10 Best Sci-Fi Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

From 'Rick and Morty' to 'Futurama,' the 10 Best Sci-Fi Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (voiced by Justin Roiland) on an alien planet in Rick and Morty.Image via Adult Swim By  Diego Pineda Pacheco Published 49 minutes ago Diego Pineda has been a devout storyteller his whole life. He has self-published a fantasy novel and a book of short stories, and is actively working on publishing his second novel. A lifelong fan of watching movies and talking about them endlessly, he writes reviews and analyses on his Instagram page dedicated to cinema, and occasionally on his blog. His favorite filmmakers are Andrei Tarkovsky and Charlie Chaplin. He loves modern Mexican cinema and thinks it's tragically underappreciated. Other interests of Diego's include reading, gaming, roller coasters, writing reviews on his Letterboxd account (username: DPP_reviews), and going down rabbit holes of whatever topic he's interested in at any given point. Sign in to your Collider account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Following a recurring set of characters as they navigate funny situations in a consistent environment, sitcoms are among the funniest and most delightful TV shows imaginable. Exploring futuristic stories about space exploration and speculative technologies, sci-fi shows can also be an absolute blast. Mix the two, and you get some of the most creative and entertaining comedies in television history.

Though sci-fi sitcoms aren't exactly common, the ones that have been produced over the years have mostly been phenomenal. Whether it's a pure sitcom, like 3rd Rock from the Sun; a far less traditional and more sci-fi heavy show, like Rick and Morty; or a show that toys with the very tropes and structure of the sitcom genre, like WandaVision; there are plenty of ways to make a sci-fi sitcom that sticks out in fans' memories for years to come.

10 'WandaVision' (2021)

Paul Bettany as Vision looking at Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda, who is smiling, in Wandavision.Image via Disney+

Though there had been a few MCU shows prior to 2021, none of them had been produced by Marvel Studios, nor had they been substantially connected to the mainline MCU. This all changed with the arrival of WandaVision. Underwhelming finale notwithstanding, the series proved that the franchise could do just as well on the small screen as it could on the big screen, offering far more sprawling and intimate tales than ever before.

WandaVision isn't perfect, but it's the kind of miniseries that makes you wish it had been a full show. The show's deconstruction of the sitcom genre isn't just a gimmick: It's a thematically meaningful reflection of Wanda's yearning for escapism and control, dealing with some of the deepest grief that any MCU character has ever had to go through. WandaVision is by no means your typical sci-fi sitcom, but that's precisely what makes it so special.

9 'The Orville' (2017–2022)

the orville new horizons Seth MacFarlaneImage via Hulu

Seth MacFarlane proved with Family Guy and American Dad! that he had a unique mastery over what makes sitcoms work. The Orville only further cemented that legacy. Some people's favorite MacFarlane show, this comedy (which actually gets surprisingly serious in parts as it progresses) is both a spoof of and an homage to Star Trek, Star Wars, and the sci-fi genre as a whole.

Despite having a mid score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Orville is still an absolute blast, blending clever satire, great comedic acting, unexpectedly strong dramatic moments, and a strong identity to craft something that transcends its influences. It's bold, technically amazing, and consistently funny, proving that sci-fi sitcoms can be wacky and campy and still have a serious edge.

8 'Solar Opposites' (2020–2025)

Terry and Korvo in business attire in front of a wooden owl in Solar OppositesImage via Hulu

Following up a show as successful as Rick and Morty was always going to be a tough task, which only makes Justin Roiland co-creating Solar Opposites with Mike McMahan shortly after all the more admirable. One of the best Hulu original shows, this adult sci-fi sitcom is hysterically funny, but it also has some surprisingly deep social commentary sprinkled in along the way.

Those looking for a sitcom that leans much more heavily toward its sci-fi elements are likely to prefer Rick and Morty. Solar Opposites tends to take itself a lot less seriously, and the sitcom format is undoubtedly its primary focus. This gives the show the confidence of going for different kinds of wild, clever gags that its sister sci-fi sitcom would never even attempt.

7 '3rd Rock from the Sun' (1996–2001)

Kristen Johnston and Wayne Knight on 3rd RockImage via NBC

Sci-fi sitcoms are far more common in animated formats, but that doesn't at all mean that live-action doesn't get a few gems, too. For proof, one needn't look further than one of the most underrated '90s sitcoms: 3rd Rock from the Sun. As if a star-studded cast featuring the likes of John Lithgow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Wayne Knight weren't enough, this also has some of the best writing of any sitcom of this decade.

It's always fun to watch stories about aliens trying to adapt to human life, and that's what 3rd Rock from the Sun is all about. It's a deeply wholesome show, and that big heart is what has allowed it to age as nicely as it has. It's never pretentious, never too complicated. The sci-fi elements work wonders and make it feel entirely unique, but this is also the perfect sitcom for people just looking for something simple and bingeable that won't make their heads spin with complicated genre elements.

