Back from the Future…

… How Sci-Fi Shows and Movies Defined Me

Growing up in the UK during the late 80s and early 90s was an exciting time for those who were into science fiction. It was a time when TV shows and movies like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Doctor Who dominated our screens, firing up our imaginations and transporting us to distant worlds filled with adventure and wonder.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a particular favourite of mine, with its gadgets, futuristic technologies, and emphasis on exploration and diplomacy. It inspired my love for invention, gadgets, and geeky things in general. I was fascinated by the replicators, the holodecks, and the communicators – all things that seemed like science fiction back then but are now part of our everyday lives.

Of course, Doctor Who was also a significant part of my childhood, and it helped shape the person I am today. I vividly remember watching the classic episodes with Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor and being transported to far-off worlds of danger and adventure. The show’s ability to blend science fiction with horror and comedy made it unique and endlessly entertaining, and it’s no surprise that it has endured for over 50 years.

As for movies, there were so many great sci-fi classics from that era that it’s hard to know where to start. Blade Runner, The Terminator, Jurassic Park, Alien/Aliens – these were all movies I repeatedly watched, marvelling at their gadgetry and visions of the future.

Looking back, it’s clear that the science fiction of the 80s and 90s had a profound impact on me, shaping my imagination and my love for stories that transport me to other worlds. And while the special effects and production values may not hold up as well today, the stories themselves still resonate and continue to inspire new generations of fans.

So if you’re a sci-fi fan who grew up in the UK during the 80s and 90s, you’re not alone. We may be all grown up now, but we’ll always have those memories of watching our favourite shows and movies, dreaming of the gadgets and technologies we might one day see in real life, and wondering what might be out there in the vast, unexplored reaches of the universe.