Must-Watch Science Fiction TV Shows to Stream on Science Fiction Day

Je-Ree
7 days ago
3 min read

Sci-fi scene with a man aiming a gun, a spaceship in space, colorful alien landscape, and a man in a suit with cityscape and office workers.

Science fiction has always been television’s favorite sandbox for bold ideas, existential dread and the occasional morally questionable decision made in space. With Science Fiction Day celebrated on January 2, there’s no better time to lean into the genre that asks the biggest “what ifs” while delivering some of TV’s most memorable characters and stories. Sci-fi television has evolved far beyond campy effects and technobabble, it’s now prestige viewing, comfort food and cultural commentary rolled into one warp-speed package.

Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or hunting for your next all-night binge, these are the top science fiction TV shows to binge for Science Fiction Day.

1. Firefly (Fox)

Five people stand confidently in a spaceship corridor, dressed in rugged, colorful outfits with serious expressions, amid a metallic backdrop.

Gone far too soon but never forgotten, Firefly remains one of the most beloved science fiction TV shows of all time. Set in a future where humanity has colonized distant planets, the series blends space western aesthetics with sharp dialogue, rich world-building and a found-family crew that fans still adore decades later. Yes, it only ran for one season but that just makes it the ultimate binge, and arguably the most emotionally efficient sci-fi experience on television.

2. Black Mirror (Netflix)

Two women sit closely in a retro setting. One wears a purple embellished jacket, the other a striped blue sweater. They look happy and relaxed.

Few sci-fi series feel as disturbingly plausible as Black Mirror. Each standalone episode examines technology’s dark side, often hitting a little too close to home. It’s smart, cynical and frequently uncomfortable which is perfect for viewers who like their science fiction with a side of existential panic.

3. Stranger Things (Netflix)

Young woman with a nosebleed looks intense in a dim, industrial setting. Man in background holds a rifle, creating a tense atmosphere.

What started as a nostalgic nod to ’80s sci-fi quickly evolved into a cultural juggernaut. Stranger Things mixes government experiments, alternate dimensions and supernatural threats with heartfelt character arcs. It’s equal parts thrilling and emotional, proving sci-fi works best when the stakes are personal.

4. Doctor Who (BBC & Disney+)

A person joyously stands with arms outstretched, surrounded by golden, swirling energy. The setting is vibrant, with a cosmic backdrop.

Time travel, aliens and one very complicated spaceship; Doctor Who remains a cornerstone of science fiction television. With decades of episodes and multiple Doctors to choose from, it’s endlessly bingeable. The series balances whimsy with surprising emotional depth, making it one of the genre’s most enduring successes.

5. Battlestar Galactica (Syfy)

A group of nine people in military and formal attire stand in a dramatic pose. Background is industrial. Mood is serious and intense.

Still a benchmark for serious sci-fi storytelling, Battlestar Galactica explores survival, faith, and identity in the wake of humanity’s near-extinction. The show’s tense atmosphere and complex moral questions elevate it far beyond standard space opera territory.

6. Westworld (HBO)

Cowboy and woman holding guns stand in a dusty, tense setting. Group in background in dark clothing with weapons. Smoky atmosphere.

At its peak, Westworld was prestige sci-fi television firing on all cylinders. Set in a futuristic theme park populated by artificial beings, the series dives deep into consciousness, free will and exploitation. It’s dense, ambitious and rewards viewers willing to pay attention.

7. The X-Files (Fox)

Two people in suits hold flashlights, standing with serious expressions in a dimly lit room. FBI badges are visible. Two others stand behind.

Government conspiracies, extraterrestrials and monsters lurking in the shadows, The X-Files defined genre television for a generation. The chemistry between Mulder and Scully remains iconic and the show’s blend of episodic sci-fi and serialized mystery still holds up remarkably well.

8. Severance (Apple TV)

A man in a suit holds a woman in a blue dress in a white hallway. Both appear serious, looking into each other's eyes.

Corporate culture gets a chilling sci-fi twist in Severance, where employees split their work and personal memories. The result is a slow-burn psychological thriller that’s equal parts funny and unsettling, tapping into very real anxieties about work-life balance.

9. Lost (ABC)

A group of people and a dog stand on a sandy beach, looking intently at something. The ocean is in the background. Sky is clear.

Yes, it’s still sci-fi and yes, it’s still worth the binge. Lost combines mysterious science fiction elements with character-driven storytelling that defined early 2000s television. Even years later, few shows match its sense of mystery and emotional investment.

10. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+)

Three people in futuristic uniforms stand in a starship interior. They wear yellow and blue attire with badges, looking serious and determined.

Star Trek returns to its episodic roots with Strange New Worlds, delivering thoughtful sci-fi stories anchored by strong characters and classic optimism. It’s accessible, engaging and a reminder of why the franchise continues to thrive across generations.

Final Transmission

Science Fiction Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate a genre that consistently pushes television forward. From cult classics like Firefly to modern hits like Severance, these best science fiction TV shows to binge highlight the range, ambition and creativity that sci-fi brings to the small screen. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, mind-bending concepts, or just a really good space adventure, this watchlist has you covered and then some.

The TV Cave