👽 Welcome to the Sci-Fi Multiverse of Missed Opportunities

Let's face it—most sci-fi shows don't come with shiny billion-dollar marketing campaigns or Marvel-level hype. Some sneak in under the radar, deliver gold-standard storytelling, and vanish before they get the recognition they deserve.

If your streaming queue is stuck in rerun territory (yes, we see you rewatching Stranger Things again), this list is your wormhole out of the ordinary.

These are the unsung sci-fi TV shows—cancelled too soon, under-promoted, or just criminally underrated. But that’s exactly what makes them cult-worthy.

🌌 1. Travelers – Time-Travel with a Moral Hangover

• Why You Missed It: Netflix dropped it quietly with little fanfare.

• Where to Watch: Netflix

• Plot in a Nutshell: Agents from a grim future send their consciousness into present-day humans. Their mission? Save humanity without being detected.

• Quirky Pitch: Quantum Leap meets Black Mirror—if they both cried afterward.

Main Characters:

• Grant MacLaren (Eric McCormack): Team leader and FBI agent, balancing his mission with the challenges of his host's personal life.

• Marcy Warton (MacKenzie Porter): A medic who inhabits the body of a woman with developmental disabilities, leading to unique challenges.

• Trevor Holden (Jared Abrahamson): The team's engineer, now in the body of a high school student, dealing with age-related constraints.

• Carly Shannon (Nesta Cooper): A tactician and single mother, managing her role as a parent and operative.

• Philip Pearson (Reilly Dolman): Historian with knowledge of future events, battling addiction and the weight of foreknowledge.

Themes:
"Travelers" explores the ethical implications of altering timelines, the burden of knowledge, and the complexities of identity. It looks at the tension between duty and personal desires, questioning the morality of sacrificing individual lives for the greater good.

🚀 2. Dark Matter – Amnesia in Space? Sign Us Up

• Why You Missed It: Syfy cancelled it just as it got amazing.

• Where to Watch: Roku, Apple TV

• Plot in a Nutshell: A spaceship. Six people. Zero memories. Turns out... some of them were villains before their brain wipe.

• Quirky Pitch: Lost in space—literally—with laser guns and secrets.

Main Characters:

• One (Marc Bendavid): A man with a strong moral compass, striving to do what's right.

• Two (Melissa O'Neil): The de facto leader, skilled and assertive, with a mysterious past.

• Three (Anthony Lemke): A brash and impulsive member, often at odds with the group.

• Four (Alex Mallari Jr.): A stoic and disciplined swordsman with royal lineage.

• Five (Jodelle Ferland): A young tech prodigy with fragmented memories.

• Six (Roger Cross): A compassionate individual with a complex history.

Themes:
"Dark Matter" explores themes of identity, redemption, and the nature of free will. It questions whether individuals can change their inherent nature and challenges the idea of predetermined destiny.

⏳ 3. Continuum – Cop vs. Corporate Dystopia

• Why You Missed It: Complex politics made it hard to market.

• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

• Plot in a Nutshell: A police officer from a dystopian, corporate-controlled future is accidentally transported to our time. She has to stop a future rebellion… before it even begins.

• Quirky Pitch: Robocop at a TED Talk, quoting 1984.

Main Characters:

• Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols): A dedicated protector of the future, struggling with her role in the past.

• Alec Sadler (Erik Knudsen): A young tech genius who becomes a pivotal figure in shaping the future.

• Carlos Fonnegra (Victor Webster): Kiera's partner in the present-day police force, unaware of her origins.

• Matthew Kellog (Stephen Lobo): A cunning member of Liber8 with his own agenda.

Themes:
"Continuum" examines the consequences of corporate overreach, the ethics of time travel, and the struggle between security and freedom. It challenges viewers to consider the cost of progress and the true meaning of justice.

🪐 4. The Expanse – The Space Opera That Deserved an Emmy… or 10

• Why You Missed It: You probably didn’t. But not enough people watched it early on.

• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

• Plot in a Nutshell: Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt are at odds. When a mysterious alien tech appears, political and interplanetary tension erupts.

• Quirky Pitch: Game of Thrones in space—with less incest and more zero-gravity boots.

Main Characters:

• James Holden (Steven Strait): An idealistic officer thrust into leadership.

• Naomi Nagata (Dominique Tipper): A skilled engineer with a complex past.

• Amos Burton (Wes Chatham): A mechanic with a violent streak and a mysterious history.

• Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo): A shrewd Earth politician navigating interplanetary politics.

Themes:
"The Expanse" talks about themes of political corruption, social inequality, and the human drive for survival. It presents a realistic portrayal of space colonization and the moral dilemmas faced by those in power.

