The Battlestar Galactica is an amazing series. Not only an excellent sci-fi show, but also very engaging elements of drama as well. Highly recommended.
Star Trek: The Next Generation was pretty ace too.
You don't need to throw in loads of dosh and the latest visual effects to make a good series - dig into the archives for one of the classics:
...... running around old abandoned quarries in silver spray painted derri boots, does it for me.
And don't forget shooting people with curling tongs
I remember it well. Avon was just such an devious bastid.
And who could forget the delicious Cervelat
Battlestar started off excellent, but I think they took the lost approach to storytelling, write loads of catchy twist and turns, but never bother thinking about how you're going to conclude them.
If you're up on the sci-fi and a bit more on the horror end, I can highly recommend "Riget" by Lars von Trier. Do not bother with the American version.
And I'll also put a vote in for the new Battlestar Galactica.
+1 for Stargate if not purely for the sarcasm from Richard Dean Anderson (of Macgyver fame). There is 10 seasons to get through not including SG-Atlantis and SG-Universe. Should keep you busy for a while!!!
Also, I know its not Sci-Fi but i can highly recommend Burn Notice.
I am about six episodes through season 4. It still has very high viewing figures in the US........so it wont be cancelled anytime soon!!!
surprised no one has mentioned terminator series yet, shame it also got canceled.
seen all of the burn notices, its pretty good, there is also a spin off made for tv movie, the fall of sam axe, thats watchable if you don't take things too seriously don't know how long they can carry it on for though, its all getting a bit samey now.