Sci-fi has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with a range of high-quality science fiction series available to watch on the small screen. If you’re looking to settle down for the weekend with a sci-fi series, these binge-worthy classics are well worth your time:
Star Trek – First aired in 1966, Stark Trek is perhaps the greatest sci-fi show ever. Since the initial run following Captain Kirk, the show has undergone countless transformations and re-boots, with the most popular including The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. If you’ve never had the pleasure of stepping aboard the Enterprise, set your phasers to stun and settle down for a binge!
Doctor Who – Doctor Who first hit the screens in 1963, following the time-travelling adventures of a mysterious extraterrestrial in a spaceship disguised as a phone box – simple, right? This is a certified British classic that’s renowned amongst sci-fi fans, with the title character having been played by top talent including David Tenant and Peter Capaldi.
The Mandalorian – Following the adventures of a galactic bounty hunter (whose Mandalorian helmet will be instantly recognisable to Star Wars fans), The Mandalorian is an action-packed space western that’s been rated as one of the best offerings from the franchise since its acquisition by Disney back in 2012. Both seasons are accessible for streaming on Disney+.
Battlestar Galactica – Immortalised by the 1974 TV series and re-booted to spectacular effect in 2004, the re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica is a binge-friendly sci-fi consisting of a three-hour miniseries and four regular seasons. BG achieved critical acclaim upon release, receiving Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award, as well as a position as one of Time’s 100 Best TV Shows of All-Time.
The X Files – While The X Files is remembered as a staple of 90s pop culture, it’s easy to forget just how good this sci-fi show was! Following the paranormal investigations (and simmering sexual tension) of FBI agents Mulder and Scully, the show spanned 9 seasons and 202 episodes. Remember – the truth is out there!
Stranger Things – Taking its inspiration from 1980s movies and pop culture, teen sci-fi hit Stranger Things has been one of Netflix’s most popular releases to date – following supernatural happenings in the town of Hawkins, ST is a must-watch for any self-respecting sci-fi fan.
Babylon 5 – First aired in 1994, this memorable sci-fi series took the pacifist’s approach to galactic warfare, with the five-mile-long Babylon 5 ship famously serving as ‘the last, best hope for peace’. Babylon 5 has become increasingly well-respected over the years, gathering a notable cult following since its initial 5-season run.
Westworld – This nightmarish neo-western focuses on a futuristic amusement park inhabited by increasingly sentient androids….what could go wrong? Based on the cult 1973 movie of the same name, Westworld is a stunning modern sci-fi that commanded the highest-ever viewing figures of any HBO original series upon launching in 2016.
The Twilight Zone – Renowned as the greatest spooky sci-fi anthology series of all time, there were over 150 unique, mind-bending episodes of The Twilight Zone in its five-year run. The re-boot of this classic American series (hosted by Jordan Peele) is currently available to stream on Youtube TV and Hulu.
Black Mirror – This Charlie Brooker-penned sci-fi/satire/ tech horror mashup first hit the air in 2011, with an infamous episode based on the blackmail of the British PM. Over 10 years later, Black Mirror is still regarded as one of the best shows on the box – with a star-studded cast lined up for the upcoming 6th season, there are plenty of unsettling thrills in store from Black Mirror.