Top 6 Sci-Fi Series to Watch in 2025

2025 has brought many captivating sci-fi shows showcasing themes of chaos, intrigue, and resistance. This unrest may mirror our world’s current state, but it certainly has led to some incredible television. Here are six series you should consider adding to your watch list.

Two of the standout shows have returned with new seasons. Initially, when Andor (Disney+) premiered in 2022, it felt somewhat unreal. Was it just a fun ride for both loyal fans and newcomers? A prequel focusing on Rebel Alliance spy Cassian Andor, written and performed with Shakespearean intensity? The question lingered in my mind.

However, it truly is fantastic. Remarkably, the second and final season (sadly) of Andor is even better than the first. Now centered on the battle against the Galactic Empire, Cassian, under the direction of a shadowy spymaster Lusen, steals a ship to rescue operatives, amidst a larger conflict. A timely and beautifully narrated tale amidst an era of rising authoritarianism, Andor undoubtedly stands out as the year’s finest show.

Another worthy contender from 2022 is Severance (Apple TV), which presents a starkly different set of rebels. Nestled within the enigmatic Lumon Industries, it showcases employees who opt for “separation.” Their professional memories are cut off from their true selves, generating a new entity known as “innie,” who knows nothing outside their work existence.

These innies endure relentless horrors orchestrated by Lumon’s middle management, while the “outies” who cast them into this predicament remain blissfully unaware. Their only escape? Resigning to death. The second season takes a spine-chilling turn, unveiling deeper aspects of Lumon’s bizarre operations. Severance is a thoroughly satisfying mystery, intelligently unraveling its plot while adequately addressing the intricacies behind it.

Now, let’s talk about shows that may seem ordinary at first glance. New Scientist suggests Paradise (Disney+/Hulu), which skyrocketed to popularity in January. Initially a standard political thriller, the casting of Sterling K. Brown as U.S. secret agent Xavier Collins and James Marsden as Cal Bradford, a suspected presidential murderer, proves clever. Their on-screen chemistry is outstanding, and the fast-paced plot keeps viewers guessing.

What seemed like a light binge-watch took a captivating turn towards sci-fi by the end of an unforgettable first episode. Paradise brilliantly transitions from mere entertainment to something truly engaging. Without giving away spoilers, it casts an eerie shadow over the investigation, preventing the narrative from spiraling into absurdity. Absurdity is present—many pivotal moments are underscored with airy renditions of 1980s power ballads—but it’s just the right touch.

Every year, numerous end-of-the-world narratives unfold on screens, but inevitably, some stand out more than others. Among the top shows of 2025 is El Eternaut (Netflix), which breathes life into the classic comic by Héctor Germán Oesterheld.

As heavy snow descends upon Buenos Aires, former soldier Juan Salvo dons a gas mask and waders, venturing out to locate his family. It quickly becomes clear that the snowfall is just the tip of the iceberg. Juan and other survivors must unravel the mystery of what’s happening and how to thwart it.

Delve into the grim historical backdrop of Argentina’s late 1970s military dictatorship and the assassination of Oesterheld. El Eternaut pays appropriate homage to its source material, crafting a haunting series. One of the standout scenes this year takes place in a confined apartment where survivors must huddle together and strip Juan’s clothing, realizing their survival relies on outside elements.

If you lean towards warmer dystopian narratives, consider Pluribus (Apple TV), written by Breaking Bad’s Vince Gilligan. Set against the backdrop of sunny New Mexico, it follows the tale of jaded romance novelist Carol Starka, who is anything but a hero. In a world where most of humanity becomes overwhelmed by a sudden wave of happiness, everyone clamors to serve Carol, one of the few unaffected individuals.

What if a utopia existed, but not all could bask in its light? Carol is uninterested in participating in this enforced joy, yet discovering a path to normalcy proves challenging, especially considering how lovely a world free of conflict and selfishness can be.

Pluribus exhibits excruciating confidence and leads you through unexpected twists, anchored by an impressive central performance.

Surprises Await

Let’s shift to a more uplifting topic about joy. Common Side Effects (Channel 4/Cartoon Network) has been the biggest surprise for me this year, not just for its quality—thanks to co-creator Joe Bennett, known for the remarkable Scavenger’s Rain—but because it garnered enough viewers to warrant a second season.

This animated series follows fungi expert Marshall, who stumbles upon a shocking finding—a mushroom that seems to possess the power to cure various ailments. Unsurprisingly, this mushroom, dubbed Blue Angel, quickly becomes a sought-after commodity that nefariously falls into the hands of Leutical Pharmaceuticals, a company whose newest employee is Frances, a childhood friend recently reconnected with Marshall.

With enemies in pursuit, the show transcends mere conspiracy thriller tropes or critiques of Big Pharma. Common Side Effects weaves a thoughtful, engaging narrative about envisioning a brighter future. Let’s take inspiration from this for 2026.