The discussion about best sci-fi series ever doesn't exactly have a clear-cut answer. There are shows that have defined generations, recent shows that have elevated the genre to popularity, and even procedural type shows that have made sci-fi more accessible. A lot of those have enough merits to be considered among the best. But SyFy series 12 Monkeys might just take the crown.

Big words -- but the series can back it up. The show, a loose adaptation of the 1995 movie of the same name, aired on SyFy from 2015 to 2018. It gained a dedicated following during its time, and a cult following that has stuck with it to this day, but it has never truly garnered the mainstream recognition it deserves. Particularly considering how many objectively hard things the show does not just well -- but superbly.

12 Monkeys Jennifer Goines

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Starting with characterization. On sci-fi shows it can be easy to get lost in the plot of it all -- 12 Monkeys is at its core a time-travel adventure, but its not just that. Instead 12 Monkeys is a show about family, about the things we give up for it, the decisions we make, and also about the people we meet along the way, the people who shape our lives, and somehow, become an integral part of our story.

Well, that and about the fact that yes, there are heroes. There are people who one way or another, shape the course of history in many ways. But people aren't tied to one fate, and anyone can become the hero, not just of their own story, but everyone else's.

The consistent and clear messaging -- and characters that never do things for no reason, but instead follow the same emotional journey as the plot -- aren't the only things to celebrate on 12 Monkeys, but they are peculiar enough that they must be pointed out, first and foremost. So often on TV we see characters who act in accordance with the plot, instead of their own internal logic, or real-world common sense. This is typically the result of a lack of planning, or worse, bad writing. 12 Monkeys suffers from no such problems, thanks to its tight, well-structured storytelling.

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A show that always knows what its North Star is can manage things other shows can't. It can even drop small clues to big twists the audience can't see coming, but that in retrospect, seem obvious. It can tie all its messages together. And, almost as importantly, it can make sure its characters' personalities are what they need to be to make the plot work.

12 Monkeys does all of this and delivers the Holy Grail -- a satisfying, happy ending, one that doesn't feel forced, and instead is just the logical continuation of the story the show has been telling for four seasons. This makes it even rarer, as sci-fi, in general, has a tendency to go open-ended, or worse, edgy with its finales, with the end result that fans might have enjoyed the journey, but never feel the need to revisit the show again, as the resolution just wasn't satisfying.

The combination of a great, interesting -- if complex -- plot, superb characters, emotional resonance, big twists and a great ending makes 12 Monkeys not just a show everyone should watch, but one of the best sci-fi shows on TV. Hopefully a lot more people can discover this hidden gem, and the future can give it the acclaim it deserves.

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