Classic Star Trek. I mean anything from TOS thru Enterprise, depending on how old you can tolerate. You'll want an episode guide to make sure you're not watching a shit-tier ep or part of an arc, but most episodes are going to tell a good solid sci-fi story in one sitting.
Sliders is another good one for speculative sci-fi. The Outer Limits for an actual anthology of stories.
Classic Star Trek. I mean anything from TOS thru Enterprise, depending on how old you can tolerate. You'll want an episode guide to make sure you're not watching a shit-tier ep or part of an arc, but most episodes are going to tell a good solid sci-fi story in one sitting.
Sliders is another good one for speculative sci-fi. The Outer Limits for an actual anthology of stories.
This, but skip the guide. There are some bad episodes, but don't get hung up about it.
SG-1 gets 'serious' in the second half of its run, but is still episodic. Ditto for X-Files.
'Window of Opportunity' will always be one of their best for both silly and serious moments.
"You cannot be serious."
"Yes I can. I just choose not to... some of the time."