British television in the 1970s was a treasure trove for science fiction enthusiasts, showcasing a wide array of series that were imaginative, bold, and oftentimes ahead of their time. While Doctor Who is undoubtedly the most famous export from this period, there are several other shows that have captured the imagination of viewers and left an indelible mark on the genre. This article delves into some of the best 1970s British sci-fi TV series that you might have missed but are certainly worth your time.

Blake’s 7 (1978-1981)

Created by Terry Nation, Blake’s 7 tells the story of a group of renegades and criminals who come together to fight against the oppressive Terran Federation. The series is known for its dark tone, complex characters, and moral ambiguity. It pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible on television at the time with its serialized storytelling and shocking finale.

Space: 1999 (1975-1977)

Created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, Space: 1999 wielded impressive production values, including special effects from Oscar-winning SFX director Brian Johnson. The show centred on the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha after a nuclear explosion propels the Moon out of Earth’s orbit and into deep space. The combination of high-concept storylines and a strong cast including Martin Landau and Barbara Bain made this a standout series.

The Tomorrow People (1973-1979)

This children’s series focused on special individuals known as “Tomorrow People,” who represent the next stage in human evolution with powers such as telepathy, telekinesis, and teleportation. The show explored social issues through a sci-fi lens and garnered a following for its portrayal of young people with extraordinary abilities fighting against malevolent forces.

UFO (1970-1971)

Also by Gerry Anderson, with live actors rather than marionettes as in his earlier works like Thunderbirds, UFO is set in a then-future 1980 where Earth is secretly being invaded by aliens. The series followed SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization), an undercover military organization that combats this extraterrestrial threat. UFO was praised for its mature themes and high production standards.

Survivors (1975-1977)

Unlike many other sci-fi series focused on technology and aliens, Survivors took a different route by exploring the human condition. Created by Terry Nation, it examined what happens to those who remain after a virus wipes out most of Earth’s population. Themes surrounding society rebuilding itself from scratch struck a chord with audiences looking for more grounded science fiction narratives.

Sapphire & Steel (1979-1982)

Starring David McCallum and Joanna Lumley as enigmatic operatives tasked with protecting the universe from temporal anomalies, Sapphire & Steel was atmospheric and enigmatic. It replaced flashy effects with strong writing and performances that created unsettling stories about time itself being the enemy.

These series may not have had the lasting recognition or extensive tenure of Doctor Who but they each brought unique perspectives to science fiction television during the 1970s. They pushed boundaries technically, thematically, and narratively – setting standards for future generations while providing entertainment that has stood up over time. For any fans looking to expand their sci-fi horizons beyond Time Lords in blue boxes, these shows offer a fantastic glimpse at a golden era of British television creativity.