Summary:

TV shows have been taking us on time-traveling adventures for decades, allowing us to experience different eras and historical events through the eyes of our favorite characters. From ancient civilizations to future worlds, these 23 top-rated shows have transported us to different points in time and captured our imagination. Some shows use time travel as the central theme, while others incorporate it into their storytelling in more subtle ways. But one thing is for sure, these shows have kept us on the edge of our seats, eager to see where their time-traveling journeys will take us next.

1. Doctor Who (2005-Present)

One of the longest-running and most beloved time-traveling shows, Doctor Who follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor, who travels through time and space in a spaceship called the TARDIS. With a dedicated fan base and 13 seasons, this show continues to captivate viewers with its imaginative storylines and iconic characters.

2. Outlander (2014-Present)

Based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander tells the story of Claire Randall, a nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously transported back in time to 1743 Scotland. With its blend of historical drama, romance, and time travel, this show has gained a large following and critical acclaim.

3. Quantum Leap (1989-1993)

Starring Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a physicist who becomes trapped in time and must “leap” into the bodies of different people in different time periods, Quantum Leap was a popular sci-fi show in the late 80s and early 90s. With its unique concept and heartwarming stories, it has remained a fan favorite.

4. Timeless (2016-2018)

This short-lived but well-received show follows a team of time travelers who must stop a mysterious organization from altering history. With its mix of action, drama, and historical events, Timeless had a dedicated fan base and even gained a second season after initially being canceled.

5. The Time Tunnel (1966-1967)

This classic sci-fi show follows two scientists who are transported through time via a secret government project. With its imaginative storylines and impressive special effects for its time, The Time Tunnel is considered a cult classic.

6. Legends of Tomorrow (2016-Present)

Part of the Arrowverse, this superhero show follows a team of DC Comics characters who travel through time to stop a powerful villain. With its mix of action, humor, and time-traveling shenanigans, Legends of Tomorrow has gained a loyal fan base.

7. Time After Time (2017)

Based on the novel by Karl Alexander, this short-lived show follows author H.G. Wells as he travels through time in pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Despite its cancellation after one season, Time After Time received positive reviews for its unique take on time travel.

8. Timeless Tales from Hallmark (1990-1991)

This animated series featured retellings of classic fairy tales with a time-traveling twist. With its charming animation and fun storytelling, it was a hit among children in the early 90s.

9. Lost (2004-2010)

While not primarily a time-traveling show, Lost incorporated time travel into its complex and mysterious plot. With its mix of sci-fi, drama, and mystery, this show has become a cult classic and remains one of the most talked-about TV shows of all time.

10. Dark (2017-Present)

This German sci-fi show follows the interconnected lives of four families across different time periods, all connected by a mysterious time portal in their town. With its intricate plot and dark themes, Dark has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

11. Time Squad (2001-2003)

This animated series follows a team of time travelers who must fix historical events that have been altered by time-traveling villains. With its mix of comedy and history, Time Squad was a hit among children in the early 2000s.

TV Time Travel: 23 Top-Rated Shows That Take Us Back in Time

12. 12 Monkeys (2015-2018)

Based on the film of the same name, this show follows a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future who must stop a deadly virus from wiping out humanity. With its gripping storyline and strong performances, 12 Monkeys gained a loyal fan base during its four seasons.

13. The Flash (2014-Present)

Another show in the Arrowverse, The Flash follows the titular superhero as he travels through time to prevent a catastrophic future. With its mix of action, drama, and time-traveling adventures, this show has become a fan favorite.

14. Making History (2017)

This comedy series follows three friends who use a duffel bag time machine to travel through history. Despite its short run, Making History received positive reviews for its humor and clever use of historical events.

15. Time Traveling Bong (2016)

This miniseries follows two cousins who accidentally travel through time with a magical bong. With its absurd and hilarious premise, Time Traveling Bong has gained a cult following.

16. Continuum (2012-2015)

In this sci-fi series, a cop from the future is transported back in time to the present day, where she must stop a group of time-traveling terrorists. With its complex plot and strong performances, Continuum gained a dedicated fan base during its four seasons.

17. Time Trax (1993-1994)

This action series follows a police officer from the future who travels through time to apprehend criminals who have escaped to the past. While short-lived, Time Trax gained a cult following for its entertaining mix of sci-fi and action.

18. Travelers (2016-2018)

In this sci-fi series, a team of time travelers from a dystopian future must complete missions to change the course of history. With its unique concept and strong character development, Travelers gained critical acclaim during its three seasons.

19. Goodnight Sweetheart (1993-1999)

This British sitcom follows a man who discovers a time portal in his house that takes him back to the 1940s. With its mix of comedy and historical events, Goodnight Sweetheart was a hit in the UK and gained a following in other countries as well.

20. Timecop (1997-1998)

Based on the film of the same name, this sci-fi series follows a police officer who uses time travel to prevent crimes before they happen. Despite its cancellation after one season, Timecop has gained a cult following for its action-packed episodes.

21. Frequency (2016-2017)

In this drama series, a detective discovers she can communicate with her deceased father in the past using an old radio. With its mix of thriller and family drama, Frequency received positive reviews for its unique take on time travel.

22. Tru Calling (2003-2005)

Starring Eliza Dushku, this supernatural drama follows a woman who can relive the day when someone dies, allowing her to change the outcome and prevent their death. While not primarily a time-traveling show, it incorporated time-traveling elements into its plot.

23. Life on Mars (2006-2007)

In this British sci-fi show, a detective from 2006 wakes up in 1973 and must figure out how to return to his own time. With its mix of drama, comedy, and mystery, Life on Mars received critical acclaim and a loyal fan base during its two seasons.

In conclusion, time-traveling TV shows have captured our imagination and taken us on thrilling adventures through different eras and historical events. Whether it’s through sci-fi, comedy, drama, or a mix of genres, these 23 top-rated shows have entertained us and kept us hooked with their unique concepts and compelling storytelling.