Best Sci-Fi Shows of 2025

Science fiction dominated television in 2025, drawing in viewers worldwide. This year offered a mix of returning favorites and exciting new shows that examined both the potential of technology and what it means to be human. From epic space journeys to realistic stories of societal breakdown, the genre was incredibly diverse. Each show on this list stood out with its high-quality production and compelling storylines, pushing the limits of television and creating memorable experiences for all kinds of sci-fi fans.

‘Severance’ (2022–2025)

Season two of this suspenseful thriller picks up where the last one left off, following employees of Lumon Industries who’ve undergone a procedure to separate their work and personal memories. Mark Scout and his team face growing risks as they try to uncover the truth behind this separation, and their workplace protest escalates. The show is still incredibly tense and visually striking, and it continues to build the intriguing mystery around Lumon. Viewers have been particularly impressed by the show’s distinct look and the strong acting performances.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–2025)

Season two follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world still reeling from a devastating fungal outbreak. Picking up several years after the first season, the story explores the long-term impact of their previous actions. Expect more thrilling action and in-depth character development, along with the introduction of important characters from the original story who will test Joel and Ellie’s beliefs and goals.

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

The final season follows Cassian Andor as he continues his path toward becoming a key figure in the Rebel Alliance. Over several years, the story depicts the expanding fight against the Galactic Empire and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Like previous seasons, this installment remains a realistic and intense political thriller set in space, focusing on the courageous spies and soldiers who are determined to overthrow a cruel and oppressive government.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

Okay, so after years of building to this, the final season delivers a truly epic showdown. It’s all-out war for Hawkins – and honestly, the world – as Eleven and the gang face the biggest, baddest threat the Upside Down has ever thrown at them. This season is packed with intense action, but it’s the emotional moments that really hit home, bringing all those years of character development to a satisfying close. It’s hard to believe this series is ending; it’s become a genuine cultural touchstone and really defined sci-fi TV for a generation.

‘Silo’ (2023–2025)

Season two centers on Juliette’s journey to uncover the secrets hidden outside the underground bunker, where the last humans live. As she meets other survivors and learns about the silos’ past, the central mystery grows. Meanwhile, those remaining inside the silo struggle with increasing conflict and the possibility of complete breakdown. The show remains strong in its detailed world-building and successfully creates a tense, enclosed feeling that keeps audiences hooked.

‘Fallout’ (2024–2025)

This show, based on the well-loved video game series, keeps following the story in the broken-down city of Los Angeles. We see the world through Lucy and her friends as they encounter dangerous groups and strange creatures while trying to survive. The series mixes dark comedy with intense action, and it has a cool, old-fashioned-future look that fans of the game will appreciate. Each episode slowly uncovers the secrets of the underground vaults and the powerful companies that caused the world’s downfall.

‘3 Body Problem’ (2024–2025)

The story is growing as people get ready for an alien invasion that’s still centuries away. Scientists and politicians need to work together to figure out how to protect Earth from a much more advanced civilization. The show dives into complicated science and asks big questions about what it means to survive. This season, the threat from aliens feels more real to everyone around the world.

‘Foundation’ (2021–2025)

Season three of this grand space saga continues the fight to prevent a new dark age for humanity. Hari Seldon and his allies must deal with changing political loyalties within the Empire and the growing threat of a powerful new leader, the Mule. The show still looks incredible, with huge space battles and beautifully detailed costumes that make the future feel real. This season explores the galaxy’s advanced technology and the mysterious psychic powers that will determine its destiny.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–2025)

As a longtime viewer, I can confidently say the newest season of this anthology series doesn’t disappoint. It’s still delivering those sharp, darkly funny takes on where we’re headed with technology and society. Each episode feels like a self-contained Twilight Zone, diving into everything from scary-smart AI to how our screens mess with our heads. What I really appreciate is that it still knows how to shock you, but it’s never just shock for shock’s sake – there’s always something to think about afterward. This season, they’ve also upped the ante with some big-name guest stars and are really playing with the format, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from TV.

‘For All Mankind’ (2019–2025)

As the space race enters a new decade in this alternate history, the focus turns to colonizing Mars. The series examines the sacrifices and difficulties of long-duration space travel and the search for vital resources. Characters struggle to create a lasting community on the harsh Martian landscape, all while navigating political conflicts and personal dramas back on Earth. The show expertly combines believable science with a captivating story about humanity’s drive to explore.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–2025)

As a critic, I’ve just finished watching the latest season of Doctor Who, and it’s a blast! Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday make a fantastic duo, zipping across time and space on a series of exciting new adventures. We see them confront classic Doctor Who baddies and stumble upon completely new worlds, all while delving into what makes this Doctor tick after his recent regeneration. The show hasn’t lost its energy – it’s still wonderfully fast-paced and quirky – but it’s also tackling some really relevant, modern issues alongside the usual cosmic threats. Honestly, this feels like a real return to imaginative storytelling, full of vibrant energy and a fresh perspective.