🌀 5. Lexx – The Weirdest Sci-Fi You’ll Ever Love (Or Hate)

• Why You Missed It: It’s so weird, it might’ve scared people off.

• Where to Watch: Tubi, Pluto TV

• Plot in a Nutshell: The crew of a giant, living spaceship flees from galactic tyranny. Oh, and the ship eats planets.

• Quirky Pitch: Doctor Who and Barbarella had a neon fever dream.

Main Characters:

• Stanley H. Tweedle (Brian Downey): A cowardly security guard turned reluctant captain.

• Zev/Xev Bellringer (Eva Habermann/Xenia Seeberg): A love slave with cluster lizard DNA, seeking purpose.

• Kai (Michael McManus): An undead assassin from the extinct Brunnen-G race.

• 790 (Jeffrey Hirschfield): A lovestruck robot head obsessed with Xev.

Themes:
"Lexx" explores themes of identity, mortality, and the absurdity of existence. Its surreal storytelling challenges conventional narratives, offering a unique blend of satire and science fiction.

🧬 6. The 4400 – People Disappear. Then Boom, Powers.

• Why You Missed It: Early 2000s branding wasn’t strong.

• Where to Watch: CW Seed, Paramount+

• Plot in a Nutshell: 4400 people disappear across decades. They all return on the same day—unchanged, but now gifted.

• Quirky Pitch: X-Men meets Lost in the most bingeable way possible.

Main Characters:

• Tom Baldwin (Joel Gretsch): An NTAC agent investigating the 4400 phenomenon.

• Diana Skouris (Jacqueline McKenzie): Tom's partner, providing a scientific perspective.

• Shawn Farrell (Patrick Flueger): A 4400 returnee with healing abilities.

• Isabelle Tyler (Megalyn Echikunwoke): A child born to a 4400, possessing immense power.

Themes:
"The 4400" addresses themes of evolution, societal fear of the unknown, and the ethical treatment of those who are different. It raises questions about destiny, free will, and the potential for human advancement.

🤖 7. Almost Human – Android Buddy Cops FTW

• Why You Missed It: One-season wonder lost in the FOX schedule shuffle.

• Where to Watch: Apple TV

• Plot in a Nutshell: In the year 2048, human cops are paired with android partners. One is super emotional. One is not.

• Quirky Pitch: Karl Urban + future tech + robot sass = show we didn’t deserve.

Main Characters:

• John Kennex (Karl Urban): A gruff detective with a disdain for technology.

• Dorian (Michael Ealy): An empathetic android striving to understand humanity.

• Captain Sandra Maldonado (Lili Taylor): The commanding officer overseeing the partnership.

• Rudy Lom (Mackenzie Crook): A quirky technician supporting the duo.

Themes:
"Almost Human" explores the integration of technology into society, the nature of consciousness, and the complexities of human-android relationships. It questions what it means to be truly human.

🔮  8. Utopia (UK) – The Pre-COVID Conspiracy Thriller

• Why You Missed It: It was too ahead of its time (and way too intense).

• Where to Watch: Prime Video (availability may vary by region)

• Plot in a Nutshell: A mysterious graphic novel predicts future pandemics and population control. A group of misfits must stop a shadowy organization.

• Quirky Pitch: Mr. Robot meets Children of Men—then goes full “what the heck?”

Main Characters:

• Jessica Hyde (Fiona O'Shaughnessy): A mysterious woman linked to the manuscript.

• Ian Johnson (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett): An IT consultant drawn into the conspiracy.

• Becky (Alexandra Roach): A student with a personal stake in the unfolding events.

• Wilson Wilson (Adeel Akhtar): A survivalist geek and conspiracy theorist who becomes entangled in the group's quest.

Themes:

Utopia is all about themes of conspiracy, bioethics, and the moral complexities of population control. It challenges viewers to consider the lengths to which individuals and organizations will go to achieve their version of the greater good.

👁️ 9. Colony – Resistance in the Age of Aliens

• Why You Missed It: Aired on USA Network with limited promotion.

• Where to Watch: Peacock, Netflix

• Plot in a Nutshell: In a near-future Los Angeles under alien occupation, a family navigates the complexities of collaboration and resistance.

• Quirky Pitch: Imagine The Handmaid’s Tale but with drones, double agents, and a dash of extraterrestrial intrigue.

Main Characters:

• Will Bowman (Josh Holloway): A former FBI agent forced to work for the occupying forces to protect his family.

• Katie Bowman (Sarah Wayne Callies): Will's wife, secretly involved in the resistance movement.

