10 Most Rewatchable Sci-Fi Series of the 21st Century

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Science fiction has moved from a hobby for a few to a major part of our culture, with TV shows costing a lot to make consistently attracting huge audiences. The success of shows like 3 Body Problem on Netflix and Fallout on Prime Video proves people are really interested in complex stories that push the boundaries of what’s possible and explore how humans survive. Apple TV+ has become a go-to place for sci-fi, with shows like Severance and Silo receiving praise for their suspenseful plots and imaginative, often unsettling, worlds. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, science fiction doesn’t appear to be losing popularity, with exciting new projects like a live-action version of Neuromancer and the Blade Runner 2099 limited series expected to be big successes. These upcoming releases, along with returning favorites like Foundation, show that studios are increasingly using science fiction to create high-quality, critically acclaimed shows.

I’ve noticed that even though we’re getting so many well-made shows these days, something special is needed to make me want to watch something again and again. A lot of newer sci-fi can be really challenging, with complicated storylines or heavy themes that take a lot of effort to follow. But the shows I really love, the ones I keep going back to, just pull you in. Some of them are comforting – like hanging out with old friends because you know the characters and the way the show works. Others are packed with little details and hints that you only pick up on after multiple viewings, making each re-watch feel completely new and exciting.

10) Resident Alien

Even though it was cancelled too soon, Resident Alien is a truly special sci-fi show. It cleverly combines a darkly funny story with a heartfelt look at life in a small town. The show stars Alan Tudyk as Harry, an alien sent to Earth to eliminate humanity, who instead poses as a doctor in a quiet Colorado town. What starts as a mission to destroy Earth quickly becomes a funny and touching story about fitting in and the power of community. Alan Tudyk’s brilliant physical comedy and acting make the show incredibly enjoyable to rewatch, as his character hilariously struggles to act like a human. The supporting cast, including Sara Tomko and Alice Wetterlund, also adds depth and warmth, making the town of Patience feel like a real and inviting place.

9) Futurama

While Futurama first aired in 1999, it really became a cultural phenomenon in the 21st century thanks to its many revivals and continued availability on streaming services. The show is still incredibly popular because it uniquely blends silly, everyday workplace humor with surprisingly accurate science. At its heart, Futurama follows the adventures of Philip J. Fry (Billy West), Turanga Leela (Katey Sagal), and Bender (John DiMaggio) as they travel across the universe and through time. A big reason for its lasting appeal is the wealth of hidden jokes and mathematical puzzles cleverly woven into nearly every scene. Fans can spend years discovering all the secret codes and complex science references added by the show’s highly educated writing team. And despite all the humor, Futurama also delivers genuinely touching moments that still resonate with viewers, even after many watches.

8) Rick and Morty

With its fast-paced humor and self-aware style, Rick and Morty quickly became a major hit in adult animation, rewarding viewers who watch it multiple times to fully appreciate its complex stories. The show follows the interdimensional adventures of Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty, using the idea of a multiverse to cleverly poke fun at and reimagine classic science fiction themes. It’s highly rewatchable because the show is packed with details, jokes, and fast dialogue that are easy to miss on the first viewing. While the show is often cynical and funny, it also explores the relatable struggles of characters like Beth and Jerry Smith, adding a human touch to its outlandish premise.

7) The Orville

Initially seen as a comedic take on Star Trek, The Orville quickly evolved into a worthy successor to the hopeful science fiction of the late 20th century. Created by and starring Seth MacFarlane as Ed Mercer, the show follows the crew of a mid-level exploratory vessel as they tackle the complex ethical and political issues within the Planetary Union. What makes the series so enjoyable to revisit is its classic, self-contained episode format, which allows for a wide variety of stories – from thrilling conflicts to touching social commentaries. The strong connection between the crew members, especially Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki) and Bortus (Peter Macon), makes the ship feel like a real, lived-in workplace. By focusing on character development and moral dilemmas, The Orville provides a refreshing contrast to darker sci-fi shows, and offers fans a hopeful and inspiring look at the future.

