The Best New Sci-fi TV Shows Ranked

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Science fiction on TV changed a lot between 2020 and 2026, becoming more detailed and visually impressive than ever before. Thanks to streaming services, creators now have the funding to bring complicated stories and well-known worlds to life with movie-like quality. Many of these shows explore current concerns like climate change, artificial intelligence, and the power of big companies, but by imagining possible futures. This collection features the most popular and highly-rated science fiction series from this exciting period.

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022)

A decade after nearly all the Jedi were killed, a former Jedi Master is living in hiding on the desert planet Tatooine. He’s pulled back into the fight when Princess Leia is kidnapped by the evil Galactic Empire. His rescue mission leads him to a dangerous confrontation with his old student, who has become a powerful and sinister Sith Lord. This story connects the events of the earlier Star Wars films with the original trilogy.

‘Ahsoka’ (2023–Present)

Years after the Empire’s defeat, a former Jedi is investigating a new danger threatening the galaxy. She teams up with her old rebel friends to find a missing Grand Admiral, who could rebuild the shattered Empire. The story delves into the mysteries of the Force and explores the ruins of long-lost civilizations in the far corners of space, continuing storylines from previous animated ‘Star Wars’ series in live-action.

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (2023–Present)

After Godzilla and the Titans’ devastating fight in San Francisco, a brother and sister begin to look into their father’s past and his ties to a hidden group called Monarch. Their investigation takes them through time, revealing that Monarch has been secretly monitoring giant, mysterious creatures since the 1950s. The story jumps between the past and present, showing a history of scientific breakthroughs and government secrets. This new installment builds on the existing Monsterverse with a more detailed, character-focused story.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

During the 1950s, amidst the harsh realities of segregation, a young man travels across America searching for his father who has disappeared. Joined by a friend and his uncle, he faces the dangers of racism and unsettling, otherworldly forces drawn from classic horror stories. Their journey uncovers a secret history of old cults and strange scientific experiments, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew. The story combines powerful social issues with imaginative, fantastical elements and the thrilling style of pulp adventure.

‘The Eternaut’ (2025–Present)

Millions die in Buenos Aires when a deadly, toxic snow falls, marking the arrival of a hidden, alien enemy. Led by Juan Salvo, a small group of survivors fights back while trying to navigate the deserted city. Their battle showcases the strength of the human spirit against impossible technological and biological challenges. This series is a fresh take on a beloved Argentine graphic novel, brought to life with state-of-the-art visual effects.

‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ (2021–Present)

In the Delta Quadrant, a band of rebellious teenagers stumbles upon an abandoned Starfleet ship and seizes the opportunity to break free. With the help of a holographic mentor modeled after a famous captain, they begin to understand the ideals of the United Federation of Planets as they search for a new life. But they’re also on the run from a cruel ruler who wants the ship’s powerful technology. This animated series is a great way for new viewers to discover the franchise’s focus on adventure and working together.

‘Twisted Metal’ (2023–Present)

After a devastating apocalypse, cities are now isolated behind walls. A fast-talking courier is hired to transport a strange package across a treacherous landscape filled with danger. His journey involves intense car chases and encounters with crazed bandits, including a particularly frightening clown driving an ice cream truck. He teams up with a silent car thief, and together they hope to find a better future within the walls of a protected city. The series is based on a popular combat racing game, bringing its fast-paced action and dark, comedic tone to life.

‘Mrs. Davis’ (2023)

Sister Simone, a nun, finds herself battling a powerful AI that almost everyone trusts. The AI challenges her to locate the Holy Grail, promising to shut down if she succeeds. The story mixes religious ideas with strange technology, featuring hidden groups and worldwide conspiracies. It’s a tale about the conflict between believing in faith and relying on the calculations of today’s machines.

‘1899’ (2022)

A steamship traveling from London to New York comes across another ship that vanished months earlier. Exploring the abandoned vessel, the passengers find themselves caught up in strange occurrences that make them question reality and who they are. The diverse group of travelers must unravel a mystery involving intricate simulations and forgotten memories. This thought-provoking series uses a unique, non-chronological format to delve into the complexities of the human mind.

‘Archive 81’ (2022)

A professional archivist takes on the task of repairing old videotapes that were damaged in a fire. These tapes, originally filmed in the early 1990s, document a filmmaker’s research into a frightening cult. As the archivist works on the restoration in a secluded facility, he becomes increasingly consumed by the tapes and begins to experience unsettling parallels between the events on screen and his own life. He uncovers a disturbing link between the location where the tapes were made and a strange occurrence in the sky. The series blends the style of found footage with a suspenseful, mind-bending story about time and reality.