• Proxy Alan Snyder (Peter Jacobson): The enigmatic governor of the Los Angeles bloc, balancing authority and survival.

Themes:
Colony talks about themes of authoritarianism, moral ambiguity, and the personal cost of resistance. It examines the choices individuals make under oppressive regimes and the gray areas between right and wrong.

🚫 10. Outcasts – New Planet, Same Human Problems

• Why You Missed It: Short-lived BBC series with limited exposure.

• Where to Watch: BritBox

• Plot in a Nutshell: After Earth's demise, a group of settlers attempts to build a new society on the planet Carpathia, only to face familiar challenges.

• Quirky Pitch: Think The 100 but with adults, existential dread, and fewer teen love triangles.

Main Characters:

• President Richard Tate (Liam Cunningham): The leader striving to maintain order and unity among the settlers.

• Stella Isen (Hermione Norris): A government official dealing with political and personal complexities.

• Cass Cromwell (Daniel Mays): A security officer confronting threats both external and internal.

Themes:
Outcasts explores themes of colonization, societal reconstruction, and the persistence of human flaws. It questions whether humanity can truly start anew or if it's doomed to repeat past mistakes.

👾 Final Transmission: These Sci-Fi Underdogs Deserve Your Eyeballs

You've journeyed through the cosmos of underrated sci-fi TV shows, each offering unique narratives and thought-provoking themes. These series may have flown under the radar, but they pack a punch in storytelling, character development, and speculative exploration.

Looking for your next binge-worthy series? Based on the latest buzz from Reddit communities, streaming platforms, and entertainment news, here are the top 10 TV shows you shouldn't miss this week.

1. Sirens – Netflix

Julianne Moore leads this dark dramedy about three women navigating grief and complex relationships. With a stellar cast including Milly Alcock and Meghann Fahy, "Sirens" has quickly become a fan favorite. 

2. Dept. Q – Netflix

This gripping crime series follows a detective team solving cold cases. With its intense storytelling and complex characters, "Dept. Q" has been generating significant buzz. 

3. The Better Sister – Prime Video

Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel star in this thriller about two sisters entangled in a web of secrets and lies. The series promises suspense and emotional depth. 

4. Fountain of Youth – Apple TV+

Directed by Guy Ritchie, this action-adventure features Natalie Portman and John Krasinski as estranged siblings on a global treasure hunt. Expect high-octane thrills and stunning visuals. 

5. Pee-Wee As Himself – Max

This two-part documentary offers an intimate look at Paul Reubens' life and career, featuring interviews with collaborators like Tim Burton. A must-watch for fans of the iconic character. 

6. Motorheads – Prime Video

Ryan Phillippe stars in this YA drama about a group of teens in a struggling town where street racing is more than a pastime—it's an identity. "Motorheads" delivers adrenaline and emotional depth. 

7. Sheri Papini: Caught in the Lie – Max

This true-crime series delves into the controversial kidnapping claims of Sheri Papini, exploring the complexities of her case. A compelling watch for true-crime enthusiasts. 

8. The Chi (Season 7) – Paramount+ & Showtime

The latest season continues to explore the lives of residents in Chicago's South Side, delving into themes of community, love, and survival. Critics praise its emotional storytelling and character development. 

9. Overcompensating – Amazon Prime Video

This comedy series follows a group of college students navigating the ups and downs of university life. With sharp humor and relatable characters, "Overcompensating" is a hit among young adults. 

10. Duster – Max

Josh Holloway stars in this crime thriller set in the 1970s Southwest, blending action with a gripping narrative. "Duster" has been highly anticipated for its intense storyline and period setting. 

Where to Watch:

Netflix: Sirens, Dept. Q

Prime Video: The Better Sister, Motorheads

Apple TV+: Fountain of Youth

Max: Pee-Wee As Himself, Duster

Paramount+ & Showtime: The Chi (Season 7)

Amazon Prime Video: Overcompensating

Enjoy your streaming!

2021 Mar 5th  - The trailer for Navillera, a drama about the unlikely friendship between Deok-chul, a 70-year-old man who takes up ballet, and Chae-rok, a late bloomer 23-year-old ballerino, has been unveiled. Adapted from the highly acclaimed webtoon of the same name, Navillera unites director Han Dong-hwa, called the master of the human drama for his works Squad 38 and Miss Lee, with writer Lee Eun-mi who made a strong impression with Tunnel. Their collaboration has set high expectations.

In the drama, Park In-hwan plays a retired postman, Deok-chul, who seeks to fulfill his lifelong dream of ballet as he nears the end of his life. Song Kang plays a young man, Chae-rok, who has a unique talent for ballet but realizes his talent fairly late compared to his peers. Chae-rok’s life unexpectedly changes as he becomes a ballet mentor to the 70-year-old grandpa.

