4 Years Later, The Best Sci-Fi Show Of The Century Has A Worthy Successor On Apple TV

by

Although many consider the best science fiction show of the 21st century to have concluded four years ago, Apple TV+ is now offering a fantastic new series to take its place. Science fiction is currently experiencing a surge in popularity on television, and shows in the genre are finally receiving the critical acclaim and awards they deserve, after previously being underestimated.

Science fiction shows are successfully attracting new viewers who weren’t previously interested in the genre, all while staying true to what makes sci-fi special. This growing popularity is leading to more streaming services funding sci-fi projects and creating shows with bigger budgets and better quality. It’s a fantastic time to be a sci-fi fan, with options available for every preference.

We’re currently enjoying a new wave of excellent science fiction shows, thanks to a recent creative surge – some of these are likely to become classics. One standout is The Expanse, widely considered one of the best sci-fi series of recent years. It’s been difficult for fans to find another show that measures up, but Apple TV is now offering a promising new option.

The Expanse Was The Best Sci-Fi Show Of Its Generation

Even though we’re only a little over twenty years into the 21st century, I firmly believe that The Expanse is already one of the greatest science fiction shows of the century so far, and definitely the best of its time.

If you haven’t heard of it, The Expanse was a science fiction show that aired from 2015 to 2022. It’s based on the book series by S.A. Corey – a joint pen name for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. The show takes place in the future, after humans have settled throughout our solar system, and focuses on the tensions and conflicts between different groups: those born and living in the asteroid belt (the Belters), Earth and Luna’s combined government, and the people of Mars.

Over the past 26 years, very few science fiction shows have matched The Expanse in terms of its excellent stories, interesting characters, and detailed universe. What makes it stand out is its unique combination of space opera and realistic science fiction – a blend you don’t often see. The show clearly understands how things work in space and features believable technology.

Apple TV’s Foundation Has Been A Worthy Successor To The Expanse

Following the success of The Expanse, Apple TV+’s Foundation delivers a worthy follow-up. It’s a classic space opera – a sweeping, dramatic sci-fi story set in space, focusing on politics and the characters’ journeys. Though space operas used to be distinct from high-quality TV and lean towards simpler science, those lines are now blurred.

This TV show, while taking inspiration from Isaac Asimov’s Foundation novels, isn’t a direct adaptation. Viewers expecting a faithful recreation of the books might be disappointed. However, if you approach it as its own story and keep an open mind, it’s a really enjoyable series about a group of people trying to save humanity and the Galactic Empire.

While staying true to the source material, Foundation is a visually stunning and well-crafted series with a compelling story. The show looks fantastic, and the performances from the talented cast really move the plot along. Though it may not reach the heights of The Expanse, it’s a worthy follow-up that continues the tradition of epic space operas.

Why There Are So Few Space Operas On TV These Days

Creating epic space adventures for streaming services is challenging. These shows usually need many episodes to build believable worlds, develop characters, and tell a complete story, which makes them very expensive to produce.

Recently, television has focused more on high-quality, critically acclaimed shows, which hasn’t always been a good fit for science fiction. However, series like The Expanse and Foundation demonstrate that sci-fi can adapt and meet today’s viewers’ standards.

Read More

2026-01-17 18:08