last Man on Earth,” sci-fi staples and tropes have popped up in many sitcoms over the years. Many of these have even gone on to become fan favorite series or develop dedicated cult followings. In our effort to find the greatest shows that juggle humor and science fiction together, we’ve ranked the five best sci-fi sitcoms of all time.

Before working on acclaimed productions such as “The Boys,” the revival of “The Muppet Show,” or “The Studio,” Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg served as executive producers for “Future Man.” This series follows “The Hunger Games” and “Five Nights At Freddy’s” star Josh Hutcherson as Josh Futturman, an aimless janitor who only cares about playing video games — specifically the unbeatable “Biotic Wars.” When he finally does beat the game after many attempts, the two main characters Tiger and Wolf (played by Derek Wilson and Eliza Coupe) appear before him. After revealing that he is the only person in history to ever beat the game, they transport him to the future and recruit him for the actual Biotic Wars in an attempt to save the world.

The inclusion of this series may be a controversial pick for a best of list, but “Future Man” built up a dedicated fanbase over its three-season run on Hulu thanks to the show’s irreverent writing, exciting action, and frequent homages to genre staples that paved the way for this satirical sci-fi saga is an underrated gem. Unfortunately, due to Disney’s cost-cutting measures in 2023, there is currently no easy way to watch it. Anyone who wants to watch “Future Man” these days will either need to track down the home release or purchase the series digitally on streaming services like Prime Video. 

After honing his stand-up and improv skills throughout the 1970s, Robin Williams landed a breakout role on “Happy Days” as the inquisitive alien Mork from the planet Ork. The character proved to be popular with audiences after just that one appearance, so ABC gave the character his own spin-off: “Mork & Mindy.”

In the sitcom, Williams’ Mork is sent to Earth to observe human nature. He begins his mission by meeting Mindy McConnell (played by Pam Dawber) after landing in Boulder, Colorado. Thankfully, she agrees to keep his identity secret and allows him to move into her attic as he continues his research. Eventually, the two grow closer and start to develop feelings for each other, but Mork never gets any less bizarre. He does his best to blend into Earth culture (with varying degrees of success) and report his findings back to his Orkan superior, Orson.

Though ratings slipped after the first season, “Mork & Mindy” remained a perennial favorite thanks to its star’s unique brand of humor. Once the series wrapped after four seasons, Williams was launched into superstardom, going on to appear in “Aladdin,” “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and several other memorable roles.

Over a decade after Mork arrived on Earth, “3rd Rock from the Sun” spiritually picked up where the classic series left off and even largely holds up today. The satirical NBC sitcom saw a crew of extraterrestrials travel from a planet in a barred spiral galaxy on the Cepheus-Draco border to a town near Cleveland, Ohio so they can study human society and culture. However, as High Commander Dick (John Lithgow), security officer Sally (Kristen Johnston), information officer and crew elder Tommy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and “communications officer” Harry (French Stewart) (who only receives his title because the crew’s transmitter was implanted in his brain) settle into their human lives as the Solomon family, the aliens neglect their mission in favor of Earth happenings — like jobs and romantic relationships.

In addition to these four fantastic leads, the series featured an impressive line up of supporting talent throughout its six-season run. Actors like Jane Curtin, Wayne Knight, William Shatner, John Cleese, and WWE Hall of Famer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer all appeared in “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Together with excellent physical comedy and top-tier writing that capitalized on the fish-out-of-water situations that the Solomons found themselves in every week, it’s no wonder that the sitcom was nominated for several awards, including winning the most Primetime Emmy Awards for a television series in 1997. “3rd Rock from the Sun” is one of the best examples of a sci-fi show staying true to the genre while remaining hilarious. 

As if creating the longest-running American animated sitcom wasn’t enough, legendary cartoonist and animator Matt Groening followed up his work on “The Simpsons” with “Futurama.” The series follows pizza delivery boy Philip J. Fry, who gets cryogenically frozen on New Year’s Eve 1999 and wakes up in the year 3,000. Now part of a new family thanks to the interplanetary delivery service Planet Express, Fry joins fearless one-eyed mutant Leela, degenerate robot Bender, and the rest of the eclectic crew as they travel far beyond the places his 20th century slacker mind ever imagined going.

Just like its main character, “Futurama” has found a way to survive since 1999. After its original run on Fox ended with Season 4, the series released a set of movies, before moving to Comedy Central. When it wasn’t picked up for an 11th season in 2013, Hulu revived the franchise nearly 10 years later. Now 14 seasons in (and counting), the show continues to be a fan favorite thanks to its multi-faceted humor, sharp writing, and uncanny ability to pull at your heartstrings when necessary. Seriously, it’s nearly impossible to rewatch “Jurassic Bark” or “The Luck of the Fryrish” without welling up a little bit. The best episodes of “Futurama” can stand among the greatest television ever created.

It shouldn’t be surprising to see a “Star Trek” show top a “Best of Sci-Fi” list. Although, until recently, most fans probably wouldn’t have considered the series a comedy. While there have been some funny moments throughout the franchise, it didn’t lean into humor until Mike McMahan (of “Solar Opposites” and “Rick and Morty” fame) created “Star Trek: Lower Decks” for CBS All Access, now Paramount+. Rather than following the best “Star Trek” captains and their bridge crews, this adult animated series takes a look at the low-ranking staff of a starship. 

Through the eyes of ensigns Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid), D’Vana Tendi (Noël Wells), and Samanthan Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), fans get a look at the menial tasks that Starfleet recruits get into as they aspire for greater things. But as these newer recruits continue to explore the United Federation of Planets and beyond, they’re very capable of being taken seriously as well — even though some things are a joke to them. The series’ five seasons feel like a love letter to “Star Trek” through all the meta jokes and playful jabs. “Star Trek: Lower Decks” is a worthy addition to the genre-shaping franchise thanks to its phenomenal writing, excellent performances, and memorable characters.