I've finally figured out Farscape. It is somebody's RPG that was turned into a television series.
Just an off the cuff list:
1. Characters are thrown together due to extraordinary circumstances.
2. New characters are added as the group of gamers gets new members.
3. There are episodes that don't include all of the characters. This could have been due to players not being able to make it to game.
4. Misunderstood NPC becomes a tenuous ally instead of enemy.
5. When Chrichton is cloned, it could have been because there were split sessions, and one player was at both sessions.
6. The group is well known enough that they have a reputation, yet are not easily found by the "bad guys".
7. There are specialist characters, ex-military, vamp, exiled ruler, etc.
8. Dream sequences.
9. Bad science.
10. NPC's that had been antagonists are recruited to go against a tougher enemy.