10 Shows and Movies Like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)

Description: As part of the same franchise, The Next Generation shares many thematic and stylistic elements with Deep Space Nine, including a focus on exploration, diplomacy, and moral dilemmas. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and explore the ideals of the Federation. Deep Space Nine's darker tone and serialized storytelling were a departure from TNG's more episodic format, but the two shows complement each other well.

Fact: Patrick Stewart was initially reluctant to take the role of Captain Picard. The show won 18 Emmy Awards during its run. The character of Data was inspired by Spock from the original Star Trek series.

Description: Babylon 5 shares many similarities with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, including a focus on political intrigue, complex character development, and long-term storytelling arcs. Both series are set on space stations and explore themes of diplomacy, war, and the struggle for survival. The show also features a diverse cast of alien species and delves into moral and ethical dilemmas.

Fact: Babylon 5 was one of the first TV shows to use CGI for all its special effects. The creator, J. Michael Straczynski, wrote 92 of the 110 episodes himself. The show was planned as a five-year story from the beginning, with a detailed outline for each season.

Description: Voyager, like Deep Space Nine, is part of the Star Trek franchise and shares its focus on exploration, character development, and moral dilemmas. Both shows feature strong female characters in leadership roles (Captain Janeway and Major Kira). Voyager's premise of a stranded crew trying to get home adds a layer of tension and survival similar to Deep Space Nine's wartime setting.

Fact: Kate Mulgrew was not the first choice for Captain Janeway; the role was initially offered to another actress who dropped out. The show introduced the first female Starfleet captain as a series regular. The Borg character Seven of Nine became one of the show's most popular figures.

Description: Stargate SG-1 shares Deep Space Nine's blend of science fiction, military drama, and exploration. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and explore themes of diplomacy, conflict, and cultural exchange. SG-1's mix of episodic and serialized storytelling, along with its humor and action, makes it a compelling counterpart to Deep Space Nine's more serialized approach.

Fact: The show is a spin-off of the 1994 film Stargate. It ran for 10 seasons, making it one of the longest-running North American science fiction series. Richard Dean Anderson, who played Colonel O'Neill, was also a producer on the show.

Description: Farscape, like Deep Space Nine, features a diverse crew of aliens and humans working together, often under tense circumstances. Both shows blend science fiction with deep character development and explore themes of identity, loyalty, and survival. Farscape's unique visual style and quirky humor set it apart, but its emotional depth and complex storytelling are similar to Deep Space Nine.

Fact: The show was a collaboration between the Jim Henson Company and Hallmark Entertainment. The puppetry and practical effects were groundbreaking for TV at the time. The show was canceled after four seasons but continued with a miniseries, 'The Peacekeeper Wars,' to wrap up the story.

Description: Andromeda, created by Star Trek veteran Gene Roddenberry, shares Deep Space Nine's focus on a diverse crew working together in a post-war universe. Both shows explore themes of rebuilding society, leadership, and the challenges of maintaining peace. Andromeda's mix of action and philosophical questions is similar to Deep Space Nine's approach.

Fact: The show was based on unused concepts by Gene Roddenberry. Kevin Sorbo, who played Captain Dylan Hunt, was also an executive producer. The show's premise was inspired by the fall of the Roman Empire.

Description: Firefly, like Deep Space Nine, features a diverse crew navigating a complex and often hostile universe. Both shows blend science fiction with elements of western and noir genres, and explore themes of loyalty, survival, and moral ambiguity. Firefly's witty dialogue and character-driven storytelling are reminiscent of Deep Space Nine's strengths.

Fact: The show was created by Joss Whedon, who also created Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was canceled after only 14 episodes but gained a cult following. The story continued with the 2005 film Serenity.

Description: Battlestar Galactica, like Deep Space Nine, is known for its gritty realism, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as war, survival, and the nature of humanity. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and delve into the psychological and moral challenges faced by their characters. The political and military conflicts in Battlestar Galactica mirror those in Deep Space Nine.

Fact: The show was a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same name. Edward James Olmos, who played Admiral Adama, directed several episodes. The show won a Peabody Award for its storytelling and social commentary.

Description: The Expanse shares Deep Space Nine's focus on political intrigue, complex world-building, and a diverse cast of characters. Both shows explore the tensions between different factions and the challenges of coexistence in a vast, interconnected universe. The Expanse's realistic approach to space travel and its emphasis on character-driven storytelling are also reminiscent of Deep Space Nine.

Fact: The show is based on a series of novels by James S.A. Corey. It was initially canceled by Syfy but was revived by Amazon due to fan demand. The show's physics and technology are heavily researched to be as realistic as possible.

Description: Killjoys, like Deep Space Nine, features a mix of action, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. Both shows are set in a universe with complex factions and explore themes of loyalty, survival, and moral choices. Killjoys' focus on a tight-knit crew and its blend of humor and drama are reminiscent of Deep Space Nine.

Fact: The show was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. It was filmed in Canada and features a predominantly Canadian cast. The show was praised for its strong female characters and LGBTQ+ representation.