25 Sci-Fi Series You Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t)

Science fiction has so much more to offer than just the biggest, most popular shows. Many fantastic series get overlooked, even though they tell captivating stories and present fresh, thought-provoking ideas. This list showcases some of those hidden gems – shows that deserve a wider audience. If you’re searching for your next favorite series, you’ll discover a diverse range of options here, from exciting time travel adventures to gripping dystopian worlds.

‘Counterpart’ (2017–2019)

Howard Silk learns his workplace protects a gateway to another world. He then encounters an alternate version of himself – a spy with a strikingly different character. The show uses the style of a Cold War thriller to delve into questions of who we are and what our fate might be. J.K. Simmons powerfully portrays both versions of the main character, grounding the story’s intricate plot.

‘Tales from the Loop’ (2020)

People living in and around the city center are captivated by the wonders of the universe. A groundbreaking machine allows them to explore these mysteries, bringing what was once imagined in science fiction to life. Each episode tells a moving, self-contained story centered on human feelings, and the show’s visuals are inspired by the nostalgic, futuristic artwork of Simon Stålenhag.

‘Devs’ (2020)

A computer engineer begins investigating a hidden department at her company, believing the CEO is connected to her boyfriend’s disappearance. The show explores complex ideas about fate versus free will, and how powerful prediction technology works. It’s visually striking and thoughtfully examines the world of quantum computing.

‘Travelers’ (2016–2018)

In this Canadian series, people from the future have their minds transferred into the bodies of those about to die in the present day. These ‘operatives’ then live out those lives, working in secret to complete missions that prevent a catastrophic future. The show combines the structure of a police procedural with the exciting possibilities of time travel.

’12 Monkeys’ (2015–2018)

As a huge movie fan, I was really drawn into this show. It centers around James Cole, who jumps from a really bleak future back to our present day. His mission? To stop a devastating plague before it wipes out almost everyone. What’s cool is that it’s based on a film I love, but they’ve really built out the story and the characters, making everything much more complex. And honestly, it’s a relief to see a time travel story that actually wraps things up nicely over four seasons – it doesn’t leave you hanging!

‘The OA’ (2016–2019)

Prairie Johnson unexpectedly returns home after being missing for seven years. She’s regained her sight, now calling herself the OA, and gathers five people to assist her in opening a gateway to another dimension. The show encourages viewers to think about what’s real and the power of believing.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

A group of eight people from different countries discover they share a mysterious mental connection. Now, they must work together to stay alive while being pursued by powerful forces who believe they’re dangerous. The show is a thrilling adventure that highlights the strength of human connection and celebrates cultures from around the world, with exciting action and compelling characters.

‘Continuum’ (2012–2015)

A detective from the future—2077, to be exact—is stuck in present-day Vancouver. She’s tracking down dangerous criminals who have also traveled from the future, all in an effort to prevent them from altering history. The show delves into the complex ethical questions surrounding powerful corporations and the use of violence to fight against them, and it’s widely considered one of the best science fiction shows ever made in Canada.

‘Dark Matter’ (2015–2017)

Six strangers awaken on a broken-down spaceship, completely unsure of their identities. As they struggle to survive, they begin to uncover their forgotten, and often troubled, histories. Facing danger from powerful companies and ruthless mercenaries, the crew must rely on each other in this exciting and character-focused space adventure.

‘Killjoys’ (2015–2019)

Across the Quad system, three bounty hunters pursue dangerous criminals. They’re caught in a violent conflict between social classes and fight to maintain their partnership. The show blends action and comedy against a politically charged setting, and at its heart, it’s a story about the strong connection between these three characters as they navigate battles across planets.

‘Colony’ (2016–2018)

This story follows a family trying to live under occupation in Los Angeles. They’re forced to make tough decisions: cooperate with those in power, or fight back. The book explores the personal sacrifices people make when living under a controlling government, using an alien invasion as a way to examine broader issues of society and politics.

‘Raised by Wolves’ (2020–2022)

On a remote, untouched planet, two androids are responsible for raising a group of human children. As the colony grows, they discover that shaping the children’s beliefs is far more complicated and dangerous than they anticipated, leading to internal conflict. The show is visually stunning and delves into the tension between scientific reasoning and religious faith. Ridley Scott oversaw the project as an executive producer and directed the first two episodes.

‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)

A damaged spaceship’s crew finds themselves marooned on a stunning, yet dangerous, alien planet. To get home, they need to figure out how the planet’s intricate environment works. The show has a unique visual style that really brings the alien world to life, offering a thoughtful and biologically-focused take on the classic survival story.

‘Pantheon’ (2022–2023)

This animated drama tells the story of a teenager who’s being bullied and starts receiving help from a mysterious online friend. It’s eventually revealed that this friend is actually her late father, whose mind was saved and uploaded to the internet. The film delves into the idea of artificial intelligence and how it could change warfare, offering a gripping and thought-provoking experience.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

After a terrible flu wiped out most of the population, those who remained try to start over. A group of actors and musicians travels the country performing Shakespeare, hoping to keep art and humanity alive. The story moves back and forth in time, showing both the world falling apart and the seeds of hope that grow from the ruins. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how people cope with disaster and how culture can help us survive.

‘Humans’ (2015–2018)

In a world much like our own, the newest essential for many families is a Synth – a highly advanced robotic helper that looks and acts almost human. The story follows a group of these conscious Synths as they struggle for their freedom and right to be considered alive, raising questions about artificial intelligence and the very definition of life.

‘The Lazarus Project’ (2022–2024)

George unexpectedly finds himself reliving the past, and soon learns he’s part of a secret organization dedicated to preventing disasters by turning back time. The show explores the tough ethical dilemmas of saving the world when it means sacrificing individual lives, all while delivering thrilling action and deeply personal stories.

‘The Peripheral’ (2022)

Flynne Fisher stumbles upon a hidden link to another world and a troubling vision of her own future. What she believes is a realistic video game turns out to be a window into a real murder. As the present and future begin to merge, people from tomorrow try to change things in the past. This series is based on the novel by William Gibson and is known for its impressive visuals and production quality.

‘Night Sky’ (2022)

An older couple finds a hidden room in their yard that turns out to be a gateway to an empty planet. They keep this discovery to themselves until a curious young man shows up. The show focuses on a gradually unfolding mystery and a heartwarming depiction of a long-lasting marriage, prioritizing the connection between characters over flashy sci-fi effects.

‘Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams’ (2017)

This show is a collection of episodes, each based on a different short story by Philip K. Dick. Every episode tells its own unique story, looking at what it means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by technology. The stories cover a wide range of ideas, from societies where people can read minds to futures dominated by shopping and consumerism. The show boasts a fantastic cast and is made with very high production values.

‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ (2022)

A new alien lands on Earth at a crucial moment for humanity, forcing him to face his own history as he decides the fate of both his people and ours. This series is a continuation of the story told in the original novel and the beloved film featuring David Bowie, with a powerful performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor as the alien visitor.

‘Constellation’ (2024)

After a harrowing space mission, an astronaut returns home to find that things aren’t quite as she remembers. She’s haunted by gaps in her memory and a sense that reality has subtly shifted. This psychological thriller keeps you guessing about what really happened to her, delving into the frightening loneliness of space and complex scientific ideas like quantum superposition.

‘Hello Tomorrow!’ (2023)

In a stylish, retro-future setting, salespeople are trying to sell lunar timeshares. However, the top salesman is keeping a troubling secret about what life is really like in the moon colony. The show is a funny and dramatic story about dreams and lies, and it looks fantastic, mixing classic 1950s design with futuristic technology.

‘Outer Range’ (2022–2024)

In the Wyoming wilderness, a rancher battling to save his land stumbles upon an impossible mystery: a huge, dark void that appears in his fields and can’t be explained by science. The show blends classic western themes with supernatural science fiction, and stars Josh Brolin in this gripping, atmospheric story.

‘Falling Skies’ (2011–2015)

After an alien invasion, a group of survivors unites to fight the occupiers. The story follows a history professor who rises to become a key leader in the resistance. The series explores themes of family, what it means to be human, and the challenges of war, all while delivering plenty of action and impressive creature effects.

Tell us which of these underrated series you plan to watch first in the comments.

2025-12-12 23:47