In various contemporary media, you can observe the strands of inspiration drawn from earlier films and television as new works incorporate elements from the past, including distinctive visual styles, director signatures, as well as narratives and characters. This is undoubtedly true for James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, showcasing some of Marvel’s most cherished films from the previous decade. In 2014, when Marvel enlisted Gunn to co-write the inaugural “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie, he expanded upon concepts initiated in a classic sci-fi series known as “Farscape.” Specifically, the notion of a group of misfits uniting for a cause larger than themselves — a fundamental theme in the Jim Henson Company series that aired on the Sci-Fi Channel (SyFy) from 1999 to 2003. The characters bear striking resemblances: ranging from a rough-and-tumble fighter to aliens possessing unusual abilities and a wisecracking protagonist from Earth.
Gunn expressed his excitement for the show and its impact on “Guardians” in an earlier [Twitter post from 2017](https://www.landmarkcinemas.com/movie-news/james-gunn-says-farscape-inspired-guardians-of-the-galaxy). He mentioned that people frequently inquire about possible influences sourced from “a million films” or other mediums. “Generally, the response is negative. [But] in the case of ‘Farscape,’ the answer is absolutely YES.” This implies that if you’re craving more of the “Guardians,” or seeking something alike, “Farscape” is a great option to savor its eclectic ensemble of space misfits and clever, subversive narratives.
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### How does Farscape compare to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies?
In comparison, “Farscape” extends across four seasons, with 22 episodes each, broadcasting from 1999 to 2003 — technically until 2004 if you include the miniseries. This contrasts with “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which currently encompasses three feature films, along with additional context provided in other Marvel films. “Farscape” was afforded ample time to develop its characters and plotlines, allowing you, as the viewer, to spend more time within that universe and with the crew of Moya, the living ship pivotal to the series. This is a welcome benefit, as “Farscape” boasts a 90% critic score and an 87% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series centers around John Crichton, a human who gets drawn through a wormhole and finds himself stranded with a diverse group of characters in space. This parallels the origin of Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord (Peter Quill) and his makeshift team in the first “Guardians” — although Quill’s crew forms by coincidence. John’s romance with another character, Aeryn, is reminiscent of Quill and Gamora’s relationship in “Guardians.” Every “Farscape” episode features the wandering alien crew tackling a new dilemma, much like the central theme found in each “Guardians” film. Both franchises provide numerous pop-culture references and fourth-wall breaks with clever allusions to Earth. Witness “Guardians'” classic hits, Quill’s humorous nods to Earth culture, and plentiful sarcasm. “Farscape” possesses this in its own eccentric manner as well. Frequently, Crichton, akin to Quill, is the only one who grasps the references or jokes he makes — along with the audience, naturally.
You can view “Farscape” on The Roku Channel, The CW, Amazon Prime Video, and Plex for free with advertisements. Additionally, you can rent or purchase the series on most major platforms. If you’re in search of something else extraordinary, consider [a mind-bending modern sci-fi film](https://www.bgr.com/2039418/sci-fi-movies-based-classic-short-stories/) inspired by classic short stories?