6) Fringe

Fringe stands out as a procedural drama that brilliantly transformed into a complex, ongoing story without losing sight of its original concept. The show centers on FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) and her investigation into a series of strange occurrences known as “The Pattern,” which ultimately reveals the existence of a parallel universe. Sci-fi enthusiasts should definitely revisit this series, as the writers cleverly foreshadowed key elements – like the mysterious Observers and the alternate reality – from the very beginning. A second viewing allows viewers to pick up on subtle details in the scenery and character actions that hint at the influence of the other universe. Combining compelling character development with a carefully constructed mythology, Fringe remains incredibly satisfying, with each episode adding a piece to a five-season puzzle.

5) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

The arrival of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds breathed new life into the franchise by bringing back the classic format of exploring a new planet each episode, just like the original Star Trek from the 1960s. With Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, the show tells the story of the years before James T. Kirk took command of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Strange New Worlds keeps things fresh by allowing each episode to feel like a complete story on its own. The cast, including Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) and a young Spock (Ethan Peck), have fantastic chemistry, rivaling some of the best teams in Star Trek history. By emphasizing the excitement of discovery and the positive ideals of the Federation, the show creates a compelling and hopeful universe that fans love to revisit.

4) Dark

The German series Dark is widely considered one of the best time-travel stories ever made, known for its incredibly complex plot that demands multiple viewings to fully understand. Set in the gloomy town of Winden, the show centers on several families linked by a time-travel portal, uncovering a century-long pattern of heartbreaking events. The first time you watch Dark, it’s easy to get lost just trying to keep track of the characters and their relationships. But a second viewing allows you to truly appreciate the tragic fate of characters like Jonas Kahnwald and Martha Nielsen. Every detail, from dialogue to set pieces, is carefully planned and contributes to the larger story, making rewatching feel like piecing together a complex puzzle. This is possible because the show is incredibly consistent with its own rules, so the more you pay attention, the more you realize how brilliantly written it is.

3) Orphan Black

Orphan Black is a standout science fiction show of the 21st century, largely thanks to Tatiana Maslany’s incredible performance. She plays a dozen genetically identical clones, each with a unique and believable personality. The story starts when Sarah Manning (Maslany) sees a woman who looks just like her die by suicide, which leads her to uncover a corporate plot involving human cloning and genetic manipulation. Maslany portrays each clone – from the anxious Alison Hendrix to the wild Helena – so convincingly, with distinct mannerisms and voices, that it’s easy to forget one actor is playing them all. The show is also a gripping thriller that tackles important themes like identity and control over one’s own body with both intensity and cleverness. With powerful emotional moments and a consistently engaging plot, Orphan Black remains a highly rewatchable sci-fi series that still follows a connected storyline.

2) Stargate Atlantis

As a huge sci-fi fan, I always come back to Stargate Atlantis. It spun off from Stargate SG-1, but I actually think it’s even more rewatchable! The premise is fantastic: an international team discovers the lost city of Atlantis in another galaxy, only to find themselves trapped and hunted by these terrifying creatures called the Wraith. What really makes it work for me is the chemistry between John Sheppard, played by Joe Flanigan, and the incredibly smart, yet often frustrating, Rodney McKay (David Hewlett). They’re just a brilliant pairing. Add in characters like Jason Momoa’s Ronon Dex, and you’ve got a recipe for consistently fun adventures. Each episode throws something new at you – all sorts of cool sci-fi ideas – but that constant threat of the Wraith keeps things tense and exciting throughout the whole series. It’s just a really comforting show to revisit.

1) Doctor Who

As a huge sci-fi fan, I think the modern run of Doctor Who is just endlessly rewatchable. What makes it so special is this brilliant idea that the show itself can ‘regenerate’ along with the Doctor – meaning the actor playing him can change, but the spirit of the character stays the same. Since 2005, we’ve followed a Time Lord traveling through space and time in a TARDIS, and it’s been amazing to see actors like David Tennant, Matt Smith, and now Ncuti Gatwa each bring their own take to the role, all while keeping that core of wonder and a commitment to peace. Plus, the show isn’t afraid to switch things up – one week it’s a historical drama, the next it’s a scary horror story! That means there’s always something to fit your mood. And even with all the changes, there’s a running thread of mystery about the Doctor’s past that ties everything together and builds this incredible, ongoing story.

What 21st-century science fiction show do you enjoy rewatching the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-20 22:42