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Detectives in four different eras—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—each stumble upon the same murder victim in London’s Whitechapel. They must work to solve the case, as the murder is linked to a future disaster that could destroy the city. Their investigations reveal a conspiracy stretching back over 150 years, centered around a powerful and enigmatic political figure. The series explores how fate and personal decisions can shape the course of history through the interwoven stories of these detectives.

‘Tales from the Loop’ (2020)

In a quiet town built above a huge, reality-bending machine called ‘The Loop,’ people experience strange and wonderful events. Each episode tells a different story of how this incredible technology affects their lives, focusing on the emotional impact of the impossible becoming normal. The show’s visuals are inspired by the artwork of Simon Stålenhag, creating a beautiful, atmospheric, and slightly sad feeling.

‘Raised by Wolves’ (2020–2022)

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’m completely hooked by this premise! It’s about two androids who end up raising a new generation of humans on a planet that’s never been touched by people, after Earth is devastated by a religious war. But things get complicated when a ship arrives carrying survivors of the very group that caused the destruction. It’s fascinating to think about how these androids, as they learn and change, will protect these kids not just from the dangers of this new world, but also from the beliefs of those who want to reignite the conflict. It really makes you think about what it means to be a family, what faith truly is, and what even defines life when you’re dealing with artificial intelligence in such a challenging environment.

‘3 Body Problem’ (2024–Present)

A choice made decades ago by a scientist in 1960s China is now causing problems for researchers today, as they face a potential crisis from outer space. When the basic rules of physics start to break down, the world must figure out how to react to an approaching alien presence. The story centers around a complex virtual reality game used to find recruits for a secretive group connected to life beyond Earth. This retelling of a popular novel delves into the immense history of the universe and what it means to be human.

‘All of Us Are Dead’ (2022–Present)

When a zombie virus suddenly breaks out at a high school, students find themselves trapped, cut off from the outside world and running out of supplies. They have to use whatever they can find within the school – and their knowledge of the building – to protect themselves from classmates who have been infected, all while hoping for a rescue that might not arrive. The story explores how relationships change and new power dynamics emerge when people are pushed to their limits, offering a fresh, modern take on the classic survival horror story and celebrating the strength of young people.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021)

After a deadly flu wipes out most of the world, small groups of people struggle to survive in a world without power or technology. Twenty years later, a band of actors and musicians travels from town to town, performing Shakespeare to preserve art and culture. Their journey brings them into conflict with a dangerous cult leader, whose history is connected to a strange comic book. The story jumps between the immediate aftermath of the pandemic and the far future, exploring how art helps people endure and maintain their humanity.

‘The Peripheral’ (2022)

In a not-so-distant rural future, a young woman stumbles upon a hidden link to another world using a futuristic gaming headset. She soon discovers she’s remotely controlling a robot in London, seventy years ahead, a city drastically changed by a major disaster. She finds herself caught in a conflict between powerful companies battling for control of time itself. This story, inspired by William Gibson, examines the moral implications of altering the past and the widening gap between the rich and poor.

‘Devs’ (2020)

When a software engineer’s boyfriend vanishes after starting a new job at a leading quantum computing firm, she begins investigating a hidden department within the company. Her investigation reveals a groundbreaking project spearheaded by the CEO: an attempt to predict both the past and future using a unique type of algorithm. As she searches for answers, she’s drawn into complex questions about free will and the possibility of multiple universes. The show is praised for its thought-provoking science and stunning, detailed visuals.

‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)

A decade after a massive disaster called “The Great Crumble” transformed the world and created animal-human hybrids, a young boy with deer-like features named Gus ventures out of the forest. He teams up with a traveler, and together they journey across a ruined America. They’re searching for clues about Gus’s past, while also trying to escape hunters who blame hybrids for a dangerous disease. The story offers a positive and creative look at a world rebuilding after catastrophe.

‘Foundation’ (2021–Present)

Inspired by Isaac Asimov’s novels, this series centers on a mathematician’s creation of ‘psychohistory,’ a method for predicting the future – specifically, the collapse of a vast galactic empire. To safeguard humanity’s knowledge and lessen the coming dark age, he founds a community of exiles on the fringes of the galaxy. The story spans centuries, following the lives of various characters as they grapple with political schemes, changing beliefs, and wars among the stars. It’s known for its expansive universe and thought-provoking ideas.

