Do you feel like you’ve binge-watched all the interesting series already? If you’re looking for something different than the Vampire Diaries with all their drama but nothing you can relate too. In this list there are eight series in which you can enjoy a story line that has to do with technology, the future or science. The list ranges from the Big Bang Theory with Sheldon being his always neurotic self to Black Mirror which has underlying philosophical questions. A Creative Technologist should feel at home between all these technology puns and jokes.
Big Bang Theory (2007 – ?)
In 2007 the American television network CBS released The Big Bang Theory, a sitcom filled with “tech” and “geek” references. The show is centered around Leonard, Sheldon (both physicists at Caltech University), Howard (engineer) and Raj (astrophysicist). The first two live together and will soon meet with Penny, their new “non-geeky” neighbor.
While the show tries to be on point with its nerdy references, the producers also worked to produce accurate scientific elements (diagrams/equations used in the props for example) in the different story lines. And on top of that a fair part of the show (especially with Penny’s character) deal with the social anxiety (or plain awkwardness) of these highly intelligent characters. The show was critically acclaimed with more than 50 awards over its 9 seasons and it is still running!
The IT Crowd (2006 – 2013)
The British sitcom “The IT Crowd” is set around Mauris and Roy, two technician working for the Reynholm Industries’ IT department. While the first one is overqualified, the second is as lazy as it gets and both share the other employees’ contempt in their basement “office”. The show starts with the recruitment of Jen, their new head/relationship manager who lied about her IT skills to get the job. The combination is “explosive” and will lead to very creative, random and awkward situation in a typical British comedy style.
This TV show was a precursor of the “geeky” trend in recent comedy, with far less influence than The Big Bang Theory even though it was released a year before.
A must watch filed with cult punchlines such as the “Have you tried to turn it off and on again?” which gave its name to our Proto committee.
Futurama (1999 – 2013)
The animated science fiction sitcom “Futurama” is about a New York City pizza delivery boy, who is called Philip J. Fry. After being accidentally frozen in 1999, he unfreezes in the year 2999. After 1000 years the world has changed drastically. Together with some friends from this new world, the alcoholic robot Bender and the sexy mutant Leela, he works at the interplanetary delivery company Planet Express.
Created by Matt Groening, the show deserved its “Simpsons of Science Fiction” label. Enter a wide universe full of hilarious characters!
Rick and Morty (2013 – ?)
Rick and Morty is an animated science-fiction sitcom which follows a mad scientist Rick and his grandson Morty. Rick is an alcoholic, who moved in with his daughter Beth and her family. She is a cardiac surgeon and veterinarian. Together, Rick and Morty, go on dangerous adventures through multiple universes.
Black Mirrors (2011 – ?)
Black Mirror is a science fiction series in which the episodes are not related to each other. It used to be broadcast at the British channel 4, but now it can be seen on Netflix. Each episode has a different cast, a different setting and a different subject. However they all criticise the way we live nowadays. The series looks at the developments in the last years and shows a fictional reality about what we can expect in the future.
Behind the beautiful visual effects used to create futuristic environments, each episode will tackle you with philosophical questions around our possible use (or abuse) of technology in the future.
Mr. Robot (2015 – ?)
Mr. Robot is an American drama-thriller about a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who suffers from a social anxiety disorder and depression. Elliot uses his computer knowledge to hack and protect people. He was recruited by an unknown man, known as Mr. Robot, to join a team of hackers called “fsociety”. Filled with references to modern, tech-related dilemma, Mr. Robot is a great blend between Thriller and Cyberpunk genres with its hacking plot centered.
They have the goal to destroy the company at which Elliot is currently working.
Silicon Valley (2014 – ?)
Silicon Valley is an American satirical comedy about the legendary place it’s named after. Have you ever wanted to found a company in the Valley? Do you wonder what kind of insightful or crazy people you could meet there? Then Silicon Valley is a must watch: centered around the character of Richard Hendricks, you will follow him and his revolutionary compression algorithm through all the steps from funding to success…or not.
Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005 – now)
Doctor Who is a classic among Sci-Fi fans, famous amongst many generations. The Doctor travels through time and space, discovering mysteries and reliving history. Take for instance one of the classic episodes with the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. Or one with Wi-Fi installations brainwashing people. A true classic, often with British humour with frightening plots.
Hopefully this list will give you some inspiration for series worth watching and will help you get through the last module. Of course there are many and many more series out there. Maybe there might be some that we missed but really should have been in this list. Comment those below to let us know.