When the Cardassian occupation of Bajor ended in 2369, the mining space-station Terok Nor was left abandoned, its systems ripped out. By invitation of the provisional Bajoran government, Starfleet stepped in to oversee the rebuilding and day-to-day operations of the newly christened Deep Space Nine. DS9 soon became a center of travel and commerce thanks to a newly found stable wormhole leading to the largely unexplored Gamma Quadrant.
If you're yearning for a TV series that combines action, adventure, drama, and science-fiction into one compelling narrative, then look no further than Babylon 5. This US-made series is an exquisite space opera that has not only aged gracefully but also remains influential in contemporary television.
Set in the 2250s aboard a five-mile-long space station located in neutral space, Babylon 5's primary goal is to maintain peace among the various alien races. Its diplomatic function is enhanced by its role as a military post for Earth and a port of call for an array of characters including travelers, traders, businessmen, criminals, and Rangers. Constructed by the Earth Alliance, the station plays host to ambassadors from different civilizations who work together - or sometimes against each other - to keep interstellar relations under control.
What sets Babylon 5 apart from many other shows in its genre is its pre-planned five-year story arc. Each episode serves as a chapter in an overarching narrative rather than standalone stories common in episodic television. This format allows Babylon 5 to explore major plotlines involving intrigue, wars and conflicts among various races while delving into personal themes such as change, loss, oppression, corruption and redemption.