The art of the miniseries is, in many ways, quite distinct from the art of the regular television show. As opposed to running for a varying number of seasons, a miniseries tells a story in a predetermined, usually relatively limited number of episodes. As such, it's the perfect medium to convey powerful, self-contained stories in a variety of genres.

A genre that seems to get along particularly well with the miniseries format is science fiction. , showing that even in a small number of episodes, great writers can still find more than enough space for expansive world-building, rich character development, and enthralling stories of intergalactic adventures set in alternate worlds, outer space, or even a different version of our own Earth.

Easily one of the most prolific American authors of modern times, is definitely best known for his seminal work in horror literature, but has also worked on a variety of other genres. This includes post-apocalyptic dark fantasy, and this category is the one that falls into. While the novel was published in 1978, its first adaptation was the 1994 miniseries of the same name with in the lead role.

Part of the surprising craze of that characterized the 1990s, The Stand is one of the best of the bunch. It's a little cheesy from time to time, , as well as a fantastic series in its own right. The cast is good, the production qualities are solid, and the whole experience is undeniably entertaining.

Made by the same team behind the iconic Netflix German series , . One of of recent years, it's a deeply atmospheric show that thrives in keeping audiences second-guessing their every theory for what is going on.

Some might criticize the series—and, frankly, fairly so—because it sometimes feels like it's about to crumble under the weight of its overabundance of storylines. But, to be perfectly fair, the show was never given a chance to grow into what it very clearly had the potential to become. Indeed, Netflix canceled it after just one short-lived season, leaving fans craving answers to their many questions.

One of , and not to be confused with its significantly inferior 2009 remake, is one of the greatest alien invasion TV series ever made. It was followed by a three-part miniseries and then a weekly series in 1984, but the 1983 original simply can't be beaten. It's a not-exactly-subtle parable for fascism, but its themes are still potently timely over four decades later.

Its large ensemble cast is outstanding, its special effects and prosthetics are stunning considering the time in which it was made, and it's packed with some genuinely scary bits. Its examination of fascism, its mystical allure, and its effect on Western society . It's what has allowed V to stand the test of time as well as it has.

Another miniseries based on a Stephen King novel, but this time much more modern, was originally conceived as a film directed by 's , but that plan fell through after creative disagreements between the filmmaker and King. The project later turned into a miniseries executive-produced by , and it's one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date.

Thrilling, mysterious, and with a fantastic lead performance by , . The miniseries definitely peaks in its pilot and its finale, but everything in between, though clumsily plotted at times, is also enthralling. Unique, emotionally compelling, and usually nail-bitingly suspenseful, it's a show that proves that non-horror Stephen King stories can be just as entertaining as his scary fare.

Particularly during its first four episodes, certainly demands patience from its viewers; but those who give it said patience are in for the televisual ride of a lifetime. Thematically intricate,, and with an incredible cast, it's one of Max's best original miniseries.

Post-apocalyptic and dystopian shows thrive in having premises that feel plausible, and Station Eleven is built on based on a devastating flu. The show finds the perfect balance between pure entertainment and understated, intelligent subtext. It's refreshing to see a show that's so fun to watch while still being full of artistic merit.

Though primarily known for his screenwriting and directing work on the big screen, has also dabbled in television. Namely, he created the Hulu cyber-thriller masterpiece , a slow-paced work of post-apocalyptic art with an outstanding cast. .

Devs proves that, sometimes, to tell a riveting small-screen tale. Smart, philosophical, and beautifully profound, it's a throwback to the times when sci-fi allowed itself to be a much more sophisticated genre than it often seems like nowadays. Garland has time-and-time-again proved that he's a master of atmosphere and thematic work, and Devs certainly doesn't preak that pattern.

Created by , one of the masters of modern British television and a legend of the sci-fi genre, is a co-production between the BBC and HBO. A scathing critique of the prejudice, ignorance, and erosion of civil rights that plagues the world today, through a chronicle of fifteen years of British politics (from 2019 to 2034), it's a brilliant satire (very heavy on the drama, but wise in how it uses laughter) that knows when and how to pack an emotional punch.

The writing for some of the characters is a little thin, but that feels like a rather unimportant nitpick when the cast is so phenomenal (), the themes and story are so engaging, and the rhythm at which the narrative flows feels so clever and deliberate.

The iconic cult classic was canceled in 2002 due to budgetary issues, ending on a cliffhanger. So, the series' creator, , . Boy, did it work. Peacekeeper Wars may not be quite as good as its predecessor, but it certainly comes remarkably close.

Referred to by director and puppeteer (son of , creator of the Muppets) as a "2 x 2 hour telemovie," the miniseries has every bit as much visual flair, entertaining storytelling, and rule-breaking romance as any fan of the original could have possibly hoped for. It sadly didn't gather up ratings good enough to warrant , but it was at least a fantastic ending to a fantastic story.

's is one of the most important and acclaimed graphic novels ever written. As such, any adaptation of it has a high bar to clear. did it first back in 2009 with his celebrated film. Then, of fame did it again with his HBO miniseries, winner of a whopping eleven Emmy Awards—all of them well deserved.

One of of the 21st century, if not perhaps even of all time, Watchmen pays the utmost respect to its source material, while still building on top of it in all sorts of interesting ways and building an identity all of its own in the process. The cast is great, the writing is as entertaining as it is nuanced and richly political, and the structure and pacing are absolutely pitch-perfect.

The three-hour miniseries Battlestar Galactica was the first step in remaking the 1978 original cult classic series, and it served as a backdoor pilot to the 2004 TV show of the same title that ran until 2009. It's one of the best sci-fi TV shows of the 2000s, a fascinating miniseries that, once it picks up steam, is absolutely impossible to stop watching.

It's a delightful reimagining of the beloved original, more serious yet every bit as entertaining and self-aware. The special effects hold up surprisingly well, all things considered; the narrative is complex and incredibly compelling; and the world-building is unbelievably strong and layered for a miniseries that's barely three hours long. Battlestar Galactica as a franchise is peak science fiction, and the 2003 miniseries is one of the strongest chapters of the whole thing.

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