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ (2022–2025)

Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the Enterprise are continuing their five-year journey to explore the galaxy and find new life. The third season blends self-contained adventures with ongoing character development, paying tribute to the original Star Trek. The show is beloved by fans for its hopeful tone and emphasis on peaceful solutions and scientific exploration. Every episode offers a new take on the classic Star Trek style, enhanced by today’s visual effects and storytelling techniques.

‘Dune: Prophecy’ (2024–2025)

Long before the events known with Paul Atreides, this series tells the story of how the Bene Gesserit sisterhood first came to power. It focuses on the Harkonnen sisters and their fight to protect humanity from dangerous threats, ultimately leading to the creation of this iconic group. The show maintains the epic scope and mysterious feel of the original films and delves into the political schemes and hidden motives that defined the Imperium’s history.

‘Alien: Earth’ (2025)

This thrilling horror series introduces the terrifying Xenomorphs to Earth, decades before the events of the original films. The story follows a group of people struggling to survive the creature’s arrival while also exposing the dark secrets of the Weyland Yutani Corporation. The show builds a constant sense of fear as it examines what happens when alien life clashes with our own. It expands the ‘Alien’ universe, bringing the suspenseful atmosphere of the movies to a more realistic and down-to-earth setting.

‘Murderbot’ (2025)

This sci-fi series centers around a security android who’s secretly developed free will. While protecting a team of scientists on a perilous planet, it must conceal its newfound independence. The story is told through the android’s thoughts as it grapples with human feelings and tricky corporate maneuvering. Expect a mix of action, comedy, and a fresh take on AI, all while the android tries to complete its tasks and get back to enjoying its favorite shows.

‘Invincible’ (2021–2025)

Season three of this animated superhero series follows Mark Grayson as he grapples with what it means to be an alien. With the powerful Viltrumite Empire planning to take over the universe, the danger is greater than ever. The show keeps its signature mix of intense action and emotionally rich stories, and this season introduces new characters who will test Mark’s values.

‘Gen V’ (2023–2025)

Season two centers on the students at Godolkin University as they cope with the fallout from a recent campus revolt. We learn more about secret experiments involving young super-powered individuals and begin to question the motives of those running the school. While still connected to the larger story, this season focuses on the challenges and personal lives of the younger characters. It delves into the downsides of fame and the difficulties of having power you didn’t ask for, all within a cutthroat corporate setting.

‘Dark Matter’ (2024–2025)

A physicist finds himself pulled into a different version of his life and must journey through countless parallel universes to get back to his family. The show’s second season delves into the endless possibilities of the multiverse, showing how his life could have unfolded differently. It examines the emotional impact of losing one’s sense of self and the scientific complications of traveling between dimensions. In each new reality, the physicist faces difficult choices that make him question what’s right and wrong.

‘Invasion’ (2021–2025)

Season three portrays the intensifying war between humans and the aliens who have taken over Earth. The story is told through the eyes of people from all over the world, showcasing the different ways they’re resisting the alien invasion. It focuses on personal stories amidst the large-scale conflict, highlighting the strength and perseverance of humanity. The show continues to feature impressive visual effects to depict the aliens’ bizarre and frightening technology.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)

I’m so hyped for the new season! Our hero is back in the games, but this time with a really dangerous mission – to take down the whole organization from within. It looks like they’ve upped the ante with the challenges, making them based on things we all did as kids, but twisted and deadly. And it’s not just physical; they’re really messing with everyone’s heads this time around. The show is diving deep into what people will do when they have nothing left to lose, and exposing just how rotten the rich and powerful are. Plus, it still looks amazing – that bright, colorful style mixed with the gritty, awful reality of it all is just perfect.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–2025)

Dream continues his work restoring his realm while navigating the schemes of powerful, immortal beings. The new season draws from celebrated stories in the original graphic novels, leaning into fantasy and thought-provoking ideas. It remains a stunning visual experience, filled with creative settings and detailed characters. This season delves into what stories truly mean and the burdens of being all-powerful.

