Babylon 5 is a brilliant serialized science-fantasy series from 1993 that deserves more love. Created by TV veteran J. Michael Straczynski, it was made on a minuscule budget—less than half that of equivalent Star Treks—but achieved something extraordinary.

The show perfected the 'novel-for-TV' model, with every episode laying groundwork for the epic five-year story that followed. Despite early criticism dismissing it as landfill sci-fi, the series evolved into something greater, with a satisfying ending and characters who grow and change in ways rarely seen today. Warner Bros. has released all 110 episodes plus pilot and TV movies free on YouTube, making this masterpiece accessible to new audiences.

While the CGI looks dated and dialogue can veer corny, the storytelling rewards patient viewers. Start with 'Infection' to grasp key themes, then prepare for an incredible journey.