For decades, the final frontier has been a playground for dramatic epics, thrilling adventures, and profound scientific speculation. But what about the mundane, the ridiculous, and the utterly hilarious? Some of the most inventive and beloved sitcoms have dared to ask: what if everyday life, with all its awkwardness and absurdity, just happened to be set among the stars?
From bumbling alien encounters to intergalactic bureaucratic nightmares, these space-faring sitcoms have proved that laughter is truly universal. So, buckle up and prepare for a comedic journey as we explore the best sitcoms that feature space.
1. Red Dwarf (1988-Present)
Perhaps the undisputed champion of space-based sitcoms, Red Dwarf is a British cult classic that blends science fiction, character-driven comedy, and philosophical musings with unparalleled brilliance. The premise is simple, yet ingenious: low-ranking technician Dave Lister is the last human alive, having survived a radiation leak in stasis while the crew of the mining ship Red Dwarf perished. His companions are a holographic projection of his fastidious bunkmate Rimmer, a humanoid evolution of his pet cat, and a senile service mechanoid named Kryten.
The show's humor comes from the clash of these wildly different personalities, their increasingly bizarre predicaments as they drift through deep space, and their longing for Earth (or at least a working curry machine). Red Dwarf masterfully navigates everything from parallel universes and time travel to artificial intelligence and existential dread, all while delivering sharp dialogue and unforgettable catchphrases. It’s a testament to its writing and characters that it has endured for over three decades, proving that even in the vacuum of space, human (and cat, and hologram, and mechanoid) foibles are endlessly entertaining.
2. The Orville (2017-Present)
Seth MacFarlane's The Orville might have started as a loving parody of Star Trek, but it quickly evolved into something much more: a genuinely thoughtful, engaging, and often hilarious science fiction series in its own right. While it tackles serious ethical dilemmas and dramatic conflicts common to the genre, its heart beats with the rhythm of a workplace comedy. The show follows the crew of the USS Orville, an exploratory vessel in Earth's Planetary Union, as they encounter new species, navigate political intrigue, and frequently make a mess of things.
The humor often stems from the relatable challenges of managing a diverse crew, the awkwardness of first contact gone wrong, and the clash between personal lives and professional duties in a futuristic setting. MacFarlane's signature wit is present, but it’s tempered with genuine affection for its characters and a surprising depth of storytelling. The Orville proves that you can explore the vastness of space, ponder humanity's future, and still make audiences laugh out loud.
3. 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001)
While not entirely set in space, 3rd Rock from the Sun is undeniably a space-centric sitcom given its core premise: a quartet of alien explorers masquerading as a human family to observe Earth. Led by the High Commander Dick Solomon (John Lithgow), the aliens struggle hilariously with every conceivable aspect of human life, from emotions and relationships to eating and personal hygiene.
The comedy derives from their literal interpretations of human customs and their utter bewilderment at our seemingly illogical behaviors. Their perspective offers a brilliant satirical lens on everything we take for granted. Though they eventually integrate (or at least adapt), the show never lets you forget their extraterrestrial origins, constantly returning to their mission and their superior, yet often baffled, alien intellect. It's a fish-out-of-water story taken to cosmic extremes, making for some truly timeless comedy.
4. My Favorite Martian (1963-1966)
A charming precursor to 3rd Rock from the Sun, My Favorite Martian brought extraterrestrial antics into the suburban living room. When newspaper reporter Tim O'Hara discovers an alien anthropologist (Uncle Martin, played by Ray Walston) whose spaceship has crashed on Earth, he agrees to keep his secret. The series then unfolds as a classic situational comedy, with Uncle Martin using his various Martian powers (like retractable antennae and invisibility) to solve problems, often creating even bigger ones in the process.
The humor comes from the duo's attempts to hide Uncle Martin's identity from nosey neighbors, skeptical authorities, and Tim's well-meaning but often clueless family. It’s a delightful blend of early sci-fi tropes and gentle domestic comedy, showcasing that even in the early days of television, the idea of an alien visitor trying to blend in was ripe for comedic gold.
5. Quark (1977)
Though short-lived (only eight episodes), Quark has achieved cult status among sci-fi comedy fans. Starring Richard Benjamin as Adam Quark, commander of a United Sanitation Department garbage scow in space, the series was a direct satire of popular science fiction franchises of its era, particularly Star Trek.
The crew of the Quark was a motley bunch, including two cloned "Gabriels" (one male, one female, who shared a single brain), a half-human/half-robot who constantly short-circuited when experiencing emotion, and a fully robotic "Ficus" (voiced by Richard B. Shull) who was essentially a walking, talking plant. The show lampooned everything from bureaucratic incompetence in space to silly alien species and convoluted galactic politics. It was ahead of its time in its meta-commentary and goofy charm, laying some groundwork for future sci-fi parodies.
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Honorable Mentions:
Final Space (2018-2021): An animated adult sci-fi comedy-drama that blends heartfelt storytelling with explosive action and dark humor. It’s more serialized and action-packed, but its comedic moments are stellar.
Futurama (1999-2013): While primarily set on Earth in the 31st century, Futurama's frequent voyages into space, encounters with alien civilizations, and clever sci-fi gags make it an essential entry in the space comedy canon.