‘Futurama’ (1999–2025)

Planet Express is back with a new set of episodes! The series continues its hilarious and insightful look at today’s world, but set in the future. Expect lots of slapstick comedy as characters like Fry and Leela explore their relationships, and Bender causes his typical brand of chaos. It’s still a fan favorite for its smart humor and lasting appeal.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–2025)

Season nine follows the ongoing, wild adventures of a grumpy scientist and his grandson as they travel through different universes. The story explores the secrets of the Citadel and the dangerous enemies they face across dimensions. Each episode is full of creative and sometimes unsettling ideas, pushing the limits of what animation can do. The show keeps its signature quick wit and self-aware humor, which has earned it a loyal fanbase.

‘Solar Opposites’ (2020–2025)

This show follows an alien family trying to navigate life in a typical American suburb while awaiting news of their home planet’s recovery. Alongside their main story, the series also continues the quirky tale of the miniature people living inside their walls. This season brings even more outlandish gadgets and funny situations as the aliens struggle to understand human customs. It’s a lively and humorous take on the classic ‘strangers in a strange land’ idea.

‘The Ark’ (2023–2025)

A group of colonists traveling through space on their way to a new home must band together to fix failing equipment and deal with someone working against them. The second season brings new dangers as they meet other ships and strange alien events that could destroy their mission. The story centers on how the young crew solves problems and leads each other while facing the harsh realities of deep space. It’s a thrilling combination of realistic science fiction and a gripping survival story.

‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ (2024–2025)

This new series, set in the near future, examines the moral questions surrounding human cloning and altering memories. It follows a group of women who realize they all share a common past and must work together to uncover a decades-long conspiracy. Like the original show, it’s a fast-paced mystery focused on compelling characters, and this season explores how far medical technology has come in allowing people to create exact copies of themselves.

‘Beacon 23’ (2023–2025)

A man and a woman are stranded together in a remote lighthouse, far out in space. They’re forced to confront their pasts and a strange artificial intelligence. In the second season, the story grows as the lighthouse becomes central to a larger conflict involving galactic powers and greedy corporations. At its heart, the show is about the challenges of isolation and learning to trust others, all set against a futuristic backdrop. Each episode slowly unveils the secrets of the lighthouses and the lives of those who keep them running.

‘Resident Alien’ (2021–2025)

This show follows an alien who’s supposed to wipe out humanity, but he’s finding it surprisingly hard – especially since he’s starting to like the people he’s meant to destroy! The fourth season is full of funny situations as he tries to understand human customs and even falls for someone. While it’s hilarious, there’s also a bigger story unfolding involving other aliens and government investigations. The series is known for its wonderfully strange humor, its lead actor’s fantastic performance, and its fresh take on science fiction.

‘Upload’ (2020–2025)

Okay, so this show? It’s set in the future where you can basically live forever by uploading your mind, but it’s not all sunshine and roses. It’s more like dealing with a buggy video game run by a huge corporation. This season, things are getting really wild because the line between the digital world and real life is totally blurring as tech gets even more advanced. Honestly, it’s a really unique mix – it’s funny and romantic, but also a pretty sharp satire about how obsessed we are with buying stuff. Every episode has these incredibly creative VR scenarios that just point out how ridiculous it is when everything, even life itself, becomes something you can purchase.

‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023–2025)

This animated series returns for a second season, following the crash survivors as they explore a stunning yet dangerous alien world. The show is celebrated for its creative creatures and its exploration of the strange side of life beyond Earth. The story centers on different groups of survivors trying to find each other and escape the planet, all brought to life with a distinctive animation style that captures the awe and mystery of the unknown.

‘Star Wars: Visions’ (2021–2025)

This animated series is back with a collection of original short films that explore the Star Wars galaxy in new and unexpected ways. Talented animation studios from across the globe each bring their own artistic style to tell different stories about the Force and the ongoing battle between good and evil. The show continues to showcase incredible creativity and the lasting influence of the Star Wars franchise, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes through innovative stories and beautiful animation.

‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ (2025)

This animated series offers a new look at Peter Parker’s early days, showing him navigating the ups and downs of high school alongside his responsibilities as a superhero. The show’s art style is inspired by the classic Spider-Man comics from the 1960s. It focuses on the everyday problems of being a teenager – school, friends, and family – all while trying to keep his city safe. This take on the Spider-Man story feels both familiar and new, giving a fresh spin to his origins.

‘Constellation’ (2024–2025)

After a harrowing space disaster, an astronaut returns home to find her life isn’t what she remembers. The second season delves deeper into a mind-bending mystery, revealing a conspiracy linked to advanced physics and covert space operations. The show expertly combines realistic science fiction with a gripping thriller, making viewers question what’s real. Characters struggle to find the truth in a world shrouded in technological and governmental secrets.

Share your thoughts on these series in the comments.

2025-12-24 08:19