Streaming Sci Fi TV: Tracking down sci fi and fantasy shows of interest on the streaming services. Note that streaming availability can change with little to no notice.
Gerry Anderson is an important name in the early development of sci fi TV, pioneering Supermarionation shows Stingray, Thunderbirds, and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterions, then later moving into live-action shows like UFO and Space: 1999 (and his wife Sylvia partnered with him during that run). His early work in the 1960s like Supercar and Stingray were more kid-friendly while Thunderbirds had more family appeal and Captain Scarlet pushed the level of violence for a kids’ show. With UFO, Anderson made the move to live-action and definitely more adult-oriented themes (you can read more about that one at Cult-SciFi.com), while Space: 1999 tried to blend the profundity of 2001: A Space Odyssey with action and adventure (more on that one at this link). And for those who may not have experienced Anderson’s wide-range of television output or who may not have watched many of his shows in a long time, almost all of his better-known sci fi TV entries are available to stream for free. Following is a list of Gerry Anderson shows in release order that you can stream for free.
Supercar (1961-62, 2 Seasons Totaling 39 Episodes): This Black & White series follows the adventures of test pilot Mike Mercury as he pilots Supercar, an advanced, all-terrain vehicle capable of traveling on land, underwater, in the air, and even into space. Together with Professor Popkiss and Dr. Beaker, Mike takes on daring rescue missions and combats villains around the world. You can watch this one on Shout! TV.
Fireball XL5 (1962-63, 1 Season Totaling 39 Episodes): Another Black & White entry, this series follows the adventures of the captain and crew of the titular space ship which is part of the World Space Patrol that polices the cosmos in the year 2062. Commanded by Colonel Steve Zodiac, XL5 defends Earth from interstellar threats while encountering a wide variety of alien civilizations. It is currently available for streaming on Shout! TV.
Stingray (1964-65, 1 Season Totaling 39 Episodes): Supermarionation meets Technicolor in this show that centers on the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP), focusing on Captain Troy Tempest and his submarine, Stingray, as they patrol the oceans and protect humanity from undersea threats. The series blends science fiction and adventure as Troy battles the evil undersea ruler Titan and his aquatic forces. It is streaming on The Roku Channel and Pluto TV.
Thunderbirds (1965-66, 2 Seasons Totaling 32 Episodes): This high-adventure entry follows the Tracy family and their organization, International Rescue, operating highly advanced vehicles and equipment to perform daring rescues around the globe. Led by ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy and his five sons, the team responds to disasters using their iconic Thunderbird machines. It is streaming on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Shout! TV.
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967-68, 1 Season Totaling 32 Episodes): Saturday Morning violence hits its peak in this series as Earth is under threat from the Mysterons, a mysterious alien race from Mars capable of recreating and controlling destroyed objects and people. Captain Scarlet, who has gained the power of indestructibility, leads Spectrum’s fight to protect humanity from this invisible enemy. It is available on The Roku Channel and Shout! TV.
Joe 90 (1968-69, 1 Season Totaling 30 Episodes): This spy fi entry tells the story of nine-year-old Joe McClaine, who becomes a secret agent for the World Intelligence Network (WIN) after his father invents the BIG RAT, a machine that transfers expert knowledge and skills directly into Joe’s brain. Armed with the abilities of the world’s top professionals, Joe embarks on dangerous espionage missions. You can find it on Shout! TV and Pluto TV.
UFO (1970-71, 1 Season Totaling 26 Episodes): Gerry Anderson switches to live-action and more adult-oriented themes with this sci fi TV gem which is set in the near future and follows SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation), a covert military force defending Earth from alien invaders who abduct humans. Led by Commander Ed Straker, SHADO uses advanced technology and vehicles, including a secret Moonbase and submarines, to intercept extraterrestrial threats. Notably, the series avoided the UFO-attack-of-the-week format and actually explored the implications and consequences of this hidden war. For some reason, this one was recently removed from streaming, but it was previously widely available, and I assume it will return at some point.
Space: 1999 (1975-77, 2 Seasons Totaling 48 Episodes): A catastrophic explosion on the Moon propels Moonbase Alpha and its inhabitants into deep space, severing their connection with Earth. Commander John Koenig and Dr. Helena Russell lead the crew as they encounter strange worlds, alien civilizations, and cosmic phenomena on their journey through the universe. You can watch this one on Shout! TV, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
Terrahawks (1983-86, 3 Seasons Totaling 39 Episodes): Gerry Anderson returned to Supermarionation with this show, though with more advancements to the puppets which he referred to as “Supermacromation”. The show follows an elite task force led by Dr. Tiger Ninestein, defending Earth against the evil android Zelda and her monstrous allies from Planet Guk. Combining humor and action, the team uses high-tech vehicles and Zeroids to protect humanity from constant alien threats. It is available on Shout! TV, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
Space Precinct (1994-95, 1 Season Totaling 24 Episodes): Anderson returns to live-action in this space-based procedural set in the year 2040, following former NYPD detective Patrick Brogan as he transfers to the planet Altor’s Precinct 88. Alongside his alien and human partners, Brogan investigates crimes ranging from murder to intergalactic smuggling in a futuristic society. That one is streaming on Shout! TV and The Roku Channel.
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Follow our Sci Fi TV Schedule for all the currently airing and upcoming sci fi and fantasy television shows, and you can see the premieres for all the upcoming genre entries at this link.