Some science fiction TV shows are incredibly complex and thought-provoking, offering a single, powerful viewing experience. Others are so well-made you can enjoy them again and again. While classic sci-fi often focused on realistic technology and grand space adventures – and those shows are still essential viewing – the genre has become much more imaginative in the last two decades.
Sci-fi TV is incredibly diverse today. You’ll find everything from thought-provoking, complicated shows to lighthearted comedies that playfully nod to classic franchises. The really good ones are perfect for relaxing and rewatching, and some are so full of surprises you’ll want to experience them all over again.
Love, Death + Robots
The animated series Love, Death + Robots is a truly inventive show and widely considered one of the greatest anthology series ever made. Each episode is a unique short story – though not all of them are about love, death, or robots – and they all have a distinct visual style. Some viewers might find the variety inconsistent, but the show has a very high approval rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The strongest episodes of Love, Death + Robots are visually amazing and worth watching again and again. Even the lesser-known stories are worth a second look. Because the show offers such a variety of stories, it’s especially interesting to introduce it to fans of science fiction and cyberpunk – many episodes are open to different interpretations.
Firefly
The cancellation of Firefly is still considered one of the biggest disappointments in science fiction television, and even after just one episode, viewers felt a strong connection to the crew of the Serenity. The show’s focus on its characters, rather than elaborate world-building, is a key reason for its enduring appeal. Though it hasn’t always held up perfectly over time, Firefly still has many memorable and iconic scenes.
I absolutely adore Firefly. It built such a dedicated fanbase, and though a revival seems like a distant dream, at least we got the Serenity movie to give the story a proper ending – and it’s fantastic! Even 26 years later, Firefly is still one of my go-to shows when I need something comforting. It just hits all the right notes with its lovable characters, humor, and so many lines I can quote by heart.
Severance
The TV show Severance is full of surprising twists that make it worth watching again. The first time you watch it, you need to pay close attention because the premise – where people mentally separate their work and personal lives with no memory between them – is quite complicated. But a second viewing really highlights how brilliantly crafted the show is.
Severance is filled with clever foreshadowing, subtle symbolism, and seemingly unimportant interactions that actually hint at the bigger picture. Once you know how the story concludes, it’s incredibly rewarding to rewatch, paying attention to those small details. It’s also fun to experience the show with someone new and watch them unravel the twists and turns for the first time.
The X-Files
The X-Files is a classic sci-fi thriller that originally ran for 271 episodes, and with a reboot on the way, it’s a great time to revisit the series. The show uniquely combined crime investigations with science fiction, earning 16 Emmy Awards and attracting a broad audience, even those who weren’t typically fans of the genre.
Mulder and Scully are considered one of the most memorable detective partnerships in television history, and their strong connection is a highlight of the show. Although some episodes haven’t aged as well—like the famously debated “Home”—many remain sci-fi classics that both shaped the genre and captured the spirit of the 1990s.
Resident Alien
If you loved Firefly, you should definitely check out Resident Alien. It stars some of the same actors, like Alan Tudyk, and even features sci-fi icon Linda Hamilton. Tudyk really shines in this comedic role, and while Resident Alien is set in a more realistic world than Firefly, it captures a similar sense of close-knit relationships and the idea of finding family where you least expect it.
Many comedies don’t stay funny when you watch them again, but Resident Alien is a delightful exception. It’s still really funny, cleverly mixing dark humor with heartwarming moments, which makes it perfect for a cozy night in. Although the show ended after four seasons, fans are still hoping for a fifth season, as the finale left some storylines unfinished.
Killjoys
As a huge sci-fi fan, I’m honestly baffled that Killjoys isn’t way more popular. It consistently gets amazing reviews – like a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – but it still feels like a hidden gem. The show is about a team of bounty hunters working in space, and it reminds me of all my favorites – think Firefly, Mad Max, and even Blade Runner all mixed together, but with its own unique spin. The special effects aren’t always top-of-the-line, but honestly, the show’s imagination and creativity more than make up for it. You really need to check it out!
It’s annoying to revisit shows you know end on a suspenseful note, but thankfully, Killjoys got a satisfying conclusion after five excellent seasons. Better and more enjoyable than many expensive sci-fi series, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for something a little lighter than the often grim and bleak sci-fi currently available.
Battlestar Galactica
It’s easy to overlook just how good the 2004 version of Battlestar Galactica is, especially since it became so much more popular than the original 1978 series. Any sci-fi fan should see it at least once – it’s packed with memorable characters and exciting space combat. Plus, it holds up really well on repeat viewings.
Re-watching Battlestar Galactica lets you fully enjoy its stunning visuals, clever writing, and subtle details – things that are easy to miss when you’re first trying to follow the story. Because the show has several related series and webisodes, a second viewing allows you to watch everything in a way that provides a more complete backstory and deeper understanding of the characters.
Star Trek
Considering the vast number of Star Trek shows, movies, and spin-offs, the universe it created is ripe for re-exploration. There’s simply too much history and detail to absorb in a single viewing. Star Trek fundamentally changed science fiction, leading the way in innovation and representation, and solidifying its place as one of the greatest sci-fi franchises ever created.
Although the special effects in classic Star Trek haven’t always stood the test of time, revisiting the show is a comforting and relaxed experience. Because the original series is made up of individual episodes, you can easily skip any that don’t interest you. Watching the older Star Trek shows can also give you a fresh perspective on the newer ones, and rewatching the newer series often reveals deeper meanings you might have missed initially.
Futurama
Hulu
Futurama is a fantastic show that blends science fiction with classic sitcom humor, making it enjoyable for everyone. You can easily jump into any episode without prior knowledge, but the show becomes even richer and more fun if you appreciate science fiction, thanks to its clever references and parodies.
Despite being canceled multiple times, Futurama is still on the air. It offers something for everyone – episodes like “The Devil’s Hands are Idle Playthings” are classic sci-fi comedies, while others, such as “The Luck of the Fryrish,” have unexpectedly touching moments. This means there’s always a Futurama episode you can revisit whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, or feel both.
The Expanse
Few science fiction TV shows compare to The Expanse, which many consider to be one of the greatest ever made. It has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has even earned praise from scientists impressed by how realistic it is. In fact, a second viewing is often even more rewarding, allowing you to fully appreciate the show’s intricate and detailed world.
This six-season science fiction series is known for its carefully paced episodes and subtle hints about what’s to come. You’ll often notice new details and appreciate the clever foreshadowing on a second viewing. The way the alien technology develops and affects the story can be easy to miss at first, but it’s often the most rewarding aspect of The Expanse, a truly exceptional example of science fiction storytelling.
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2026-02-22 00:11