10 Shows & Movies Similar to Blake’s 7 (1978)

Description: Space: 1999 shares with Blake's 7 a British origin and a focus on a crew dealing with the unknown dangers of space. Both shows feature a mix of standalone episodes and serialized elements, with a strong emphasis on character dynamics and moral dilemmas. The practical effects and model work are also reminiscent of Blake's 7.

Fact: Space: 1999 was created by Gerry Anderson, known for his work on Thunderbirds. The show was one of the most expensive British TV productions of its time. Space: 1999 was influential in the design of later sci-fi shows, including Battlestar Galactica.

Description: While Red Dwarf is primarily a comedy, it shares with Blake's 7 a British sensibility and a focus on a small, dysfunctional crew in a vast, often hostile universe. Both shows use their sci-fi settings to explore human (and non-human) relationships and societal issues, albeit with very different tones.

Fact: Red Dwarf is one of the longest-running British sci-fi comedies. The show was originally conceived as a sitcom set in a Liverpool flat, but the setting was changed to space to make it more interesting. The character of Kryten was originally intended to appear in only one episode but became a series regular due to popularity.

Description: Lexx, like Blake's 7, features a crew of misfits aboard a powerful ship, navigating a bizarre and often dangerous universe. Both shows have a dark, surreal tone and explore themes of power, corruption, and survival. The blend of humor, horror, and science fiction is a shared trait.

Fact: Lexx was a Canadian-German co-production, which was unusual for the time. The show was originally conceived as a series of TV movies before becoming a regular series. Lexx is known for its eccentric and often controversial storytelling, including heavy use of sexual and grotesque imagery.

Description: Stargate SG-1, like Blake's 7, features a team of characters working together to combat a powerful, oppressive force. Both shows mix action, humor, and political intrigue, with a focus on teamwork and resourcefulness. The episodic structure with overarching storylines is also a shared trait.

Fact: Stargate SG-1 is based on the 1994 movie Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich. The show ran for 10 seasons, making it one of the longest-running North American sci-fi series. Stargate SG-1 was known for its use of real-world military advisors to add authenticity to the portrayal of the U.S. Air Force.

Description: Farscape shares with Blake's 7 a focus on a diverse crew of misfits and outlaws on the run from authoritarian forces. Both series explore themes of rebellion, survival, and the complexities of morality in a lawless universe. The character-driven narratives and the blending of humor with darker, more dramatic elements are also similar.

Fact: Farscape was one of the first TV shows to use a combination of puppetry and CGI for its alien characters. The show was co-produced by the Jim Henson Company, known for their work on The Muppets. Farscape was canceled after four seasons but was later concluded with a miniseries, The Peacekeeper Wars, due to fan demand.

Description: Andromeda shares with Blake's 7 a focus on a lone hero trying to restore order to a fractured universe. Both series feature a mix of action, political intrigue, and philosophical questions about governance and morality. The episodic structure with overarching storylines is also similar.

Fact: Andromeda was created by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, based on his unused concepts. The show was originally intended to be a more direct sequel to Star Trek but was reworked into its own universe. Andromeda was one of the first shows to use HD cameras for all its episodes.

Description: Firefly, like Blake's 7, follows a crew of outcasts navigating a politically charged universe. Both shows emphasize the dynamics of the crew as a found family, with a mix of humor, action, and moral ambiguity. The Western-inspired aesthetic and the focus on the underdogs against oppressive regimes are key similarities.

Fact: Firefly was created by Joss Whedon, who also created Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show was canceled after only 14 episodes but gained a cult following that led to the movie Serenity. The dialogue in Firefly often includes a mix of English and Chinese, reflecting the show's fusion of Western and Eastern cultures.

Description: The Expanse shares with Blake's 7 a gritty, realistic portrayal of space travel and political conflict. Both series feature complex characters caught in the middle of larger power struggles, with a focus on the human cost of war and rebellion. The emphasis on practical effects and a grounded approach to science fiction is another commonality.

Fact: The Expanse is based on a series of novels by James S.A. Corey. The show was initially canceled by Syfy but was revived by Amazon Prime due to fan campaigns. The Expanse is praised for its accurate depiction of physics in space, including the effects of zero gravity.

Description: Like Blake's 7, Doctor Who is a British science fiction series that combines adventure, moral dilemmas, and a ragtag group of characters facing overwhelming odds. Both shows feature a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling, with a focus on character development and political intrigue. The low-budget aesthetic and reliance on strong writing to carry the narrative are also shared traits.

Fact: Doctor Who is the longest-running science fiction television series in the world. The show was originally intended to be educational, with the TARDIS traveling to historical events. The Daleks, one of the show's most iconic villains, were almost cut from the series due to concerns they were too scary for children.

Description: Killjoys, like Blake's 7, follows a group of bounty hunters operating on the fringes of society, often at odds with powerful authoritarian forces. Both shows blend action, humor, and character-driven storytelling, with a focus on the bonds between the crew members.

Fact: Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. The show was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and used many of the same sets and locations as other sci-fi series. Killjoys was praised for its strong female characters and diverse cast.