The sci-fi genre has evolved in exciting ways, moving beyond the traditional hardcore, niche shows like Star Trek and The Expanse. These days, mainstream sci-fi shows are drawing in a broader audience, and I’m one of those people who never thought they’d love sci-fi but found these shows unexpectedly captivating.
These series each bring something unique to the table, blending sci-fi with rich storylines and well-developed characters, while also tapping into secondary genres. Some feature a lead actor playing multiple versions of themselves, others offer a biting satire on tech and its dominance, and a few leave you wondering what could have been, having been canceled too soon.
10. Orphan Black (2013–2017)
Creators: Graeme Manson, John Fawcett
Tatiana Maslany’s powerhouse performance in Orphan Black earned her a well-deserved Emmy for playing multiple distinct clones. The show kicks off with Sarah Manning, a con artist who witnesses a woman who looks exactly like her committing suicide. What follows is a deep dive into a shadowy cloning project that unravels a world of secrets, and Maslany’s portrayal of a range of characters—from the sardonic suburban housewife Alison to the brainy scientist Cosima—is mesmerizing. With humor and compelling drama, Orphan Black hooks you right from the start.
9. Silo (2023–)
Creator: Graham Yost
Based on Hugh Howey’s Wool trilogy, Silo presents a gripping dystopian narrative where the remnants of humanity live in a vast underground silo. When engineer Jules (Rebecca Ferguson) starts questioning the world’s apocalyptic status quo, she begins to unravel terrifying truths that threaten her and those around her. The show doesn’t just focus on the sci-fi elements; it also touches on class issues and human resilience, offering more than just flashy visuals.
8. Upload (2020–)
Creator: Greg Daniels
Upload is a hilarious and sharp sci-fi satire set in a future where people can upload their consciousness to digital afterlife communities. Nathan (Robbie Amell) is uploaded to a lavish digital afterlife just before he dies, where he meets his handler, Nora (Andy Allo). While poking fun at everything from personalized ads to the concept of social credits, the show also dives deep into questions about life, death, and the implications of a digital eternity.
7. Black Mirror (2016–)
Creator: Charlie Brooker
If you’re looking for a series that transcends traditional sci-fi, Black Mirror is it. As an anthology, each episode brings a new story, with themes exploring the darker side of technology. Whether it’s chilling psychological horror or mind-bending futuristic scenarios, Black Mirror will make you think long after the credits roll. Some episodes lean into psychological thrills, others into tech-driven horror, but all are masterfully executed.
6. Person of Interest (2011–2016)
Creator: Jonathan Nolan
Person of Interest blends sci-fi seamlessly into a procedural crime drama. Former CIA operative John Reese (Jim Caviezel) and tech billionaire Harold Finch (Michael Emerson) use a highly advanced AI system to predict and prevent crimes. The show evolves as Reese and Finch uncover deeper conspiracies, especially once hacker Root (Amy Acker) enters the mix. It’s a compelling series that mixes action with thoughtful tech-based dilemmas.
5. Westworld (2016–2022)
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Creators: Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy
Based on Michael Crichton’s 1973 film, Westworld explores a futuristic Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts who start gaining self-awareness. The show raises profound questions about what it means to be human and the dangers of AI, all while delivering stunning visuals and performances. Although it stumbled in later seasons, the first few were groundbreaking and still provoke deep discussion.
4. Severance (2022–)
Creator: Dan Erickson
Severance is a sci-fi psychological thriller that will keep you on edge. The show takes place in a world where employees can undergo a procedure that separates their work and home personas. The results are chilling—employees don’t remember anything about their life outside of work, and the corporate entity behind it seems to have far more sinister motives. Its mind-bending twists and deep dives into control, identity, and work-life balance make it one of the most unique and gripping shows around.
3. Lost (2004–2010)
Creators: Jeffrey Lieber, J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof
A crash landing on a mysterious island starts the journey for the survivors of Lost, but what unfolds is a complex, multi-layered tale of survival, supernatural events, and philosophical questions about fate, free will, and the afterlife. It’s a show that rewards careful viewing, with many layers to peel back, and it has sparked endless fan theories and discussion long after its finale.
2. Stranger Things (2016–)
Creators: The Duffer Brothers
Stranger Things effortlessly blends ‘80s nostalgia with sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age drama. The story of a group of kids facing off against supernatural forces from another dimension is one of Netflix’s biggest hits. The show is full of heart, humor, and suspense, with a cast that is as talented as it is likable. Fans are eagerly awaiting its fifth and final season, and if you haven’t watched yet, now’s the perfect time to catch up.
These ten sci-fi shows not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations about technology, humanity, and the future. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or a casual viewer, each of these series offers something compelling and thought-provoking.
1. NeXt (2020)
Created by Manny Coto
Despite being canceled after just one season, NeXt is a gripping, cautionary tale about the dangers of AI. John Slattery plays Paul LeBlanc, a former tech CEO trying to warn the world about a rogue AI that could end humanity. With Slattery’s intense performance and a plot that dives deep into the potential dangers of technology, NeXt may have only lasted one season, but it’s a thrilling ride that’s worth checking out — and might just become a cult classic in years to come.
