Science fiction shows are dominating in 2025, and the nine best sci-fi shows of the year so far are all available to stream. Though it’s only August, the sci-fi genre has already had some massive hits in 2025. There are even more great shows on the horizon, from Apple TV+’s Neuromancer to Stranger Things season 5, but these nine shows are the best of the year so far.
Since this list is looking at the best sci-fi shows of 2025, shows that had their debut season this year are going to be heavily favored over returning series. While Foundation season 3 did come out this year, for example, it’s not really a 2025 show. That being said, there are some shows that experienced a long hiatus before returning this year, and that – coupled with their quality – earned them a spot.
Cassandra
Stream On: Netflix
Netflix’s Cassandra may have a retro-futuristic aesthetic, but its timeliness is one of its best qualities. Cassandra is a German-language show that follows a family that moves into an old smart home that comes complete with an obsessive artificial intelligence named Cassandra. What follows is a masterclass in sci-fi thriller and horror storytelling.
Cassandra also is the perfect sci-fi show for the streaming era. It has a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, exceptional pacing, a mysterious and thrilling plot that is perfectly paced to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. With just six episodes, it’s also the perfect series to binge-watch in a single weekend.
When the Stars Gossip
Stream On: Netflix
Science fiction is so much more than just horror and drama, and When the Stars Gossip is one of the best examples of that. When the Stars Gossip is a Korean romance story about the commander of a space station, Eve, who begins a relationship with a tourist to said space station, Gyong-ryong. The setting isn’t the only sci-fi aspect of the show, however.
Unlike many other romantic dramas, When the Stars Gossip makes full use of its sci-fi setting. There are an astounding number of engaging space elements to the story, and it’s entirely reminiscent of sci-fi hits like Gravity and The Martian in its sheer thoroughness. That, coupled with main characters that have plenty of chemistry, makes When the Stars Gossip an instant hit.
The Institute
Stream On: MGM+
Based on a novel by legendary author Stephen King, The Institute is one of his best TV adaptations. The Institute follows Luke, a teenager with psychic powers who is abducted and experimented on by a mysterious group and Mrs. Sigsby. The entire show tries to uncover the Institute’s mysterious nature and the source of Luke’s supernatural powers.
While it didn’t have the best reviews – The Institute has just 63% on Rotten Tomatoes – it is one of the more promising sci-fi shows of the year. Now that The Institute season 2 has been revealed, it can dive deeper into its mysteries, Stephen King’s writing, and the fascinating powers and characters it has already established.
The Eternaut
Stream On: Netflix
Science fiction shows are often adapted from great source material, and Netflix’s The Eternaut is based on one of the best graphic novels of all time. The Eternaut follows Juan Salvo and his group of survivors as they traverse an apocalypse where snowfall is deadly and the first sign of an alien invasion. With a fully realized world, engaging character dynamics, and a novel take on time and alien life, The Eternaut is a hit.
The Eternaut also isn’t a one-and-done show. The Eternaut season 2 promises to solve many of the engaging mysteries season 1 set up, and it’s easy to look forward to. Given the faithful way season 1 has been adapting the iconic graphic novel, it’s safe to say that The Eternaut season 2 will be another smash hit.
Revival
Stream On: Peacock
The Syfy network has long been a source of hit science fiction shows, and this year’s Revival is no different. Based on comics of the same name, Revival follows Dana as she investigates a strange phenomenon where the recently deceased come back to life, and as she investigates the murder of one of the “revivers.” Part zombie horror, part supernatural mystery, Revival is a mix of a lot of good things.
Even though it leans further into the supernatural than the science fiction, Revival is still one of the best sci-fi mysteries of the entire year. Each episode develops the mystery surrounding Revival Day even further, and every installment is a breadcrumb in a fascinating story. The search for answers alone is reason enough to watch Revival.
Murderbot
Stream On: Apple TV+
Image via Apple TV+
Despite its name, Apple TV+’s Murderbot is not about a rogue killer robot. Instead, Murderbot follows a paranoid and socially awkward SecUnit who has to protect a group of hippie scientists from an unknown threat all while trying to watch trashy television. As an action-thriller with heavy comedic elements, Murderbot is basically never what you think it’s going to be.
There’s a lot to love about Murderbot, but one of its best qualities its emotional earnestness. It handles its sci-fi elements extremely well, but Murderbot is really a story about learning to love and the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. Murderbot may be a SecUnit, but it’s one of the most human characters in science fiction television history.
Severance
Stream On: Apple TV+
Severance is one of just two returning shows to make this list, but it more than earned a spot. Severance follows a group of workers who have been severed, meaning their work is done by a separate personality that exists only inside the walls of their mysterious corporation, Lumon. Severance is one of the most stylish, engaging, and emotional sci-fi shows in years.
Severance season 2 also returned after a three-year hiatus, which makes it feel like a 2025 show. Even with that long wait for answers after a cliffhanger ending, Severance season 2 was able to continue its story in a satisfying way and build up even more hype for Severance season 3. If you haven’t started it yet, I highly recommend watching Severance.
Andor
Stream On: Disney+
Though Andor season 1 did premiere in 2022, no list of the best science fiction shows would be complete without it. Andor is a Star Wars story that follows Cassian Andor, a spy for the Rebel Alliance, and his web of clandestine contacts as they work to bring down the fascist reign of the Empire. Andor is already cited as one of the best sci-fi political thrillers of all time, and for good reason.
Part of the reason Andor is on this list is that season 2, which debuted this year, was just as phenomenal as its debut season. Every beat of Andor season 2’s various three-episode arcs hits, and every moment of the series seems just as poignant and suspenseful as the last. It could very well redefine a franchise as legendary as Star Wars, which is reason enough to consider it among the best of the year.
Alien: Earth
Stream On: Hulu/Disney+
Easily the best new science fiction show of 2025 so far is FX’s Alien: Earth. It serves as a prequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi horror movie Alien and brings the legendary Xenomorphs to our planet. Even though it is part of a nearly 50-year-old franchise, Alien: Earth also finds more than enough ways to be fresh, exciting, and downright terrifying.
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Alien: Earth Release Schedule |
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Episode Title |
Release Date (Tuesdays @ 8 p.m. ET) |
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Neverland |
August 12 |
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Mr. October |
August 12 |
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Metamorphosis |
August 19 |
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Observation |
August 26 |
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In Space, No One… |
September 2 |
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The Fly |
September 9 |
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Emergence |
September 16 |
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The Real Monsters |
September 23 |
Alien: Earth has already been called a masterpiece, and for good reason. It perfectly recreates Alien‘s retro-futuristic look, the thrills and frights of a classic Xenomorph slasher movie, and presents some profound questions about the nature of huamnity and technology. It has everything a science fiction fan could watch, and is easily the year’s best show so far.
