First Wave 1998
What is First Wave?
First Wave is a Canadian science fiction drama television series that aired from 1998 to 2001 on the Space Channel in Canada. The program was filmed in Vancouver and was created and written by American screenwriter Chris Brancato, with Francis Ford Coppola serving as an executive producer.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1998
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 66
- First aired
- Sep 9, 1998
- Last aired
- Feb 7, 2001
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- CA
- Networks
- Syfy
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 66 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
First Wave is a Canadian science fiction drama television series that aired from 1998 to 2001 on the Space Channel in Canada. The program was filmed in Vancouver and was created and written by American screenwriter Chris Brancato, with Francis Ford Coppola serving as an executive producer. The series follows a former thief who finds himself framed for murder and forced to live on the run. While attempting to clear his name, he discovers evidence of an impending alien invasion. To expose the vanguard of this extraterrestrial threat, he enlists the help of a conspiracy theorist. Together, they utilize newly discovered prophecies attributed to Nostradamus to understand and fight the encroaching danger. The show features a cast that includes Sebastian Spence, Rob LaBelle, Roger Cross, and Traci Lords. As a work of science fiction, the series explores themes of hidden conspiracies and survival against an overwhelming, unseen enemy. The production remains notable for its premise involving historical prophecy and its origins within the Canadian television landscape of the late nineties.
Should you watch it?
“A fugitive teams up with a conspiracy theorist to stop aliens using Nostradamus prophecies.”
- Unique blend of alien invasion and historical prophecy themes
- Strong central performances from the leads
- Compelling mix of sci-fi and thriller elements
- Some episodes rely heavily on conspiracy theory tropes
- Pacing can feel uneven in early episodes
You enjoy alien invasion stories with historical mysticism and on-the-run action.
Suitable for teens and adults who enjoy sci-fi thrillers with moderate intensity.
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Your verdict
Is First Wave worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 22 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Subject 117 Sep 9, 1998
- E2 Crazy Eddie Sep 16, 1998
- E3 Mata Hari Sep 23, 1998
- E4 Hypnotic Sep 30, 1998
- E5 Elixir Oct 7, 1998
- E6 Speaking in Tongues Oct 14, 1998
- E7 Lungfish Oct 21, 1998
- E8 Book of Shadows Oct 28, 1998
- E9 Joshua Nov 4, 1998
- E10 Marker 262 Nov 11, 1998
- E11 Motel California Nov 18, 1998
- E12 Breeding Ground Nov 25, 1998
- E13 Blue Agave Dec 2, 1998
- E14 Cul-De-Sac Dec 9, 1998
- E15 The Box Dec 16, 1998
- E16 Undesirables Dec 23, 1998
- E17 Second Wave Dec 30, 1998
- E18 Blind Witness Jan 6, 1999
- E19 Deluge Jan 13, 1999
- E20 Melody Jan 20, 1999
- E21 The Aftertime Jun 19, 1999
- E22 The Decision Jun 30, 1999
Season 2 · 22 episodes
- E1 Target 117 Jan 9, 2000
- E2 Deepthroat Jan 16, 2000
- E3 The Apostles Jan 23, 2000
- E4 Susperience Jan 30, 2000
- E5 The Channel Feb 6, 2000
- E6 Red Flag Apr 2, 2000
- E7 Prayer for the White Man Apr 9, 2000
- E8 The Purge Apr 16, 2000
- E9 Lost Souls Apr 23, 2000
- E10 The Heist Jun 18, 2000
- E11 Ohio Players Jun 25, 2000
- E12 Night Falls Dec 8, 1999
- E13 Normal, Illinois Dec 15, 1999
- E14 All About Eddie Dec 22, 1999
- E15 Playland Dec 29, 1999
- E16 The Harvest Jan 5, 2000
- E17 Rubicon Jan 12, 2000
- E18 Gladiator May 17, 2000
- E19 The Trial of Joshua Bridges May 24, 2000
- E20 Underworld May 31, 2000
- E21 Tomorrow Jun 7, 2000
- E22 The Believers Jun 14, 2000
Season 3 · 22 episodes
- E1 Mabus Sep 13, 2000
- E2 Raven Nation Sep 20, 2000
- E3 Comes a Horseman Sep 27, 2000
- E4 Gulag Oct 4, 2000
- E5 The Flight of Francis Jeffries Oct 11, 2000
- E6 Still At Large Oct 18, 2000
- E7 Asylum Oct 25, 2000
- E8 Eyes of the Gua Nov 1, 2000
- E9 Skywatchers Nov 8, 2000
- E10 The Plan Nov 15, 2000
- E11 Wednesday's Child Nov 22, 2000
- E12 Unearthed Nov 29, 2000
- E13 Shadowland Dec 6, 2000
- E14 Legacy Dec 13, 2000
- E15 The Edge Dec 20, 2000
- E16 The Vessel Dec 27, 2000
- E17 Requiem Jan 3, 2001
- E18 Checkmate Jan 10, 2001
- E19 Black Box Jan 17, 2001
- E20 Beneath The Black Sky Jan 24, 2001
- E21 Terminal City Jan 31, 2001
- E22 Twice Bless'd Feb 7, 2001
Frequently asked questions
Is this show based on actual Nostradamus prophecies?
The show incorporates Nostradamus prophecies as a fictional plot device within its alien invasion storyline.
Does the main character have special powers?
The protagonist is a former thief without supernatural abilities but becomes key to exposing the alien threat.
Are there recurring conspiracy themes throughout the series?
Yes, conspiracy theories and government cover-ups are central elements of the show's narrative.
Is the alien invasion revealed early in the series?
The alien threat is established early as the main characters work to expose the invasion.
Does the show have a lot of action scenes?
The series features regular action sequences as the protagonists evade authorities and fight the alien threat.