Summary
Throughout the constant changes to the entertainment industry brought about by the dawn of streaming, sci-fi has managed to maintain a foothold in movies and television, challenging societal boundaries through complex worlds and stories wrapped in the lens of science fiction. In particular, sci-fi through the medium of television has experienced significant growth sincethe start of the 2020s, generating a diverse array of shows that have resonated with audiences.
From epic tales set in the outer reaches of space to dystopian futures set on Earth, sci-fi stories have comprised much of the best of television, delivering a sense of scale in fictional worlds that continue to shock and stun.
Apple TV boasts an impressive resume for producing television shows, with the dystopianSiloranking among the best within its catalog. Set in a future where the last of civilization lives underground in a 144-story bunker, Juliette Nichols is soon promoted to the position of Sheriff, with her findings revealing many unexplained secrets about the Silo they inhabit and the society that is divided by class.
Silo’s dystopian outlook and the mystery behind it prove to be an enticing watch, particularly for those eagerfor big-budget sci-fi spectacles.
In the vast catalog of MCU shows on Disney+,Lokihas often been regarded as one of the best, exploringone of Marvel’s greatest villains, with Tom Hiddleston returning to bring chaos and trouble to the Time Variance Authority. Loki’s adventures through the TVA, where time travel, variants, and lawbreaking become the norm, viewers can see the Prince of Asgard continue to dabble in mischief.
Featuring fresh characters that rejuvenate the MCU,Lokiis a creative sci-fi series that explores complex multiverse mayhem, enabling unlimited possibilities for Loki and his band of quirky companions.
5Pantheon
Uploaded Intelligence Disrupts Society
The widely revered animated showPantheonpresents technologicaldangers while providing riveting sci-fi actionthroughout its two-season run. Much ofPantheon’s focus is on Maddie, a teenage girl whose world turns upside-down when she receives messages from her deceased father, with the consciousness of her dad being uploaded to the cloud, a process by the name of Uploaded Intelligence.
Pantheonpresents a technological and moral dilemma for society, as the uploading of countless consciousnesses threatens the harmony of civilization, with its dangers and ethical complexity delivering a fresh premise within the sci-fi genre.
Following the release of themuch-publicized video gameCyberpunk 2077, Netflix unveiled the animeCyberpunk: Edgerunners, a limited series that amazed audiences upon its release, as the futuristic surroundings of Night City were further explored. In the metropolis of Night City, a journey unfolds for David Martinez, a street kid who becomes involved in criminal pursuits as an edgerunner after the loss of his mother. His exploits within Maine’s crew, alongside Lucy, provide pulsating action and slick animation of the highest order.
Edgerunner’s vibrant and dystopian world, which showcases the technological advancements of its time, is a perfect sci-fi experience for those seeking short yet high-octane entertainment.
One of the few video game adaptations to stick the landing isThe Last of Uson HBO, a show retelling the story of Joel and Ellie’s arduous journey across a zombie-infested America. With Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey portraying the two iconic characters, they form a found family connection while navigating past high volumes of infected and cult-like groups in a story that features survival elements.
The Last of Us’s dystopian future, brought to ruin by the spread of an infection, sets the stage for a compelling story centered on its two protagonists, with their mission to reach the Fireflies and development unfolding in tandem, solidifying itself as prestige TV.
AndorpresentedStar Warsin a light it had never shown before, exploring the gritty and dark journey the Rebellion underwent before Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia helped save the galaxy. Before the events ofRogue One, Cassian Andor’s journey to becoming an agent of the Rebellion spans the course ofAndor, with other integral characters, such asMon Mothma, Luthen Rael, and Saw Gerrera, playing key roles in turning the tide against the methodical Empire.
Andor’s examination of an Empire-controlled galaxy and the harsh realities of a war beneath the surface presents a truly visceral sci-fi perspective within the confines of theStar Warsfranchise.
Very few shows in the 2020s have had a more transcendent impact thanSeverance, Apple TV’s flagship show. Thanks to an incomparable narrative,Severancefollows Mark Scout and the workers at Lumon, where, upon entering the workplace, a separate consciousness takes over, allowing employees to separate their work life from their personal lives.
While working on the severed floor for the tight-lipped Lumon, both iterations of Mark begin to question the company, along with many unexplained mysteries, such as the case of Mark’s suspected dead wife and the significance of his department’s work.Severance’s delicately told story,full of secrets, romance, and absurdities, has seen the show become a phenomenon as of 2025, shaping up to be the de facto sci-fi show of its generation.
