The sci-fi genre may be popular in the TV landscape, but it often veers into more frightening territory, like the ever-chilling Black Mirror or the unsettling Pluribus. But some of the best sci-fi series take a very different tone, and that is the case with the 2015 series Killjoys. This exciting space adventure excelled despite not fitting the mold of modern sci-fi series. With a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series earned significant praise, though it never reached the level of recognition that some received. Now a decade old, this underrated series serves as a reminder of a simpler era of TV, despite not having the massive budget that is common these days.

Focusing on three bounty hunters and their various jobs, Killjoys never lacked action, and that’s saying something for a series that lasted five seasons. The characters’ histories and talents lead to plenty of conflict, which keeps the series fresh even as it goes on, with the final two seasons both receiving considerable praise from fans. This Canadian series told a complete story, which is getting increasingly rare. Killjoys may not be the most well-known sci-fi series around, but it’s a hidden gem for enthusiasts of the genre.

What Is ‘Killjoys’ About?

The series follows a trio of bounty hunters, Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), Johnny (Aaron Ashmore), and D’avin (Luke Macfarlane), who work in a system called The Quad, which consists of four planets all unofficially controlled by a morally ambiguous organization called The Company. As Reclamation Agents, the main characters accept warrants to apprehend criminals (and sometimes property), which keeps the story moving, especially as the characters constantly find themselves in one scrape or another. This setup creates an interplanetary procedural that opens up plenty of action. With all the trademarks of a space adventure, the series introduces an interesting world with a dystopian-esque story that is sure to catch the attention of any sci-fi fan.

Perhaps Killjoys‘ greatest strength is the dynamics between the central trio. From the beginning, Dutch and Johnny are established as best friends who do everything together, adding a lighthearted and hilarious relationship at the center of the series. Yet, when Johnny’s brother, D’avin, joins the group, he causes conflict, especially with the romantic tension that forms between him and Dutch. Not only is the trio’s relationship fun to watch, but their dark past seems to have a way of coming back to haunt them. Dutch may be a skilled agent, but her mysterious history creates issues for her as it is slowly uncovered. Similarly, Johnny and D’avin must face their past as they reunite after years apart. D’avin left his family to become a soldier years before the series, and they are only brought back together when Johnny accepts a kill warrant on D’avin in an attempt to save his brother. The characters’ pasts ensure there is never a dull moment in Killjoys as they draw the audience in.

With Five Seasons, ‘Killjoys’ Provides a Complete and Long-Lasting Story

Image via Syfy

In a genre where shows routinely get cancelled too soon, Killjoys outlasted most. Sci-fi often requires so much exposition that series ending after only one or two seasons don’t give the viewers enough time to truly invest in the story. But Killjoys doesn’t have this issue. The series ran for five seasons, getting a total of 50 episodes. This means the audience gets to live in the world for a while. It may take some time to watch, but the extended length is a strength as it allows for the characters’ secrets to unravel slowly and for the stakes to grow.

Killjoys‘ longer run gives it another advantage – it has a real ending, which seems to be an increasingly rare thing. It’s frustrating for fans when a show ends on a cliffhanger or even leaves unanswered questions for them to ponder. Luckily, Killjoys avoids that trap, getting to play out a definitive ending for its heroes. With so much going for it, Killjoys deserves more recognition than it receives, and sci-fi fans will not regret tuning in.