The science fiction genre tends to produce movies that show audiences a glimpse of a much larger world. Sequels or prequels explore more of the world; however, the focus tends to be on the story and limits how much can be seen. Franchises were able to show even more when expanding into TV shows. Some of the best sci-fi television shows were based on movies that needed more exploration of their worlds.

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5 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009)

     Warner Bros. Television Releasing

The 2008 spin-off Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles was set four years after the events of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Sarah Connor, played by Lena Headey, her son, and a new reprogrammed terminator are on the run from the FBI, who believe Sarah to be criminally insane. They find that in 2007, Skynet had sent multiple terminators to the past, while the resistance fights have sent fighters back to stop as many as they can. Sarah and John are forced to realize that there are many for enemies trying to reshape the future than they realized.

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After focusing on John Connor after the first movie, the television show directed its focus to Sarah Connor. The story filled in the gap between the second and third films, and gave fans a better understanding of what Sarah had to go through on the mission to stop Skynet. Fans loved seeing the new information and the characters being introduced, like Derek Reese, who is John’s uncle. Unfortunately, despite fan support, the show was not renewed after season two.

4 Westworld (2016-Present)

     Warner Bros. Television

The 2016 HBO series Westworld is set in a futuristic theme park that allows rich patrons to live out their deepest fantasies through artificial intelligence. Set in the Old West, the park is full of robotic “hosts” that fulfill the guests’ every desire, while being reset after each visit. As the hosts begin to remember the erased memories, their behavior becomes erratic as they are subjected to some guests illicit and disturbing narratives.

Based on a 1973 film of the same name, the show is a true dystopian neo-western piece. There is a sequel to the film titled Futureworld from 1976; however, the series contains very few details from it. Westworld is a cautionary tale about the darkest parts of human nature, and how one’s actions affect another. The show set a record for highest viewership rating for the season one premiere, and it is the most-watched first season of any HBO series.

3 Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)

     Lucasfilm Animation

The Clone Wars is an animated expansion of the Star Wars franchise. The series follows Jedi Ahsoka, as she trains under Anakin Skywalker during the violent Clone Wars, which takes place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. The show was invested in the character development from the prequel trilogy, that audiences were familiar with. Many fans of the franchise see the series as one of the best expansions of the Star Wars universe, due to the characters’ writing, alone. Much of the story brought new information on interesting worlds like Mandalore.

The showrunners announced its cancelation in 2013 as a result of the Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm. Disney had announced that many of the expansions were going to be removed from canon, but The Clone Wars was kept in when Disney established a sixth season in 2014. It stayed highly popular until the final seventh season released in 2020.

2 Highlander (1992-1998)

     CBS Television Distrobution Releasing

Highlander: the Television Series is a 1992 spin-off of the 1986 film Highlander. Connor MacLeod, played by Christopher Lambert in the films, introduces audiences to Duncan MacLeod, his clansman, played by Adrian Paul. Connor asks Duncan to return to the fight among the Immortals and fight against the evil that is causing chaos. After hiding away from the other Immortals, Duncan is forced back when he is hunted by an evil Immortal.

This series is an incredible extension to the movie, that has such a great and vast world. Keeping the clansmen together gave audiences a sense of familiarity while still branching off in its own right. The series was incredibly popular, thanks in part to the strong relationship between Duncan and Ritchie Ryan, played by Stan Kirsch. Another reason it was well-received was because of the focus on relationships in general, whether it be romantic or family. The film touched on the importance of having a family, by showing the relationship between Connor and his wife; the series kept the theme by emphasizing all the people Duncan was connected to. The only reason the show dwindled, was due to Adrian Paul wanting to wrap up Duncan’s story. When the creators tried using the final season to introduce a new generation of Immortals, it was meant to keep the universe going in a spin-off. Ultimately, Connor and Duncan’s stories were finished in the final films.

1 Stargate: SG-1 (1997-2007)

     MGM Domestic Television Releasing

The 1997 Stargate: SG-1 series was a continuation of the 1994 film Stargate, starring Kurt Russell. Following the adventures of Colonel Jack O’Neill, played by Richard Dean Anderson, and his team as they use an ancient transport device to visit other worlds. By using portal technology, the team is able to visit planets and study the people that live on them. On their travels they find the Goa’uld, an evil alien race trying to take over the universe. The team must forge allies with the new civilizations in order to stop the Goa’uld and protect Earth.

The original film was met with mixed reviews, but no one could deny the thought of being able to travel to far and distant planets would be amazing. The show was able to expand on the world quite literally, by showing audiences a new world, with new people and cultures in almost every episode. The show was a continuation of the same characters, but they were recast for television. The new cast was the perfect way to elevate the film’s original portrayals. The series was so successful that it had spin-offs, including Stargate: Atlantis. It was a well-loved, long-running show that ended after 10 seasons.