Fringe

FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) is forced to work with unstable scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble). She recruits his estranged son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) to help understand him. Astrid Farnsworth (Jasika Nicole) is a junior FBI agent. As the strange cases are investigated, they may be connected to a global company called Massive Dynamic run by Nina Sharp (Blair Brown).

This is yet another JJ Abrams TV show. It is starting to become like opening another Starbucks. This starts like a copy of the X-files. Slowly the X-files retread story lines morphed into an incredible multi-verse, apocalyptic, time traveling story-web. I'm glad that they were able to stay on the air for 5 seasons to fully flesh out the story.

There's an abundance of great writing, incredible performances and excellent execution on this show, but John Noble (playing the (to put it mildly) eccentric scientist Walter Bishop) steals every scene he's in. His performance is one for the ages, and it's up there with Christopher Lloyd's Dr. Emmett Brown and Terry O'Quinn's John Locke. A pure joy!

Fringe was such a solid sci-fi series that was ahead of its time. It is clearly underrated as it's turned into a cult classic since it went off the air. I recently started rewatching it and didn't realize just how good it was when it was originally on. I'm not saying it's among my favorite sci-fi series ever but I understand it when I see other people say it's among theirs. Every episode is exciting and keeps the story moving forward. There will be times where you might be confused but don't worry because it will work itself out. You can tell these writers didn't just write season to season like most do. They had an end plan and had an answer for every mystery they brought up. Fringe is a must watch for any sci-fi fan.

I was hooked when this show was active, and started watching Season 1 again a few days ago.

It is far superior to most of the sci fi we're tortured with, today.

Just sci fi, no distractions. Season 5 brings it all home, even bringing in items from the previous four seasons to be used as weapons!

EDIT/ADDED: =====================>>>>>>

I just finished a marathon watch of all five seasons, and considering that this series ended a mere 5,6 years ago, I am in awe at it's ahead-of-its-time brilliance, and in shock to realise how absolutely awful most current sci fi series have become in comparison!

Today, social agendas, special interest group pandering, and identity politics are the central focus of plots, driving towards the proverbial ex cathedra morality chastising of the audience, and a big group hug for the cherry.

Fringe is just sci fi, timeless and I'll be re-watching every five or six years.

The only other "10" rating I've ever given here at IMDb is "The Expanse".

I Saw this on TV when it first aired. Must have been at least 15 years ago. Loved it, like I loved all Canadian Scifi in that time period but would only have rated it 7 stars. Now I have watched some episods every day and I'm into half the third season. Unlike a lot of "older" tv-shows this one still hold its ground and it keeps getting better for every new season. Unlike my 15 years younger self I actually love Anna Torvs acting. She is great. (I used to think she was stiff, but she was just before her time haha). What hasn't changed is the superb acting of John Noble who play doctor Bishop!!. Joshua Jackson (Bishop Jr) & Jasika Nicole (Astrid) are also solid actors. The plot is very thought trough and the episodes are (mostly) stand alone but with a thick red line going through everything. If u committed, that Red line will give you a fantastic insight in the shows character, so for your own good.. Watch the entire show within a few months... Then it will be a ten star experience!