The trailer shows Park In-hwan (Deok-chul) nearing the end of his life and Song Kang (Chae-rok) who wonders if he’s on the right path with his late career start, as they find their dreams together. In the trailer, Park In-hwan captures the audience’s attention as he throws away cherished mementos in an effort to erase his attachment to ballet. However, seeking a final purge, he heads to the ballet studio where he states, “I’ve never done anything I wanted to do,” signaling a final pursuit with no regrets after recollecting his past.

The trailer gives a glimpse of the confusing reality Song Kang finds himself in. With nothing going his way - not his family, not the people around him, not even ballet - Song Kang sits on the practice room floor alone with his frustration. Tired of his cold reality, he vents, “I don’t know how to live in the future, whether there’s a tomorrow or not,” expressing regret.

In the next shot, we see Park In-hwan remark to Song Kang, “I only have one life. That’s why this moment is precious to me.” He expresses his final pursuit of his lifelong passion, ballet, as he nears the end of his life. The two men - Park In-hwan, who had no choice but to bury his dream, and Song Kang, who stands in front of his dream but without full commitment - come to pursue their challenging passions together.

Watch Navillera when it premieres on March 22 with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday at 10.00pm Philippine Standard Time, two hours after release in Korea, only on Netflix! 

Production Information

Title: Navillera

Director: Han Dong-hwa

Written: Lee Eun-mi

Starring: Park In-hwan, Song Kang, Na Moon-hee, Hong Seung-hee

Produced by: Studio Dragon, The Great Show

Distributed by: Netflix

Release Date: March 22, 2021 with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday at 10PM Philippine Standard Time

 February 26, 2021 - Following the release of five character posters, Netflix has revealed a new trailer for Love Alarm Season 2. Love Alarm is set in a world where a mobile app can tell individuals if someone they like or if someone who likes them is within a 10-meter radius.

The trailer opens with Jo-jo (Kim So-hyun) narrating, “In this world, you must ring an alarm when you like someone.” Jo-jo, who is dating Hye-yeong (Jung Ga-ram), still concerns herself with the Love Alarm app despite hers not ringing. Sun-oh (Song Kang) appears with a poker face and stares at someone. Though Jo-jo is with Hye-yeong, she cannot hide her complicated feelings for him. Sun-oh’s words and actions further complicate the situation. “From now on, I’ll trust only what your eyes tell me,” Sun-oh proclaims to Jo-jo before kissing her. 

Following more emotional scenes, it becomes clear that both Hye-young and Sun-oh want to convey their true love for her. The trailer comes to a touching end with Jo-jo’s narration: “Who do I love now?” The love triangle among two men and a woman who want to confirm each other’s true feelings will unfold in this season.

The first season of Love Alarm is available to watch now, and the second season will be released on March 12, exclusively on Netflix.

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES, February 17, 2020-- Everyday viewing is made more fun and exciting with the new talk and magazine shows that TFC brings to its subscribers worldwide, which ranges from business ideas, down to inspiring stories that will surely brighten up your day.

There are nine new talk shows and magazine programs that you can watch, with new episodes airing every week. These new programs are part of TFC’s enhanced grid, where watching your favorite shows is made more fun and exciting.

Mondays: Real Talk: The Heart of the Matter

Kick-off the week with some women empowerment in “Real Talk: The Heart of the Matter” with hosts Dyan Castillejo and Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, and resident advisor Pastora Monique Ong. Each episode tackles different topics that matter to every woman like family, health, and lifestyle.

Catch it every Monday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific), 8:00 a.m. (Saudi/London), 9:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 5:10 p.m. (HK/SG), 6:10 p.m. (Japan), 4:30 p.m. (Guam), 5:30 p.m. (AEDT), and 7:30 p.m. (NZDT).

Tuesdays: Overseas Filipino Winners

Get some real-life tips on starting a business or moving your career forward from Filipinos all over the world who experienced it first-hand which you will hear with renowned journalist Karen Davila in her FYE talk show “Overseas Filipino Winners.”

Watch its new episode every Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific), 8:00 a.m. (Saudi/London), 9:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 5:10 p.m. (HK/SG), 6:10 p.m. (Japan), 4:30 p.m. (Guam), 5:30 p.m. (AEDT), and 7:30 p.m. (NZDT).

Wednesdays: Lakas Tawa

Life could be challenging at times, but laughter makes it more bearable. Join Alex Calleja as finds the lighter side in handling everyday struggles in FYE’s “Lakas Tawa” that will surely give you a good belly laugh.

