I was a latecomer to watching Babylon 5. The series is amazing and unfortunately was overshadowed for a long time by Star Trek. Even worse, Star Trek ripped it off with the introduction of DS9.
Although both series had similar premise (daily turmoil in a galaxy full of sentient life), Babylon 5 offers a more realistic vision of the future. This is definitely one series a Sci-Fi Buff should not miss!
Viewing Order
Like the Star Wars and Star Trek universes, Babylon 5 did not film the entire story in chronological order. And, in my opinion, Babylon 5 is probably the worst for creating a confusing viewing order for new fans. New viewers are usually lost and confused wondering which episodes/movies to watch first.
This is my suggested viewing order of Babylon 5.
Watch:
1) The Gathering (Pilot- Movie 1993) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
2) Season 1 [IMDB Complete Episode Guide] [Wikipedia Complete Episode Guide]
3) Season 2
4) Season 3
5) Season 4 – Watch “into the Fire” and stop.
6) Thirdspace (Movie 1998) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
7) Season 4 – Continue until the end.
8) In the Beginning (Movie 1998) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
9) Season 5 – Watch “Objects at Rest” and stop.
10) The River of Souls (Movie 1998) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
11) Season 5 – Continue until the end.
12) A Call to Arms (Movie 1999) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
13) Crusade 13 episodes [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
14) Legend of the Rangers (Movie 2002) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
15) The Lost Tales – Voices in the Dark (Movie 2007) [IMDB] [Wikipedia]
Note: The viewing order can be a point to argue because you can watch it by chronological order of the filming/release dates or by chronological order of the timeline in the Babylon 5 universe. My list is a mix of both, but mainly I stick to the release dates. Others may suggest to strictly follow the release dates or to follow the timeline. It’s your choice.
BONUS
16) Star Wreck: The Pirkinning – Although not officially part of the Babylon 5 canon, it offers a good parody for those hardcore fans seeking more.
Discussion
Whew! We are done. It might look daunting to start watching all of this, but I highly recommend this series. It’s a truly excellent series.
When you’re finished come back to Sci-Fi Buff to tell us what you thought about it.
To read more, have a discussion, or get more information, please visit our Babylon 5 Forum
I’ve added the chronological order below for reference, but I strongly suggest you do not watch it in this order.
In order of series chronology:
2245–48 • In the Beginning (1st film)*
2256 • Babylon 5 station commissioned
2257 • The Gathering (Pilot)
2258 • Signs and Portents (Season 1)
2259 • The Coming of Shadows (Season 2)
2260 • Point of No Return (Season 3)
2261 • No Surrender, No Retreat (Season 4)**
2261 • Thirdspace (2nd film)***
2262 • The Wheel of Fire (Season 5)†
2263 • The River of Souls (3rd film)
2265 • The Legend of the Rangers (5th film)
2266 • A Call to Arms (4th film)
2267 • Crusade (spin-off series)
2271 • The Lost Tales: Voices in the Dark
2278 • In the Beginning (1st film)*
2281 • Babylon 5 station decommissioned
* The framing story is set in 2278, and includes spoilers relating to seasons 1–4.
** The final episode of the season includes scenes of future events up to 3262 and beyond.
*** The story is set between the two wars in season 4.
† The final episode of series is set in 2281
-Robin
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