6 'Red Dwarf' (1988–)

Red Dwarf's Kryten, Cat, Rimmer, and Lister.Image via BBC2

One of the biggest TV cult classics of the '80s, the British sitcom Red Dwarf has been running for what feels like forever. Creative conflicts and behind-the-scenes troubles make it so that there are actually not that many seasons and episodes in existence, and it's definitely a fact that the series has been through its fair share of ups and downs, but when it hits the spot, Red Dwarf is absolutely irresistible.

At its best, the series can be delightfully creative and absolutely hilarious. At its worst, it's never weak enough to merit giving up on it. All in all, it's still one of the best sci-fi comedy shows ever, with the perfect balance between complex gags and elaborate sci-fi elements. It's great for people who love sci-fi sitcoms that strike a flawless balance between their two identities.

5 'Regular Show' (2010–2017)

Image via Cartoon Network

One of Cartoon Network's best-ever shows, Regular Show isn't primarily a sci-fi series, but it has more than enough sci-fi elements to earn the label. One of the best animated shows of the 2010s, this nostalgia-infused cult classic is as zany, offbeat, and gleefully bizarre as a show that's definitely not "regular" can be. It can be genuinely complex sometimes, but never so much that it sacrifices laughter.

As wild and chaotic as everything in Rigby and Mordecai's colorful world may seem, there's still a ton of beautifully relatable heart to Regular Show, and that's what has kept it so timeless for so long after its conclusion. Its blend of regular situations you might expect from your typical sitcom and madcap ideas that you wouldn't expect from any other show never gets old.

4 'The Venture Bros.' (2003–2018)

Image via Adult Swim

One of Adult Swim's most legendary and iconic shows, The Venture Bros. is obviously also one of the best-ever animated series for adults. Heavily inspired by Hanna-Barbera's '60s classic Johnny Quest, which it also constantly parodies, Venture Bros. offers a distinctly deep meta-commentary on male nerd culture that has aged like fine wine. Endlessly rewatchable and phenomenally written, it's nothing short of one of the smartest and funniest comedy series of the 21st century so far.

The show can be wacky and goofy when it wants to be, but the fact that it so often focuses on profound thematic work and clever deconstructions of its genres makes it feel special. Hiding under these pulpy hijinks is one of the most complex ensemble comedies that animation has ever seen, relying on an idiosyncratic visual style and an exquisite sense of humor to keep the audience entertained for seven seasons.

3 'Futurama' (1999–)

Image via Hulu

Whereas many animated sitcoms eventually jump the shark after having been running for decades, Futurama never has. That's not to say it's perfect—fans typically agree that it has lost a bit of steam at certain points as it has gone on—, but it's still just as fun, hilarious, and hugely imaginative as it was back during 1999. In it, sci-fi is more than just a creative playground: It's a mirror capable of showing all sorts of facets of modern society through a comedic lens.

Thanks to all of its surprisingly intelligent gags, its constantly clever use of sci-fi tropes and elements, and its sharp social commentary, Futurama remains one of the best shows set in the future. It has aged gracefully, gradually evolving without ever betraying itself and constantly offering bigger and better world-building, character arcs, and story beats. Animated sitcoms rarely run for this long while remaining this consistent.

2 'Rick and Morty' (2013–)

Rick runs into a building holding guns with a smile on his face in Rick and Morty.Image via Adult Swim

Rick and Morty has declined in quality a bit as it has gone on, but it's still one of the highest-rated TV shows on IMDb, and one of the best-ever sci-fi shows with more than five seasons. It's a series that prides itself in its timelessness (and constantly makes meta jokes about it), knowing full well that the concept of an animated sitcom about a drunken grandpa traveling through time and space with his neurotic grandson can never run out of gas.

Indeed, even through its lowest lows, Rick and Morty has remained one of the most fun, creative, and experimental sci-fi comedies currently on television, consistently making great use of both its sci-fi side and its sitcom side. The series as a whole is a weaponization of the genre's freedom, turning sci-fi inside out both philosophically and narratively, and using the sitcom framework as a vast creative sandbox.

1 'Adventure Time' (2010–2018)

Adventure Time characters standing together on a cropped poster.Image via Cartoon Network

Part fantasy, part sci-fi, part adventure comedy, part sitcom, Adventure Time is a lot of things, and "a fantastic show" is very much near the top of the list. A Cartoon Network cult classic like no other, it wears its influences out on its sleeve, and has itself become hugely influential for the animated teen comedy genre. Silly enough to satisfy younger viewers and more than complex and mature enough to hook adults, it's nothing short of one of the greatest cartoons ever made.

Adventure Time is one of the most original animated shows ever, bolstered by a distinctly vibrant visual style, a delightful sense of humor, and a unique approach to story, world-building, and themes. It's not just any sci-fi sitcom: It's a genre-defying masterpiece, a beautiful work of art that can be hilarious, inspiring, moving, and even profoundly poignant. It's layered and nuanced beyond what most of its peers could ever hope to achieve, and that's why it's the best in its genre.

Like Follow Followed Adventure Time Animation Adventure Action Release Date 2010 - 2018-00-00 Network Cartoon Network Showrunner Pendleton Ward Directors Pendleton Ward

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• Tom Kenny
• Hynden Walch

Genres Animation, Adventure, Action Powered by Expand Collapse

• TV
• sci fi
• Sitcom

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