Space: Above and Beyond (1995)
A gritty military sci-fi series following Marine space fighter pilots at war with an alien enemy in the year 2063.
Space: Above and Beyond - Series Information
- Original Title: Space: Above and Beyond
- First Air Year: 1995
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Created by: Glen Morgan, James Wong
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 24, 1995 (United Kingdom - 12), September 24, 1995 (Germany - 12), September 24, 1995 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: FOX
- Production Companies: Hard Eight Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, 20th Century Fox Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Space: Above and Beyond - Plot
Set in the years 2063–2064, the show focuses on the "Wildcards", members of the United States Marine Corps Space Aviator Cavalry, 58th Squadron. They are stationed on the space carrier USS Saratoga, and act as infantry and pilots of SA-43 Endo/Exo-Atmospheric Attack Jet fighters.
Space: Above and Beyond - Trailer
See the Wildcards take flight in this look at the series:
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Space: Above and Beyond - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Glen Morgan
- James Wong
Main Cast
- Morgan Weisser
- Kristen Cloke
- Rodney Rowland
- Joel de la Fuente
- Lanei Chapman
- James Morrison
- Tucker Smallwood
- Tasia Valenza
- Michael Mantell
- David Jean Thomas
Writers
- Glen Morgan
- James Wong
- Marilyn Osborn
- Joe Reinkemeyer
- Matt Kiene
Executive Producers
- James Wong
- Glen Morgan
Space: Above and Beyond - FAQs
Why was Space: Above and Beyond cancelled after one season?
FOX cancelled Space: Above and Beyond in 1996 due to disappointing ratings, despite a passionate fan following. The show's ambitious scope and high production costs made renewal difficult. Creators Glen Morgan and James Wong had planned a multi-season arc, and the abrupt cancellation left many storylines unresolved, frustrating devoted viewers.
What makes Space: Above and Beyond unique among sci-fi series?
The series stands out for grounding its space combat in gritty military realism, drawing heavily from World War II and Vietnam War imagery. Rather than focusing on exploration, it examines the psychological toll of war, prejudice against artificial humans called In Vitroes, and the bonds forged under fire — themes rare for mid-1990s sci-fi television.
Where can you stream Space: Above and Beyond?
Streaming availability for Space: Above and Beyond is limited and varies by region. The complete series has been released on DVD, making physical media the most reliable viewing option. Check your local streaming services or digital storefronts such as Amazon Video for current availability in your area.
Who are the main characters in Space: Above and Beyond?
The core ensemble is the 58th Squadron — the Wildcards. Morgan Weisser plays Nathan West, Kristen Cloke is Shane Vansen, Rodney Rowland portrays the In Vitro Cooper Hawkes, Joel de la Fuente plays Paul Wang, and Lanei Chapman is Vanessa Damphousse. James Morrison rounds out the group as their commanding officer T. C. McQueen.
Is Space: Above and Beyond based on a true story?
The series is entirely fictional, but creators Glen Morgan and James Wong drew deep inspiration from real military history. The Wildcards' experiences echo the camaraderie and trauma of WWII fighter pilots and Vietnam-era soldiers. The show also reflects 1990s anxieties about identity, civil rights, and humanity's place in a hostile universe.
How was Space: Above and Beyond received by critics?
Critics gave the show a mixed but respectful reception on its 1995 debut. Many praised its mature themes, strong ensemble cast, and willingness to tackle war's moral complexity. Some found the pacing uneven across its single season. Over time, it has earned a cult reputation as an underappreciated gem of 1990s science fiction television.
What are similar shows to Space: Above and Beyond?
Fans of Space: Above and Beyond often enjoy Firefly for its ensemble space drama, Andor for its grounded military sci-fi tone, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars for its war-focused storytelling. Earth 2 and Earth: Final Conflict offer comparable 1990s sci-fi ambition, while Battlestar Galactica (2004) shares the series' unflinching look at warfare.
Who created Space: Above and Beyond?
Glen Morgan and James Wong created the series, also serving as executive producers and lead writers. The duo were already known for their acclaimed work on The X-Files before developing this ambitious military sci-fi project for FOX. Their background in character-driven, thematically rich storytelling shaped the show's distinctive tone throughout its single season.
More About Space: Above and Beyond
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