Choosing the perfect sci-fi show to get comfortable with can be complicated. What kind of sci-fi are you into? Do you want to reach the far edges of the future or just chill in an adjacent time? Are you more of an easygoing person who wants minor plots without much drama, or are you all about high stakes? The problem with watching sci-fi isn’t that there’s not enough; there’s too much to choose from. We have some prime picks for you, no matter what you’re into. They are all sure to satisfy your need for the great unknown. We have ten sci-fi shows that will be a hit for your afternoon.
10. Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction TV series that has been running for over 50 years. It follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. He travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine that looks like a police box. The Doctor is a complex and often perplexing character with a long history and a trend to attract danger.
Fans know the show for its mix of humor, drama, and adventure. Doctor Who presents creative stories and a wide variety of aliens. What makes Doctor Who so great is its ability to reinvent itself and appeal to multiple generations of viewers. It maintains attention while remaining true to its core themes of bravery, exploration, and mercy. It’s a show that encourages imagination and has become a cultural icon in science fiction.
9. The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone is a classic American collection TV series that initially aired from 1959 to 1964. Each episode is a standalone story that studies science fiction, fantasy, and horror themes. The show’s creator, Rod Serling, was also the host and narrator. He iconically introduced each episode and set the stage for the story to come.
Fans know the series for its iconic opening theme and unique storytelling style, often featuring twist endings or unexpected plot developments. What makes The Twilight Zone so great is its ability to use science fiction and fantasy to explore complex social and moral issues, often with a satirical or ironic edge. The show was groundbreaking and has impacted many other TV series and films. Even today, over 60 years after its debut, The Twilight Zone remains a beloved and influential artistic precedent.
8. Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation is a popular American science fiction TV series from 1987 to 1994. It is the second Star Trek series and follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-D, a starship in the 24th century. The show was created by Gene Roddenberry and featured a diverse and talented cast, including Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
The series is known for its optimistic vision of the future, where humanity has overcome many current problems and works with other alien races to explore the galaxy. It also examines themes of morality, ethics, and the nature of humanity, often through encounters with new civilizations and technologies.
What makes Star Trek: The Next Generation so great is its ability to combine compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and imaginative world-building to create a universe that feels both realistic and aspirational. The show’s production values were also ahead of their time, with impressive special effects and a cinematic feel.
It has had a major impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous spin-offs, films, and novels and a dedicated fanbase. The series has been praised for balancing action and adventure with thoughtful exploration of complex philosophical and social issues, making it a classic of the sci-fi genre.
7. Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica is a critically acclaimed American science fiction TV series from 2004 to 2009. It also reimagines the 1978 series of the same name and follows the survivors of a devastating attack on the Twelve Colonies of humanity by the robotic Cylons. The show is known for its intense and gritty tone, complex characters, and nuanced exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and the nature of humanity.
What makes Battlestar Galactica so great is its ability to combine compelling storytelling with top-notch production values and impressive performances by its cast. The show’s creators, Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, took risks with the series, exploring complex themes and creating flawed, nuanced characters that often defied genre conventions. The show’s use of science fiction to explore contemporary social and political issues was also groundbreaking, making it a favorite among both sci-fi fans and mainstream audiences.
Battlestar Galactica‘s narrative also keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, with gripping storylines, unexpected plot twists, and complex character relationships. Its use of suspense, drama, and action makes it a thrilling watch from start to finish. Battlestar Galactica has significantly impacted the sci-fi genre, influencing numerous other TV shows and films. Many consider it one of the greatest sci-fi series of all time.
6. The X-Files
The X-Files is a classic American sci-fi TV series that aired from 1993 to 2002, with a revival in 2016. It follows FBI agents investigating paranormal phenomena and extraterrestrial life, blending sci-fi, horror, and conspiracy. The show’s ability to create mystery and unease, with each episode featuring a new, strange case, made it unique.
Using a “monster of the week” format allowed for imaginative and often terrifying creatures to be explored. The chemistry between Mulder and Scully was also a significant factor in the show’s success, evolving from colleagues to friends and partners. The show’s blend of personal drama with sci-fi and conspiracy made it a favorite among genre fans and mainstream audiences. “The X-Files” inspired imitators, spin-offs, and a dedicated fanbase, impacting popular culture. Its legacy as a classic sci-fi series continues to be felt today, over 25 years since its debut.
5. Firefly
Firefly is a beloved sci-fi series that aired in 2002, following the crew of spaceship Serenity as they navigate a lawless frontier in the future. The show’s unique blend of Western and sci-fi elements, as well as its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and gripping storylines, make it great. Despite only airing for one season, the show has a dedicated fanbase known as “Browncoats,” and has had a significant impact on the sci-fi genre. Its cancellation has made it a symbol of the struggles faced by innovative and daring TV programming.
4. Stranger Things
In 2016, Stranger Things premiered as a critically acclaimed American sci-fi TV series. The show follows a group of friends uncovering supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies in their 1980s small town. Its ability to evoke 80s nostalgia while creating a thrilling story with memorable characters is noteworthy. Further, the show’s impressive world-building blends horror, sci-fi, and adventure. The performances of its young cast, especially Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, have also contributed to its popularity. Stranger Things has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring merchandise, cosplay, and fan theories. Netflix regards it as one of its most successful original series.
3. Black Mirror
In 2011, Black Mirror premiered as a critically acclaimed British sci-fi anthology TV series. The show features self-contained stories exploring technology’s dark side and societal impact. Its unique ability to make audiences question technology’s ethical and moral implications sets it apart. The show is known for its innovative concepts, storytelling, and plot twists. It appeals to sci-fi fans and mainstream audiences by tapping into digital-age anxieties. “Black Mirror” also describes technology’s dystopian aspects, showing its significant impact on popular culture.
2. The Expanse
In 2015, the American sci-fi TV series, The Expanse, debuted to high acclaim. It’s based on the novel series by James S.A. Corey and is set in a future where humans have colonized the solar system. This results in escalating tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt. Its greatest strength is its intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and complex plot. The show’s realistic portrayal of space travel and its social consequences highly impresses viewers. It blends science fiction, storytelling, and action, making it a popular choice. Prime Video revived it due to passionate fans and critical acclaim, cementing its status as a modern sci-fi classic.
1. Westworld
In 2016, Westworld premiered as a critically acclaimed American science fiction series. The show’s setting is a high-tech theme park where guests can interact with robots indistinguishable from humans. What makes Westworld exceptional is its exploration of profound themes such as free will, identity, and values. The show’s non-linear storytelling, stunning visuals, and great cast have donated to its massive rage. Westworld seamlessly combines intricate plotlines with existential and philosophical concepts, all while giving stunning action series that have fascinated audiences. Additionally, the show’s examination of the human psyche has earned it acclaim.