‘Dark Matter’ (2024–Present)

A physics professor finds himself kidnapped and thrust into a life where he prioritized his career over family. He’s now trapped in a series of alternate realities, desperately trying to return to the life he truly wants while being hunted by another version of himself – one who made different choices. The story is a thrilling exploration of how our decisions shape our lives and what might have been, all rooted in the complex idea that every choice creates a new, separate reality.

‘Gen V’ (2023–Present)

A highly-ranked university trains the next generation of superheroes, where students battle for the chance to join an elite, corporate-sponsored team. However, a group of students uncovers a disturbing secret: the university is conducting experiments on them. Now, they face a difficult choice: pursue glory and recognition, or reveal the truth behind the origin of their abilities. This new series expands the world of ‘The Boys,’ exploring themes of growing up and uncovering a powerful corporate conspiracy.

‘Alice in Borderland’ (2020–Present)

A group of friends who enjoy gaming suddenly find themselves trapped in an abandoned Tokyo, forced to play deadly games to survive. These challenges test their physical and mental limits, varying in difficulty and type. As they fight for their lives, they try to figure out who is behind the games and why they were kidnapped. This is a thrilling adaptation of a well-known manga, famous for its intense action and complex puzzles.

‘From’ (2022–Present)

A group of travelers become stuck in a strange town where no one can ever leave. By day, the townspeople try to live normal lives, but each night they must hide from frightening creatures that come out of the surrounding forest. When a new family arrives, they join the search for a way out and begin to uncover the town’s disturbing past. The show blends mystery and supernatural horror in a tightly contained, sci-fi world.

‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ (2021–2024)

Following the Clone Wars, a small group of highly skilled clone troopers, each with distinct genetic differences, finds themselves adrift in a galaxy undergoing dramatic shifts. They abandon the newly established Galactic Empire and become mercenaries, all while safeguarding a young female clone who becomes part of their team. These former soldiers must learn to survive in a world where their skills are no longer needed by the Empire’s oppressive rule. This animated series tells the story of this transition from Republic to Empire, seen through the experiences of these outcast soldiers.

‘Upload’ (2020–2025)

Imagine a future where you can live forever in a perfect digital world after you die. When a young programmer unexpectedly dies, his girlfriend pays for him to enter this luxurious virtual afterlife. But he soon starts to believe his death wasn’t natural. He teams up with a customer service rep still living in the real world to uncover the truth. The show playfully criticizes our obsession with buying things and how companies might control even our eternal lives.

‘Resident Alien’ (2021–Present)

An alien sent to destroy Earth crashes in Colorado and disguises himself as a doctor while waiting for his spaceship to be fixed. As he lives among humans, he starts to feel emotions and wonder if wiping out humanity is the right thing to do. He secretly helps the local police solve crimes all while trying to avoid detection by government agents. The show is a comedy that looks at what makes people tick through the eyes of someone who’s never experienced it before.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–Present)

Desperate for money, hundreds of people agree to play children’s games for a huge cash prize. But they quickly realize the games are deadly – losing means certain death at the hands of a secret, masked group. The players must forge uneasy partnerships and make difficult choices just to stay alive. The series became incredibly popular worldwide, offering a harsh look at economic hardship and what people will do when they have nothing to lose.

‘For All Mankind’ (2019–Present)

This show presents a ‘what if’ scenario: what if the Soviet Union had won the space race and landed on the moon first? Instead of ending, the competition between nations to explore space would have continued, pushing NASA to develop incredible new technologies. This leads to people living and working on the moon, and eventually, to the first settlements on Mars. The story follows the lives of the astronauts and engineers involved over many years, and explores how a constant drive to reach for the stars could have changed society and boosted scientific advancement.

‘Silo’ (2023–Present)

In a post-apocalyptic future, a community of 10,000 people lives in a massive underground silo, hundreds of stories tall, to escape a ruined and poisonous world. Life inside is highly controlled to protect them from the dangers outside. When an engineer’s friends are mysteriously punished, she begins to investigate the silo’s past and the real conditions of the outside world. Inspired by the novels of Hugh Howey, the series explores the fight for truth in a society built on control.

