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Ever wondered what it would be like to twist time and explore different eras? Time travel shows bring that wild idea to life with their fascinating blend of adventure, history, and sometimes even a bit of mind-bending drama.
Whether you’re into rewriting history or just curious about the consequences of messing with the past, TV has spun out some seriously awesome series on the topic.
If you’re itching to hop aboard a temporal rollercoaster from the comfort of your sofa, these top-notch shows promise to whisk you away on journeys through time and space.
1. Timeless
A history professor, a scientist, and a soldier team up to chase a criminal who steals a time machine to alter American history. They must work to preserve the past while also dealing with personal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Why Watch?: Combines action-packed adventure with historical accuracy, exploring various pivotal moments in history and their implications.
2. Outlander
A nurse from 1945 mysteriously travels back to 1743 Scotland, where she becomes entangled in political intrigue, romance, and the Jacobite risings.
Why Watch?: Offers a compelling mix of historical drama, romance, and time-travel elements, based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling novels.
3. Dark
In a small German town, children start disappearing under mysterious circumstances, revealing a complex web of time travel, family secrets, and supernatural occurrences spanning multiple generations.
Why Watch?: A mind-bending, intricately plotted series that delves deep into the consequences of time travel and the interconnectedness of characters across different time periods.
4. 12 Monkeys
Inspired by the film, a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future travels back to our present day to stop the release of a deadly virus that will decimate humanity.
Why Watch?: Offers a gripping narrative with twists, turns, and complex characters, exploring themes of fate, destiny, and the ethics of altering history.
5. Travelers
In a future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, operatives known as Travelers are sent back to the 21st century to prevent future disasters by taking over the bodies of people moments before their deaths.
Why Watch?: Focuses on moral dilemmas, identity, and the consequences of changing the past, with a mix of sci-fi, drama, and suspense.
6. Quantum Leap
Dr. Sam Beckett, a physicist, finds himself trapped in time, “leaping” into the bodies of different people throughout history. With the help of his holographic guide, Al, he strives to correct historical mistakes.
Why Watch?: A classic ’80s/’90s series known for its heartwarming stories, social commentary, and exploration of human experiences across various time periods.
7. Continuum
A police officer from 2077 is transported back to 2012 with a group of terrorists. She must navigate the complexities of contemporary society while trying to prevent future catastrophes and find a way home.
Why Watch?: Blends action with thoughtful exploration of social issues and the implications of corporate power in shaping future societies.
8. Legends of Tomorrow
A team of superheroes and anti-heroes travel through time aboard the Waverider to prevent temporal aberrations and protect the timeline from villains.
Why Watch?: Offers a fun, action-packed take on time travel within the DC Comics universe, with diverse characters and humorous moments.
9. Frequency
Based on the film, a detective discovers she can communicate with her deceased father in the past via an old ham radio. Together, they work to solve a murder case across two different timelines.
Why Watch?: A compelling blend of crime procedural, family drama, and supernatural elements, exploring themes of second chances and destiny.
10. Torchwood
A spin-off from Doctor Who, Torchwood follows a team of alien hunters who protect Cardiff (and later the world) from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats using advanced technology, including time travel.
Why Watch?: Offers a darker, more mature perspective on the Doctor Who universe, with complex characters, intense storytelling, and exploration of moral dilemmas.
11. The Umbrella Academy
Adopted siblings with extraordinary abilities reunite after their father’s death to investigate his mysterious past and the looming apocalypse, which involves time travel and altering historical events.
Why Watch?: Offers a quirky, character-driven narrative with a mix of superhero action, dysfunctional family dynamics, and time-travel intrigue.
12. Primeval
A team of scientists and adventurers discover temporal anomalies that allow prehistoric creatures and future predators to enter modern-day Britain. They must contain these anomalies while investigating their cause.
Why Watch?: Combines creature feature excitement with speculative science, exploring the consequences of time anomalies and the dangers of meddling with the past and future.
13. Doctor Who
A Time Lord known as the Doctor travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine shaped like a British police box.
The show explores various worlds, historical events, and futuristic civilizations while dealing with moral dilemmas and saving the universe.
Why Watch?: It’s a long-running British sci-fi classic with a rich mythology, iconic characters like the Doctor and companions, and blends adventure, drama, and humor across its extensive history.
14. Back to the Future: The Animated Series
Following the events of the movie trilogy, Doc Brown and his family travel through time in the Jules Verne Train, encountering historical figures and facing off against their antagonist, Biff Tannen.
Why Watch?: The series expands on the film’s universe with new adventures and explores more of Doc Brown’s inventions.
So, whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan or just someone intrigued by the idea of messing with timelines, these time travel shows offer something for everyone.
From the thrilling adventures of Doctor Who to the mind-bending mysteries of Dark, and the heartfelt journeys of Outlander, each series brings its own unique take on the concept of time travel.
