Terra Nova

In 2149 the Shannon family leaves a collapsing, overpopulated Earth to join a government-backed expedition that sends colonists back to prehistoric times, the only plausible refuge for humanity. Jim and Elisabeth Shannon move with their children into a newly founded settlement where dinosaurs roam and resources are scarce. As they try to carve out a safer life, everyday parenting and community-building are complicated by dangerous wildlife, limited supplies, and political tensions among settlers. The show tracks their efforts to protect their kids, maintain moral choices under pressure, and balance survival needs with long-term hopes for rebuilding human society.

Premiering in 2011 on Fox, Terra Nova was created by Kelly Marcel and Craig Silverstein. The show was ambitious for network TV, pairing family drama with large-scale dinosaur visuals and action, showcasing ambitious creature work.

Reaction was mixed, with audience scores around 6.76 out of 10 from online voters. Critics often praised the series' visual scope and its focus on family stakes, while pointing to uneven plotting and underdeveloped side characters. Central themes include environmental collapse, generational responsibility, sacrifice for the future, and the ethics of colonizing a past world.

Despite lasting only one season, Terra Nova generated conversation about the sustainability of effects-driven, high-cost programming on broadcast networks. Its dinosaur sequences and the premise of sending ordinary families into prehistory remain frequent reference points when people discuss ambitious sci-fi that struggled to find an audience.

The series did not secure major awards during its short run, and cancellation limited awards attention. Still, within genre circles and among fans its production values, creature effects, and set design were often highlighted as notable achievements.