10 Shows and Movies Like Avenue 5 (2020)

Description: A precursor to 'Avenue 5', 'Dark Star' is a low-budget sci-fi comedy about a bored spaceship crew dealing with mundane and absurd challenges. Both films highlight the tedium and dark humor of long-term space travel, with a focus on character quirks over action.

Fact: Directed by John Carpenter, early in his career. Co-written by Dan O'Bannon, who later wrote 'Alien'. The film's beach ball alien was a cost-saving measure that became iconic.

Description: Like 'Avenue 5', this classic series combines sci-fi with British wit, exploring the randomness of the universe through the eyes of bewildered characters. Both use humor to tackle existential questions and the ineptitude of those in charge.

Fact: Based on Douglas Adams' radio series and novels. The TV series was one of the first British shows to use extensive special effects. The theme music was composed by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, famous for 'Doctor Who'.

Description: Like 'Avenue 5', 'Red Dwarf' combines sci-fi with British humor, focusing on the misadventures of a dysfunctional crew in space. Both shows highlight the absurdity of human behavior in isolated, futuristic settings, with a strong emphasis on character-driven comedy.

Fact: One of the longest-running British sci-fi comedies. Originally conceived as a sitcom set in a Liverpool flat, but relocated to space for originality. The show's budget constraints led to creative, low-tech special effects.

Description: Similar to 'Avenue 5' in its darkly comedic take on space opera, 'Lexx' follows a mismatched crew aboard a powerful spaceship. Both shows explore themes of power, desire, and survival in a bizarre, often grotesque universe.

Fact: A Canadian-German co-production, rare for its time. Known for its erotic and surreal elements, pushing the boundaries of sci-fi TV. The ship, Lexx, is a living entity capable of destroying planets.

Description: Shares with 'Avenue 5' a satirical take on future societies and space travel, blending sharp wit with sci-fi tropes. Both use humor to explore themes of technology, bureaucracy, and human (and non-human) folly in a futuristic context.

Fact: Created by Matt Groening of 'The Simpsons' fame. Known for its scientific accuracy, consulting with real scientists for some episodes. Has been canceled and revived multiple times due to fan demand.

Description: This animated series parallels 'Avenue 5' in its crude humor and satirical portrayal of spacefaring crews. Both shows revel in the absurdity of their characters' situations, using sci-fi as a backdrop for comedic and often risqué storytelling.

Fact: Based on a short film that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. Features the voice of Stephen Root, who also stars in 'Avenue 5'. The animation was groundbreaking for its use of CGI in a TV series at the time.

Description: Similar to 'Avenue 5' in its blend of science fiction and comedy, 'The Orville' explores the absurdities of space travel and human (and alien) interactions. Both shows use humor to critique societal norms and the unpredictability of life in space, with a mix of episodic adventures and overarching narratives.

Fact: Created by Seth MacFarlane, known for 'Family Guy'. Initially marketed as a parody of 'Star Trek', it evolved into a more serious sci-fi drama with comedic elements. Features several 'Star Trek' alumni in its cast and crew.

Description: Like 'Avenue 5', 'Final Space' mixes dark humor with space adventure, focusing on a quirky crew facing existential threats. Both shows balance emotional depth with comedic moments, set against the vast, unpredictable backdrop of space.

Fact: Started as a web series before being picked up by TBS. Creator Olan Rogers also voices the main character, Gary. The animation style is heavily influenced by classic anime and Western cartoons.

Description: Shares 'Avenue 5's' theme of outsiders (in this case, aliens) navigating human society with humor and chaos. Both shows use sci-fi settings to satirize contemporary issues, with a focus on the absurdity of social norms and relationships.

Fact: Created by Justin Roiland, co-creator of 'Rick and Morty'. Features a subplot about shrunken humans living in a terrarium, which became a fan favorite. The show's humor is more family-oriented compared to 'Rick and Morty'.

Description: This British sci-fi comedy mirrors 'Avenue 5' in its portrayal of a bumbling spaceship crew navigating interstellar politics and mishaps. Both shows use a mix of slapstick and satire to comment on leadership and teamwork in space.

Fact: Starred Nick Frost before his rise to fame in films like 'Shaun of the Dead'. Only ran for two seasons due to mixed reviews and ratings. Featured a diverse alien crew, similar to 'Avenue 5'.