The Greatest Sci Fi/Fantasy TV Shows of All Time: Pushing Daisies (2007)

The Greatest Sci Fi/Fantasy TV Shows: Considering the case for the sci fi and fantasy television shows that should be counted among the greatest of all time.

What Is It?

This whimsical, fairy-tale-styled mystery series follows Ned, a pie maker with an extraordinary ability: he can bring the dead back to life for one minute with a single touch, but a second touch will kill them again permanently. He uses this gift to help solve murders alongside a private investigator, but things grow complicated when he revives his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, and the two must navigate a romance in which they can never physically touch.

Aired: ABC, 2007-09, 2 Seasons Totaling 22 Episodes

Starring: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Kristin Chenoweth, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz

Created By: Bryan Fuller

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Argument to Count It as One of the Greatest Sci Fi TV Shows:

This series delivered one of the most unique genre entries ever to hit the small screen. It was essentially a dark fairy tale aimed at adults, though viewers of all ages could enjoy the colorful and whimsical world it created. Its fantastical premise was not used as a gimmick, but instead served as the emotional heart of the show. The idea that Ned can bring the dead back to life—with strict rules and heartbreaking consequences—was woven seamlessly into character, romance, and mystery. The series balanced whimsy and melancholy in a way few shows ever have, turning fairy-tale logic into something deeply human. Add in the witty, rapid-fire dialogue, and you have a show firing on all cylinders.

Perhaps most important to the show’s success, though, was its cast. The main players—and even many of the recurring characters—shared a palpable chemistry, giving the series an energy that propelled it forward. That chemistry, combined with strong production values and well-written mysteries driving each episode, resulted in a genre entry that truly stands out. It was a distinctive and quirky series, unlike almost anything that came before it, and despite its short run, it has earned a place among the all-time greats of sci-fi and fantasy television.

Argument Against:

Pushing Daisies was a truly unique show that shook up prime time when it first arrived, but a little of it goes a long way. Its central premise works well for a few episodes, but it begins to feel strained over time. The fact that Ned and Chuck can’t touch—despite loving each other deeply—gradually becomes more frustrating than poignant as the series progresses. This is a wonderful concept for a movie or limited run, but as a weekly series, the idea feels stretched thin.

By the time the show reached its second season (following a shortened first season of just eight episodes), the show really seemed to be struggling to come up with new ideas and felt like it needed to be wrapped up. The Network Executioner ultimately provided that ending, but because it wasn’t properly planned, the series concluded with a less-than-satisfying resolution. As a result, it arguably carried on a bit too long and ended on a disappointing note, which keeps it from fully qualifying as one of the all-time genre greats.

Johnny Jay’s Take:

When this show first premiered on ABC in the fall of 2007, I was absolutely blown away. It was such a unique series, with a colorful, storybook aesthetic and a cast of fascinating characters delivering nonstop, sharp-witted dialogue, making it an absolute delight. I initially thought there was no way the show could maintain the momentum of its pilot, but Pushing Daisies continued to generate delightful stories and build a fascinating world unlike anything else on television.  While the second season stumbled on occasion, it largely sustained the magic, and I was more than ready for the show to continue for several more years. Sadly, it was cut short, and in hindsight, perhaps three or four seasons would have been the ideal lifespan for the concept, but I definitely wanted more from this one (and there have been talks of a third season revival).

Pushing Daisies was a truly original television series, driven by the artisan verve of Bryan Fuller. It shone brightly during its brief run and has been fondly remembered in the years since for delivering a much-needed breath of fresh air to Prime Time television. While it leaned more toward fantasy than sci-fi, it had broad appeal, and I would happily include it on a Top 25 list of the best genre shows of all time.

Where Can You Watch It?

The entire series was released on DVD and Blu-ray, but those have gone out of print and are fetching high prices from third-party sellers. As mentioned above, it is currently streaming on HBO Max, and you can purchase it VOD from sellers like Amazon.com.

Do you consider Pushing Daisies one of the best sci fi/fantasy TV shows of all time, or was it just too odd and quirky? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments below.

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