WatchMojo

Login Now!

OR   Sign in with Google   Sign in with Facebook
advertisememt
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Script written by Nicholas Spake,

Who says all science fiction stories have to put an emphasis on gloom and doom? Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 sci-fi comedy TV shows. For this list, we're taking a look at the TV shows that flawlessly blend elements of science fiction with humor.

Special thanks to our users kenn1987 and Edimilson Lennon for submitting this idea through our Suggest Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comSuggest
Script written by Nicholas Spake

Top 10 Sci-Fi Comedy TV Shows

Also in:

Top 10 Darkest Comedy Shows

Who says all science fiction stories have to put an emphasis on gloom and doom? Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 sci-fi comedy TV shows. For this list, we’re taking a look at the TV shows that flawlessly blend elements of science fiction with humor.

#10: “Invader Zim” (2001-02; 2006)

Also in:

Top 10 Invader Zim Episodes

It’s not hugely surprisingly that this dark cartoon lasted only a few dozen episodes: it was deranged, disgusting, and disturbing. But, it was also hilarious, inventive, and did we mention hilarious? “Invader Zim” is one of several shows on this list about an alien living on earth. What’s interested about Zim, though, is he’s the one protagonist here who’s technically a villain, who wants to enslave mankind. Despite his devilish nature, the audience actually kinda wants Zim to fulfill his dream of becoming a great invader, and the ride is riotous.

#9: “The Jetsons” (1962-87)

Also in:

Top 10 Funniest Comedy Central Shows

After Hanna-Barbera provided a humorous take on the prehistoric lifestyle with “The Flintstones,” it was only natural for them to produce an animated sitcom that observed the future in the same comedic light. Set in the space age of 2062, “The Jetsons” used animation to its full advantage to create a futuristic environment occupied by memorable characters and innovative technology. Actually, some of the technology, like flat-screen TVs and video phones, would one day become a reality. Scientists still haven’t perfected flying cars that transform into briefcases, though.

#8: “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (1988-99)

Also in:

Top 10 Creepiest Mystery Documentaries

Some B-movies have held up better than expected. Others are just as painful to watch today as they were several decades ago. Launched into space by the devious Drs. Clayton Forrester and Laurence Erhardt, Joel Robinson and his robot buddies are forced to endure these horrible movies on a spaceship. Fortunately, they all have a great sense of humor and a knack for mocking the ridiculous, which they do for our benefit. “Mystery Science Theater 3000” was truly ahead of its time, paving the way for other critics to make fun of movies scene-by-scene on the Internet.

#7: “Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)

Also in:

Top 20 Serial Killers on Dexter

Even if you didn’t like science growing up, chances are you dreamed of having a secret laboratory in your bedroom. That’s probably because you watched “Dexter’s Laboratory,” an animated series that followed the adventures of a diminutive boy-genius who somehow managed to fit a humungous lab behind a bookshelf in his parents’ house. The setting made for a number of imaginative and comedic situations involving the egotistical Dexter bumping heads with his well-meaning, but foolishly destructive, sister Dee Dee or – even worse – Mandark. Scientific hilarity ensues.

#6: “Hyperdrive” (2006-07)

Nick Frost might never land a part in a “Star Trek” movie alongside his pal Simon Pegg, but at least he’ll always have “Hyperdrive.” This BBC comedy is essentially a workplace sitcom. Instead of an office, though, the workplace is a British spacecraft set in the early 2050s. Frost shines as Commander Henderson, a bumbling leader reminiscent of a dumpier Captain Kirk. Bolstered by its performances and wit, “Hyperdrive” works wonderfully as both a satire of science fiction television, as well as a loving homage.

#5: “ALF” (1986-90)

Also in:

Top 10 Characters in Comedy Shows that the Other Characters Hate

One of the weirdest shows of the ‘80s, “ALF” told the story of a wisecracking alien who landed on Earth. But unlike many Earth-bound pop-culture aliens, this one wouldn’t hurt a fly – although he might eat your cat. The stranded extraterrestrial is hunted by the government and taken in by the loving Tanner family. But unlike most domesticated alien sitcoms, ALF isn’t merely an alien who looks like a human; he’s a little hairy puppet. The unique title character made “ALF” a defining show of the era, later spawning a cartoon prequel series, talk show, and pogs.

#4: “Mork & Mindy” (1978-82)

When an Orkan named Mork crossed paths with the Cunningham family, it was the strangest thing to happen on “Happy Days” since Fonzie jumped the shark. A character this bizarre simply had to inspire a spin-off. In a role he was born to play, Robin Williams portrayed Mork as a hyper alien studying human behavior. Assisting Mork was the human Mindy, a perfect comedic foil and love interest for the overexcited extra-terrestrial. Cute and wacky, “Mork & Mindy” is a one-of-a-kind show strengthened by its unparalleled performances, improv’d moments and witty observations of humanity.

#3: “Futurama” (1999-2013)

Also in:

20 Times Futurama Crossed The Line

From the mind of “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, “Futurama” utilized the technique of animation to parody everything sci-fi-oriented, from “Star Trek” to “The Twilight Zone.” Half of the time, the references zoom by so fast you need to watch each episode twice to catch them all. The show also tackles many relevant modern topics, like gas prices and iPhones. Best of all, “Futurama” provides timeless characters to execute such satire, including the childlike Fry, the asinine alcoholic robot Bender, and the incompetently hilarious Dr. John Zoidberg.

#2: “Red Dwarf” (1988-)

Also in:

Top 10 Sketch Comedy Shows

This enduring British series takes place on a mining spaceship where the last known human resides. Sadly for humanity, that legendary human is Dave Lister, a slob who embodies the human race at its messiest. Lister isn’t alone though, with a hologram of his tightly wound bunkmate, an evolved cat creature, and a few others, along for the ride. “Red Dwarf” is all about great character interactions, but also works in plenty of creative sci-fi scenarios. It’s about the closest any show’s come to recreating “Star Trek” with a comedic edge. Before we arrive at our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (1981) - “Firefly” (2002-03) - “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” (2002-06) - “Rick and Morty” (2013-) - “Quark” (1977-78)

#1: “3rd Rock from the Sun” (1996-2001)

Also in:

Top 10 Funniest Things to Happen in the Background of TV Shows

Aliens disguised as humans, the Solomon family consists of a flamboyant High Commander, a masculine Lieutenant getting in touch with his feminine side, a Communicator with horrible communication skills, and an older Information Officer stuck in a teen’s body. As outlandish as the aliens come off throughout their mission to study humanity, the people they encounter and fall in love with are every bit as dysfunctional. “3rd Rock from the Sun” says something about being human and being alien, showing us that the two aren’t as different as we may think. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite sci-fi comedy show? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

Comments
User
Send
User
Mystery Science Theatre is #1 and Red Dwarf is #2, haven't seen the rest of these.
advertisememt