Babylon 5
- Genre: Sci-Fi
- Creator: J. Michael Straczynski
- Original Release Date: February 22, 1993
- Status: Active
Babylon 5, the influential science fiction television series that premiered in 1993, had its roots in the creative mind of J. Michael Straczynski. Known as JMS to fans, Straczynski envisioned a series that would revolutionize how science fiction was presented on television.
The show’s name refers to a space station serving as a neutral diplomatic hub in a turbulent galaxy.
Straczynski’s idea for Babylon 5 was to create a five-year story arc that had a definitive beginning, middle, and end. Unlike many series of the time, this novel approach allowed for intricate plotting, character development, and thematic richness.
Inspired by works like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Straczynski wanted a multi-layered narrative that went beyond episodic storytelling.
B5’s Pilot and Development
In 1989, Straczynski wrote a pilot titled “The Gathering,” which laid the groundwork for the series. He shopped the idea around various studios, and it was eventually picked up by Warner Bros.
The pilot was shot in 1992 and was syndicated by PTEN (Prime Time Entertainment Network) in 1993.
Groundbreaking Ideas
Babylon 5 was groundbreaking in its use of CGI technology for visual effects, a rarity for television at that time. This approach enabled more dynamic and innovative visuals, though limited by the technology and budget constraints of the era.
Straczynski’s insistence on a five-year story arc was groundbreaking. This long-term vision allowed for character growth, intricate plotting, and thematic exploration.
While episodic storytelling was the norm in television during the early ’90s, Babylon 5‘s serialized approach was pioneering.
The show explored complex issues such as political intrigue, ethical dilemmas, racial tensions, religious beliefs, and personal redemption. This complexity, along with well-developed characters, set the series apart from its contemporaries.
Reception and Legacy
Babylon 5 received critical acclaim for its writing, storytelling, and innovation. It won several awards, including two Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation.
However, it struggled with ratings and faced network changes.
Despite these challenges, Babylon 5 has left an enduring legacy. Its influence can be seen in later serialized shows, paving the way for future television writers to explore extended story arcs.
Spin-offs and Continuations
The success and cult following of Babylon 5 led to spin-offs, including the short-lived series Crusade and several TV movies. Straczynski continues to explore the universe of Babylon 5 through novels, comic books, and other media.
Original Babylon 5 Cast
John Sheridan
Susan Ivanova
Claudia Christian
Delenn
Michael Garibaldi
Jerry Doyle
Londo Mollari
Peter Jurasik
G’Kar
Andreas Katsalas
Lennier
Bill Mumy
Talia Winters
Andrea Thompson
Lyta Alexander
Patricia Tallman
Alfred Bester
Vir Cotto
Stephen Furst
Stephen Franklin
Richard Biggs
Zach Allen
Jeff Conaway
Elizabeth Lochley
Tracy Scoggins
Marcus Cole
Jason Carter
Jeffrey Sinclair
Michale O’Hare
Morden
Ed Wasser
Na’Toth
Julia Kaitlin Brown
Latest Babylon 5 News
Review: Babylon 5’s The Road Home Is A Disappointing Multiverse Clip Show
If you’ve been a fan for years you will probably see it as mandatory viewing.
Did Star Trek Rip Off Babylon 5?
The relationship between Babylon 5 and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) has long been a subject of discussion and …
Babylon 5 Is Expanding Into Its Own Multiverse
Babylon 5 Is Expanding Into Its Own Multiverse
Babylon 5 Finally Getting Released For Fans On Blu-ray
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Full Comparison Of Babylon 5’s New 2023 Versions Of The Show’s 90s CGI Ships
Babylon 5 always had some of the most incredible starship designs of any science fiction franchise, but it wasn’t until now that anyone had the ability to do them justice.
The First Babylon 5 Movie Trailer Is Here
Watch the first trailer for Babylon 5: The Road home.
The Babylon 5 Movie Just Released Its First Ever Video Footage
Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski posted the first footage from Babylon 5: The Road home to Twitter.
Get Your First Look At Babylon 5’s Upcoming Animated Movie
Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski just shared images from the upcoming animated film on Twitter.
Babylon 5 Movie Gets Rating From The MPA And It’s A Bit Of A Surprise
Babylon 5: The Road Home has been rated PG-13 by the MPA.
Babylon 5 Reboot Reveals The New Actors Taking Over Iconic Characters
The Babylon 5 reboot animated movie will feature many of the original stars and some new characters.
Babylon 5 Movie Is Happening, Details Revealed By Creator
Series creator J. Michael Straczynski confirms that an animated Babylon 5 movie is on the way.
Babylon 5 Coming Back? There’s Already A Teaser Image
Babylon 5’s return is teased in a new logo, with more information coming next week.
Bruce Boxleitner Reveals Babylon 5 Reboot Is In Trouble
Bruce Boxleitner hasn’t heard anything from producers about a Babylon 5 reboot.
You Won’t Be Able To Stream Babylon 5 For Much Longer
Babylon 5 is set to leave HBO Max on January 25, 2023.
Babylon 5 Reboot Could Be Canceled This Month Unless Fans Save It
The Babylon 5 reboot could die on the vine, according to series creator J. Michael Straczynski, and he’s urging fans to let their voices be heard.
Babylon 5 Reboot Will Change The Show’s Story For The CW
Series creator J. Michael Straczynski says the Babylon 5 reboot won’t have the same story as the original.
A Babylon 5 Project With The Remaining Original Cast Has Secretly Been Completed
Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski confirms the remaining original cast has completed a new project for the franchise in secret.
Babylon 5 Reboot Facing A Major Delay, Will It Still Happen?
The Babylon 5 reboot just got some rough news and could now be facing a major delay. Will this thing ever even happen?
All Stargate Shows Are About To Leave Streaming For A Long Time
If you’re watching a Stargate series, you better watch it quick!
Babylon 5 Reboot Is Happening On A Major Network
Are you ready to go back to Babylon 5? Well, ready or not a reboot of the sci-fi show is on the way!
Babylon 5 Has Finally Been Remastered, Here’s How To Watch It
Babylon 5 has finally been remastered and here is where you can watch it.
Mira Furlan Of Babylon 5 And Lost Is Dead
Mira Furlan, well-known for her roles on Babylon 5 and Lost, passed away this week. Fans and colleagues were stunned by the news.
The Best Female Characters Of Sci-Fi Film And Television
Hell hath no fury…
British Interplanetary Society Wants To Build Rotating Space Colonies
I want to go to there.
Babylon 5’s Tracy Scoggins Celebrates A Birthday: Today In Science & Science Fiction
When she joined Babylon 5, Tracy Scoggins was coming in under unusual conditions. Much of creator J. Michael Straczynski’s vaunted …
Michael Ansara, Babylon 5 And Star Trek Actor Passes Away At 91
Michael Ansara, a prolific character actor best known for playing Klingon commander Kang on multiple Star Trek series, and Elric, …
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The Real Reason Michael O’Hare Left Babylon 5
A sad truth revealed.
Babylon 5’s J. Michael Straczynski On Why Sci-Fi Television Is So Hard To Make
J. Michael Straczynski knows a thing or two about making quality, televised science fiction. When Babylon 5 aired its pilot …
Continue reading “Babylon 5’s J. Michael Straczynski On Why Sci-Fi Television Is So Hard To Make”
Starstruck: The Ten Best Romances In Sci-Fi Film & TV
Because everything’s better in space, even romance.