Yannick Bisson in Murdoch Mysteries. Photo courtesy of CBC.
Here’s a directory of the top steampunk (or steampunk-related) live-action TV series, based on ratings from users of the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
Most of these series can be viewed on streaming services, but some are available only on DVD.
The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993–1994) — A classic weird western TV series with science fiction and steampunk elements. It starred Bruce Campbell as a bounty hunter in the Old West. The series aired for one season on Fox in 1993-94. It’s available on DVD but not on any streaming services that we are aware of.
IMDb score: 8.3/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Murdoch Mysteries (2008-present) — This Canadian TV series has become a favorite among steampunk fans even though it lacks sci-fi or fantasy elements.
It stars Yannick Bisson as detective William Murdoch, who solves crimes in late 19th century and early 20th century Toronto, often using anachronistic technology. The series is also notable for featuring real-life historical figures as characters, including Nikola Tesla, H.G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, the Wright Brothers, Alexander Graham Bell, Harry Houdini, Thomas Edison, and H. P. Lovecraft.
In the U.S., the series is available on Acorn TV and Hulu.
IMDb score: 8.2/10.
Links: Website | Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Penny Dreadful (2014-2016) — This Showtime horror series features characters from 19th century literature, including Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
The series is available on Paramount+ in the U.S.
Rotten Tomatoes scores: 91% (critics); 90% (audience). IMDb score: 8.2/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
The Wild Wild West (1965–1969) — This 1960s TV series is widely regarded as a steampunk prototype. It starred Robert Conrad and Ross Martin as a pair of Secret Service agents who used a variety of retrofuturistic gadgets to foil the outlandish plots of Bond-style villains.
The series was a product of its time, and some episodes contain offensive cultural depictions and ethnic stereotypes.
IMDb score: 8.1/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
His Dark Materials (2019–2022) — An HBO series based on Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy. It's available for streaming on Max.
IMDb score: 7.8/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019) — Critically acclaimed Netflix original series inspired by the Lemony Snicket children’s books.
IMDb score: 7.7/10.
Carnival Row (2019–2023) — This fantasy series from Prime Video is set in a dystopian Victorian-style world where mythological creatures form an immigrant underclass. The cast features Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne.
IMDb score: 7.7/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Going Postal (2010) — A two-part miniseries based on the Terry Pratchett Discworld novel.
IMDb score: 7.6/10.
Legend (1995) — A sci-fi western series featuring Richard Dean Anderson and John DeLancie that aired on UPN in 1995. It received largely positive reviews but was canceled due to low ratings.
IMDb score: 7.6/10.
Warehouse 13 (2009-2014) — A SyFy series about a secret government agency that recovers supernatural artifacts. It has lots of steampunk elements. The series is currently streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.
IMDb score: 7.6/10.
Links: Website | Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Shadow and Bone (2021-2023) — A Netflix fantasy series based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grisha trilogy. Bardugo has described the series as “Tsarpunk,” meaning “fantasy that takes its inspiration from the aesthetics, culture, politics, and social structure of early 19th century Russia.”
Rotten Tomatoes scores: 78% (critics); 80% (audience). IMDb score: 7.5/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells (2001) — This mini-series loosely adapted six of the author’s short stories. Each is told in the form of a flashback by an elderly Wells as if the stories really happened earlier in his life. The series originally aired in 2001 on The Hallmark Channel.
It’s available for streaming on Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Prime Video.
IMDb score: 7.4/10.
The Nevers (2021–2023) — Women (and a few men) with supernatural powers in Victorian-era London. Joss Whedon created the series for HBO, but left following complaints about his treatment of actors, producers, and writers on other projects. Warner Bros. Discovery later pulled the series from its media properties and licensed the streaming rights to Tubi and The Roku Channel.
IMDb score: 7.4/10.
Tin Man (2007) — This steampunkish version of The Wizard of Oz originally aired on the Sci-Fi Channel.
IMDb score: 7/10.
The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne (2000) — This Canadian TV series casts Jules Verne as a character in adventures inspired by his own stories. It does not appear to be available on DVD or streaming services.
IMDb score: 6.8/10.