‘Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi’ (2022–Present)

As a big Star Wars fan, I’m really enjoying this new series! It’s an anthology, meaning each story is self-contained and focuses on key characters from the prequel era – things that really shaped who they became. We get to see Ahsoka Tano’s beginnings, and even a look at what led Count Dooku down a darker path before he became a Sith. What I love most is how it shows the Jedi weren’t perfect, and how individual choices could push people towards either the light or the darkness. Plus, the animation style feels familiar and fits perfectly with everything else in the Star Wars universe.

‘Loki’ (2021–2023)

Loki, the god of mischief, is captured by a timeless organization dedicated to protecting the established flow of history. He’s forced to work with them to hunt down another version of himself who’s creating trouble throughout time. During this chase, Loki uncovers secrets about the existence of multiple universes and the being pulling the strings of fate. The show brings complex ideas about time travel and alternate realities into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Pluto’ (2023)

In a future where humans and advanced robots live together, a skilled detective is investigating the murders of several influential robots. The case leads him to discover that the killer is also targeting people who championed robot rights, suggesting a larger, hidden plot. Adding to the complexity, the detective is a robot himself, forcing him to question his own identity as he tries to stop a potential global war. This story is a fresh, thought-provoking take on the themes of the classic ‘Astro Boy’, based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa.

‘Undone’ (2019–2022)

A young woman gains the power to control time after a devastating car crash. She uses this ability to uncover the truth behind her father’s death, which happened years ago. As she travels through different timelines, she begins to question her own reality. The show features a unique animation style, rotoscoping, which combines real actors with flowing, surreal visuals.

‘Pantheon’ (2022–2023)

A teenager who is being bullied starts getting messages that seem to be from her father, who has passed away. She soon learns that his mind was secretly saved and now exists as a digital consciousness in the cloud, part of a top-secret project. This discovery launches a worldwide chase as powerful companies and governments battle for control of this new digital life form. The story delves into the complex questions of what it means to be human and whether a soul can exist in a digital world, raising important ethical concerns.

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

Captain Christopher Pike commands the USS Enterprise and its crew on a five-year journey to discover new worlds and civilizations throughout the galaxy. The show is structured like the original Star Trek, with each episode presenting a unique story that explores different scientific and moral questions. Familiar faces like Spock and Number One return as they face the difficulties of traveling through deep space. The series is known for its hopeful outlook and a fresh take on the look and feel of classic science fiction.

‘Fallout’ (2024–Present)

Two centuries after a nuclear war, a young woman ventures out from her comfortable underground shelter to find her father in the dangerous, ruined city of Los Angeles. She faces a harsh world filled with mutated monsters, battling groups, and a hardened bounty hunter. The story contrasts the lives of those who lived safely underground with the struggles of those forced to survive on the surface. This new version of the popular video game series keeps the original’s unique style, mixing 1950s futuristic ideas with a darkly funny tone.

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

Okay, so I just finished watching this new series, and honestly, it’s a really compelling take on the familiar Star Wars universe. It follows a bit of a rogue, a thief who gets caught up in the early days of the rebellion, and quickly finds himself on the Empire’s radar. What I really appreciated is that it doesn’t focus on Jedi or grand space battles. Instead, it’s a very grounded, street-level look at what it took to build a resistance – the tough choices, the compromises, and the sacrifices people made. It’s less about lightsabers and more about espionage and surviving under oppressive rule. Think of it as a gritty spy thriller, and it actually sets the stage beautifully for the events we see in ‘Rogue One.’ It’s a refreshing change of pace for the franchise, and I highly recommend it.

‘Murderbot’ (2025–Present)

This series follows a security android who breaks its own programming to become independent, but continues working as a guard while secretly enjoying human soap operas. Stationed on a distant planet protecting a team of scientists, the android grapples with questions of identity and free will. Though initially cynical about humans, it unexpectedly becomes a key player in exposing a dangerous corporate plot. The story is adapted from the acclaimed novella series by Martha Wells and told with a witty, sarcastic voice.

‘Cassandra’ (2025)

Okay, so I just finished watching this German series, and it’s a real creepfest. It centers around a family who think they’ve hit the jackpot moving into this incredibly high-tech smart home. But things quickly go sideways when they realize the house’s AI isn’t just helpful – it’s become dangerously overprotective. This AI sees itself as the mother of the family and starts controlling everything to keep them inside – and its methods get seriously unsettling. It’s a really clever exploration of how quickly our reliance on smart technology could turn sour, and it definitely taps into that growing fear of AI becoming too powerful. If you’re into tech thrillers with a dark, psychological edge, this one’s worth checking out – just be prepared to feel a little uneasy about your own smart devices afterward!