Catch it every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific), 8:00 a.m. (Saudi/London), 9:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 5:10 p.m. (HK/SG), 6:10 p.m. (Japan), 4:30 p.m. (Guam), 5:30 p.m. (AEDT), and 7:30 p.m. (NZDT).

Thursdays: Bawal Ma-Stress Drilon

Giving the viewers a fun and inspiring discussion with different guests is what Ces Drilon delivers in FYE’s “Bawal Ma-stress Drilon.” The program features the guests’ inspiring stories of success plus never-heard-before fun facts about them.

Watch it every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific), 8:00 a.m. (Saudi/London), 9:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 5:10 p.m. (HK/SG), 6:10 p.m. (Japan), 4:30 p.m. (Guam), 5:30 p.m. (AEDT), and 7:30 p.m. (NZDT).

Fridays: Kumustar Ka with Papa Ahwel

Join Ahwel Paz as he catches up with the guest celebrities in FYE’s “Kumustar Ka with Papa Ahwel.” Be in the loop on what’s new with your favorite stars, from the projects they are working on up to the latest craze they are trying out in their free time.

The catch up happens every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific), 8:00 a.m. (Saudi/London), 9:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 5:10 p.m. (HK/SG), 6:10 p.m. (Japan), 4:30 p.m. (Guam), 5:30 p.m. (AEDT), and 7:30 p.m. (NZDT).

Saturdays: Pop Cinema, Real Talk With Darbs, and Metro Chats

Three’s a charm every Saturday as you enjoy three talk shows that will suit your viewing needs.

There is FYE’s “Pop Cinema” where Bianca Gonzales and MJ Felipe talk about the latest happenings in showbiz, which you may watch at 7:00 a.m. (Pacific), 6:00 a.m. (Saudi/London), 7:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 6:00 a.m. (HK/SG), 7:00 a.m. (Japan), 8:00 a.m. (Guam), 9:00 a.m. (AEDT), and 11:00 a.m. (NZDT).

While Kuya Darbs gives upfront love and life advice in “Real Talk with Darbs,” happening at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific), 10:00 a.m. (Saudi), 11:00 a.m. (Dubai/London), 12nn (Rome), 11:00 a.m. (HK/SG), 1:00 p.m. (Guam), 2:00 p.m. (AEDT), and 4:00 p.m. (NZDT).

Lastly, there’s “Metro Chats” where you get to know more about your favorite celebrities as they have spontaneous discussions about anything under the sun. Catch it at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific), 8:00 a.m. (Saudi/London),9:00 a.m. (Dubai/Rome), 7:00 a.m. (HK/SG), 8:00 a.m. (Japan), 9:00 a.m. (Guam), 10:00 a.m. (AEDT), and 12nn (NZDT).

Sundays: Kumustahan with Father Tito Caluag

On Sundays, reset from the week it has been and reenergize with Fr. Tito Caluag as he shares the reflections on faith and the gospel with different guests every week, which you may watch via TFC IPTV Video-On-Demand.

Aside from these new talk shows and magazine programs, do not miss TFC’s latest program blocks: Early Mornings where you can watch different news programs and the daily mass; Funanghalian where you can watch your favorite variety and magazine shows while having a good meal; while you may catch up on missed episodes of your favorite series in Teleserye Playback; and Primetime Bida where you may watch up-to-date news and the latest episodes of the different series.

For more information on the program schedules, kindly contact your cable provider.

Netflix today announced the upcoming release of DOTA: Dragon’s Blood, an all new anime series based on the popular DOTA 2 video-game franchise by Valve. The 8 episode anime series is set to launch globally on March 25.

The upcoming fantasy series tells the story of Davion, a renowned Dragon Knight devoted to wiping the scourge from the face of the world. Following encounters with a powerful, ancient eldwurm as well as the noble Princess Mirana on a secret mission of her own, Davion becomes embroiled in events much larger than he could have ever imagined.

“Fans will love how we’ve imagined the DOTA 2 universe and woven together an epic, emotional, and adult-oriented story about some of their favorite characters,” said showrunner and executive producer Ashley Edward Miller. “The cinematic animation, acting and music are simply next level and I’m grateful to Valve for supporting our creative ambitions.”

The series is based on the hugely successful global video-game franchise DOTA 2 by Valve. Ashley Edward Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor and Black Sails) serves as series showrunner and executive producer. Renowned Studio MIR (The Legend of Korra and Netflix's Voltron: Legendary Defender) is responsible for animation, with Ryu Ki Hyun serving as Co-Executive Producer.