Streaming Sci Fi TV: Tracking down sci fi and fantasy shows of interest available on the streaming services.
There seems to be some sort of shakeup going on with the streaming services, particularly the free, ad-supported streamers, that is leading to several notable sci fi entries disappearing from availability. I will be doing some further research on this to see if I can find out what is causing this, but several shows that were previously streaming on one or more services are now gone. The fact is that licensing agreements do shift on a pretty regular basis, and that does result in some shows getting moved around, sometimes on a yearly basis (the original Outer Limits is definitely an example of that). But, as I was doing some searching for this week’s Streaming Sci Fi TV column, I noticed several shows had disappeared altogether (meaning I need to go clean up some past posts). I am not certain if a renegotiation of licenses is currently going on, or if the owners of some of these properties are hiking the price just because they can. And in the midst of this, JustWatch.com seems to have become somewhat unreliable, as I am noticing it is not showing all the providers like it used to. Tubi in particular is impacted, but that is because of some sort of upgrade to JustWatch‘s system which is apparently not compatible with that streamer. But there are a few other shows from different providers that are not showing up on JustWatch either, so I will keep an eye on that to see if the site is becoming less reliable.
Below are five (plus) genre entries that were previously available for streaming that I am not finding on any of the services right now. I will monitor these to see if they do return at some point in the future, but you will have to rely on home video options (which I provide below) if you want to watch them while they are absent from streaming.
Babylon 5 (5 Seasons Totaling 110 Episodes): In a distant future, a space station serves as a diplomatic hub where humans and alien civilizations struggle to maintain peace, but growing tensions threaten to ignite interstellar war. As ancient forces stir, a small group of heroes must navigate political intrigue and cosmic dangers.
This classic sci fi series was available on Tubi and Roku, but it has disappeared from both of those and has not found a new home yet. You can purchase it on DVD and Blu-ray, and it is also available VOD.
Raised by Wolves (2 Seasons Totaling 18 Episodes): After Earth is ravaged, two androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet, but their efforts to create a peaceful colony are threatened by religious conflict and dangerous secrets. As the children grow, questions arise about the true nature of their protectors.
This is one of several shows that HBO Max booted from streaming, but which then headed to the WB TV Watchlist live-streaming channel on Roku TV. It is no longer available there, and neither are Westworld and The Nevers which were also sent there. You can buy Raised by Wolves on DVD and Blu-ray, but it is not currently available VOD.
Quantum Leap (5 Seasons Totaling 97 Episodes): Dr. Sam Beckett invents a time-travel experiment that allows him to “leap” into the bodies of people throughout history, correcting past mistakes. With the help of his holographic guide Al, Sam navigates complex situations while hoping each leap brings him closer to returning home.
This is another one that was available on Roku TV, as well as Peacock, but it has leaped off of streaming along with the 2022 revival series. The original is available on DVD and Blu-ray, and also VOD (in fact, all five seasons are currently on sale in that format for $49.99).
Highlander: The Series (6 Seasons Totaling 119 Episodes): Immortal warrior Duncan MacLeod fights to protect humanity while navigating centuries of history, love, and loss. As he battles other immortals in pursuit of “The Prize,” he struggles to uphold his code of honor.
This long-running 1990s entry in the Highlander franchise used to be widely available, but now it appears to have been cut down from streaming. It is available on DVD, though not Blu-ray, and it is also available to purchase on VOD.
Lost in Space (3 Seasons Totaling 83 Episodes): In this Irwin Allen space adventure series, the Robinson family set off on a journey to colonize Alpha Centauri, but the sinister Dr. Smith sabotages the ship which sends it far off course causing all onboard to become lost in space.
This 1960s camp classic was on Hulu forever, but that streamer lost it some time back, likely related to Netflix picking up the rights to the property for a reboot (though they are not streaming the original). The entire series is available on DVD, though not Blu-ray, and you can purchase it on VOD.
Keep up with the status of all the current sci fi and fantasy shows as well as news and updates on new and upcoming shows at CancelledSciFi.com.
Cancellation Watch: Status updates and breaking news on renewals and cancellations
Sci Fi TV Highlights: Listings for the upcoming week along with the latest sci fi TV news and trailers.
Sci Fi TV Production Report: News on which sci fi TV shows are moving into production.
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