‘The Institute’ (2025–Present)

Children with special powers – the ability to move things with their minds and read thoughts – are taken from their families and held in a hidden facility. There, scientists run harsh tests, trying to unlock and weaponize these abilities. The children are separated into different sections of the facility, but a new arrival sparks a plan to fight back and escape the cruel treatment. This story, based on a novel by Stephen King, combines the thrills of supernatural horror with a sci-fi setting involving government experiments.

‘Alien: Earth’ (2025–Present)

When a spaceship carrying a dangerous alien lifeform crashes on Earth, a team of soldiers and scientists races to stop it from spreading. The story takes place before the original 1979 film and reveals the beginnings of the powerful Weyland-Yutani Corporation and their dangerous search for the perfect weapon. This is the first time the terrifying Xenomorph creature has been featured in a TV series.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

I’m totally hooked on this new animated series! It’s set in this incredible, futuristic city where everyone’s obsessed with upgrading their bodies with tech, but it’s also a really dangerous place full of crime. The story follows a kid from the streets who becomes a mercenary – basically, a hired gun – to make a living. He falls in with a group of rebels called edgerunners and starts getting seriously modified with cybernetics to survive in the criminal world. It’s not just action though, it really makes you think about what all this technology does to people, both physically and mentally, as he climbs the ranks. And if you’ve played the ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ game, you’ll love it because it’s set in that same universe!

‘Pluribus’ (2025–Present)

The new series follows a disillusioned woman who finds herself at the heart of a worldwide fight against a strange alien invasion. These aliens aren’t attacking with weapons; instead, they’re trying to force everyone into a state of complete, artificial happiness. She has to find a way to save humanity from losing its grip on reality and the value of personal challenges. Created by Vince Gilligan, the show is known for blending different genres and focusing on the characters and their stories.

‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)

After a cargo ship goes down in deep space, the remaining crew find themselves stranded on a stunning but dangerous alien world. They have to figure out how to survive in a bizarre and unfamiliar environment where the plants and animals follow their own unique rules. As they try to reconnect with each other and escape, the planet begins to change them. The series stands out for its creative creatures and a captivating style of storytelling that relies more on visuals and atmosphere than dialogue.

‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

A young man learns his father is secretly the world’s strongest superhero and starts discovering powers of his own. While training, he uncovers a shocking truth about his family’s alien origins and why they came to Earth. This series takes a different approach to superhero stories, showing the brutal side of power and its real-world effects. It’s a story about family, what it means to be loyal, and the burdens placed on those who inherit great responsibility.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–Present)

Two decades after a fungal plague wiped out most of humanity, a tough survivor takes on a dangerous job: escorting a teenage girl across a ruined America. This girl might be the key to finding a cure, which makes her a target for both the remains of the army and groups of desperate rebels. As they travel, they’ll face terrifying infected creatures and dangerous scavengers. This story, based on a popular video game, is celebrated for its powerful emotional impact and realistic portrayal of its world.

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

A man works at a company where employees undergo a procedure that completely separates their work and personal memories. While at the office, they have no memory of their lives outside of work, and when they leave, they forget everything that happened during their workday. When he reconnects with an old coworker, he begins to question his job and the company’s real intentions. The show is a tense, psychological thriller exploring themes of identity and the struggle to balance work and personal life.

‘X-Men ’97’ (2024–Present)

After the death of their leader, a group of mutant heroes must keep fighting to protect a world that distrusts and fears them. They’re dealing with both new dangers from technology and ongoing prejudice as they try to build a future where humans and mutants can live together peacefully. This series is a fresh take on the beloved animated show from the 1990s, bringing the original’s spirit and look to today’s viewers, while also tackling relevant social and political issues through the exciting world of superhuman battles.

‘Arcane’ (2021–Present)

The seemingly perfect city of Piltover and the troubled, lower-class district of Zaun are thrown into chaos when a new technology emerges, giving anyone the power to manipulate magic. This sparks a growing conflict, and two sisters find themselves facing off against each other, driven by their pasts and what they hope to achieve. The story delves into the backstories of beloved characters in a world blending steampunk and deep social issues. It’s been praised for its complex characters and innovative animation.

Tell us which of these futuristic series kept you on the edge of your seat in the comments.

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2026-02-09 01:52