For the past few years, television has done some remarkable things for the entertainment of viewers. From heart-aching romances to thrilling, action-filled adventures, TV has shone bright in both plot and visuals. The sci-fi genre is, of course, no exception. Shows like Stranger Things and Foundation have proven just how far television has come, and how far it’ll eventually go.
In the last five years, audiences have enjoyed several thrills, with over 100 sci-fi shows for them to devour. As 2025 is here, it’s the perfect time to reminisce about the best of the past five years that helped define this entertaining era. From intense narratives to consuming storytelling, this list is the best of the sci-fi TV genre that keeps fans locked in.
10
‘Dark Matter’ (2024–)
Created by Blake Crouch
Dark Matter, not to be confused with the 2015 sci-fi series of the same name, is a great spin on alternate realities. The show is based on Blake Crouch’s novel, and premiered in 2024, following a man abducted and forced into an alternate universe. Amid the struggles of coming to the realization of what his life could have been for him, he must also fight to return to his life before an unexpected enemy takes all he holds dear.
With great plot progression and some fantastic character development, Dark Matter is an entertaining watch that keeps audiences questioning the essence of reality. Fans are alight with anticipation for the adaptation to soar to higher heights and continue to enchant with its stunning visuals and stimulating scenes.
9
‘The Peripheral’ (2022)
Created by Scott Smith
This sci-fi thriller TV series is an entertaining mesh of mystery and futuristic technology. The Peripheral captures the world in the near future, introducing its audience to a young woman who stumbles across some pretty heavy-duty tech that is capable of transporting her into an alternate timeline. As the character falls deeper into the new reality, she is confronted with a vision of her own future, which looks rather bleak.
The Peripheral was quick to become a fan-favorite among sci-fi fans due to its strong character delivery and immersive world-building. The series’ unique and intriguing story, as well as its performance, makes up for any flaws that may linger within the series, affording it a place among some of the decade’s best.
8
‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)
Created by Jim Mickle
Sweet Tooth is an emotional joyride with a unique dystopian twist. The sci-fi series centers around the young Gus, a deer boy hybrid, living in an isolated world at his father’s creation. When curiosity and grief get the best of him, Gus ventures out, away from the only place he’s ever known. Gus then gradually discovers both the wickedness and the beauty of humanity as he searches for his mother, pushing past his limits.
Sweet Tooth offers its viewers emotional storytelling and impressive visuals. The series’ plot captivates its audience with its hope-against-hope narrative and its moments of melancholy, giving it an innovative approach to the sci-fi genre. This keeps the sweet series as a treasured favorite in fans’ past and current watchlists.
7
‘Supacell’ (2024–)
Created by Rapman
With a great cast and an interesting story, Supacell gives fans of powered humans another great series to watch. The series follows a group of South Londoners who suddenly gain extraordinary abilities. This brings on a harsh set of trials that the group must face. Without shying away from real-world issues, the show brings awareness to sickle cell disease, while still delivering an appealing story.
Though the premise may seem familiar, Supacell brings its own uniqueness to draw fans in. Fans are alight with curiosity to see where the series will take them as they wait eagerly to see what Supacell Season 2 will bring.
6
Loki (2021–2023)
Created by Michael Waldron
Loki is a Marvel banger, gaining a mass following from its very first episode. The series brings back fan-favorite villain Loki, whole and alive, as he is an alternate version of himself. For simply being an alternate, Loki is taken to the TVA and forced to confront his past, present, and potential future. On the cusp of change, Loki must become the god he never thought he could be, a good one.
With Loki’s abrupt death by Thanos’ large purple hands, fans were excited about the announcement that the character would return for the series. Loki offers an interesting take on different timelines and time travel, pinning it as one of the better cornerstones of Marvel’s expansion into the realm of TV.
5
‘Alice in Borderland’ (2020–)
Created by Shinsuke Sato
Alice in Borderland is an unexpected drop of amazingness that came to sci-fi fans in 2020. The fantastic death game series follows Arisu and friends, who are abruptly thrown into challenging and deadly games where survival is the main objective. Each challenge tests their grit, wit, and endurance as they all struggle to escape.
With a well-executed story and an intense amount of suspense, Alice in Borderland keeps viewers at the edge of their seats, with a longing to see their favorite characters survive. The series’ originality cements it as one of the 2020s’ best TV shows.
4
‘Andor’ (2023–)
Created by Tony Gilroy
Andor brings forth the story of the rebel hero Cassian Andor before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The series is set in the early days of the tumultuous rebellion, delving into the harshness of survival and a person’s resilience in the face of strife.
While some were initially hesitant about the series, wondering why the main lead out of all the people the main lead had to be Cassian, the drama, action, and political developments left fans without any doubt that the series was a great addition to the Star Wars universe. About to continue with its second season, Andor’s fan base continues its growth, making it one of the more memorable sci-fi shows of the decade.
3
‘Severance’ (2022–)
Created by Dan Erickson
Severance is steadily growing an impressively large fan base. The series follows Mark as he and his co-workers live in a dystopian world, where their memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. With the foreign introduction to the employees’ workspace, the team begins to unravel the sinister truth behind their company.
Severance offers its viewers a wonderful bout of cinematography and sharp dialogue. The immersive dystopian TV series gives viewers a nice amount of mystery and drama, with intriguing characters that add dry humor to an already interesting plot. This leaves the series as another highlight in the ever-evolving world of the sci-genre.
2
‘The Last of Us’ (2023–)
Created by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin
This TV masterpiece is one of the most anticipated shows of 2025. With the premiere of Season 2 right around the corner, fans are revisiting the show for a quick refresh. Adapted from the beloved video game, The Last of Us introduces its audiences to a post-apocalyptic world, where a fungus is running rampant. Joal, hardened and fearsome, and Ellie, a witty teen immune to the infection, embark on a harrowing journey filled with danger and grief.
1
‘From’ (2022–)
Created by John Griffin
This series gives a masterful blend of horror and sci-fi, creating a thrilling experience that keeps viewers on edge. From follows a group of people mysteriously trapped in a town where survival is a draining nightly task against man-eating creatures that cannot be killed. When a family of four finds themselves an addition to the town’s population, their presence sets off an unexpected chain of events, driving the town into chaos and threatening the once semi-peaceful balance of the town.
Despite being a horrendously underrated series, From has recently garnered more recognition thanks to dedicated fans and the power of social media. The show’s suspenseful atmosphere, terrifying creatures, and captivating plot immerses viewers completely. Its ability to deliver on all the important fronts places it as one of the greatest sci-fi shows to meet the 2020s.
From
- Release Date
-
February 20, 2022
- Network
-
Epix, MGM+
