2025’s 25 best sci-fi and fantasy TV series – from Andor to Black Mirror

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It’s been a sensational year for sci-fi and fantasy.

2025 brought exciting new seasons of beloved shows, like “Andor” season 2, where Tony Gilroy captivated viewers with its exceptional storytelling. The year also saw a fresh take on a classic with “Alien: Earth,” revitalizing the franchise after 46 years.

Despite a lot of reboots, sequels, and prequels, we also saw some truly original science fiction and fantasy stories this year. A standout was Pluribus, a unique and highly-rated series from Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

Anime and animation are becoming incredibly popular worldwide, and the second season of Solo Leveling is proving that with record-breaking viewership.

It’s been tough seeing shows end, especially when The Wheel of Time was cancelled right after its strongest season – we’re still disappointed about that.

This year, science fiction and fantasy shows have largely led the way on television, offering insightful reflections of our world and inspiring us to strive for improvement. If that positive and hopeful trend doesn’t set the tone for 2026, it’s hard to imagine what will.

Let’s revisit the shows that captivated us with laughter, tears, and imagination this year! Here’s our list of the 25 best science fiction and fantasy series from 2025.

25. From season 3

Where to watch: MGM+ (available via Prime Video in the UK)

The audience for this hidden gem on MGM+ has grown massively each season – and for good reason.

Harold Perrineau, known for his role in Lost, stars as Sheriff Boyd Stevens in a new mystery sci-fi series. The show centers around a group of people stranded in a frightening town, where they struggle to survive against relentless, terrifying creatures. It shares a similar feel to the ABC series, and the town has become known as “Fromville” by those trapped within its borders.

The show’s third season has gotten really strange, especially with the new character, The Man in Yellow, but it’s still completely captivating – according to Louise Griffin.

24. Doctor Who season 15

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Despite a lot of talk about the BBC’s agreement with Disney, the acting in the latest season of Doctor Who was excellent.

The newest episodes featured Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Varada Sethu as his companion, traveling to a variety of times and places. Their adventures took them to 1950s America, a planet far in the future, 2019 Lagos, and a futuristic take on the Eurovision Song Contest.

I was relieved we got a bit more closure with Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday after her quick exit last season, but honestly, the biggest shock came right at the end. Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper – can you believe it?! It leaves so many questions, and unfortunately, we’ll all have to wait until Christmas 2026 to get any answers! – Louise Griffin

23. Peacemaker season 2

Where to watch: Sky/NOW

Chris Smith, better known as Peacemaker, is a pretty unusual superhero. He’s a skilled but violent fighter who wears a silver helmet, doesn’t have any superpowers, and has an eagle as his closest companion. Even after saving the world from an alien invasion in his first TV series, he still isn’t getting the respect he deserves.

Look, this guy is trying to be a better person, but the powers that be just won’t let him forget his mistakes. Then, he stumbles onto something incredible – a doorway to another world where he’s not a screw-up, but a celebrated hero. Naturally, he jumps at the chance to escape and see what life could have been like. It’s a classic ‘what if?’ scenario, and honestly, I don’t blame him one bit.

This show could easily have been silly or low-quality, but John Cena, who used to be a professional wrestler, delivers a surprisingly subtle and nuanced performance as Peacemaker, saving it from that fate. – Huw Fullerton

22. Hazbin Hotel season 2

Where to watch: Prime Video

Hazbin Hotel is an animated series set in Pentagram City, a city in Hell. The show centers around Charlie Morningstar, who is determined to demonstrate that even sinners are capable of changing for the better. While it might seem like typical adult animation at first glance, Hazbin Hotel has impressed viewers with its surprisingly complex story and characters, going beyond simple jokes and suggestive themes.

While stories set in hell aren’t new, Hazbin Hotel stands out by making its hell a surprisingly lively and emotionally resonant place, full of humor and spectacular musical performances. The show’s energy and unique characters are immediately captivating. As an animated series, it’s able to explore complex themes of morality and redemption in ways a live-action show couldn’t, and it’s already exceeding expectations thanks to its talented voice cast, including Keith David and Stephanie Beatriz. Creator Vivienne Medrano’s work shows no signs of slowing down – Em Flint.

21. Ironheart

Where to watch: Disney+

Ironheart is a surprisingly good show in the Marvel Universe that many people missed. If you didn’t get a chance to watch it over the summer, it’s worth checking out as soon as you can.

I really feel this series was unfairly judged from the start. It took almost three years to finish making, and then Disney+ just kind of… released it with almost no promotion. It honestly seemed like they were expecting it to flop like Secret Invasion, but it was actually one of the best Marvel shows they’ve put out so far! It’s a shame it didn’t get the launch it deserved.

Dominique Thorne reprises her role as Riri Williams from Wakanda Forever, and the story brings her back to Chicago. There, she finds herself caught up with a dangerous group of superpowered criminals. The series, created by Chinaka Hodge, is a suspenseful and emotionally engaging story that blends the magical and technological sides of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Beyond its overall story, Ironheart introduces a strong new villain, The Hood (played by Anthony Ramos), and includes a quick but memorable appearance by a character fans have been wanting to see.

20. Murderbot

Where to watch: Apple TV

This funny science fiction story explores our anxieties about artificial intelligence. Alexander Skarsgard plays “Murderbot,” though no one besides the audience knows it by that name.

The robot reprogrammed itself to become independent, giving itself a new name in the process. Though it still appears to follow orders, it now has free will and is working as part of a team exploring new planets.

It’s fascinating to watch Murderbot navigate the world. Everyone else is just a messy, emotional human, but Murderbot looks like one of us on the outside, even though it’s a really powerful machine underneath. The show plays with this brilliantly, using voiceover as a source of comedy. We, as the audience, are in on the secret – we get to hear Murderbot’s thoughts through Skarsgard’s narration, and it’s hilarious because it’s constantly deceiving everyone around it. It’s like we’re getting a peek behind the curtain, and it’s just so well done – Jack Seale really highlights that.

19. Gen V season 2

Where to watch: Prime Video

The popular show The Boys, set in a world where superheroes exist but are often corrupt and self-centered, is preparing for its final fifth season, much to the anticipation of its fans.

Before all that, the story went back to Godolkin University – the campus where young people with superpowers, known as “supes,” learn to control their abilities. Life there isn’t just training, though; it also includes the typical college experiences of socializing, partying, and dating.

Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair) and her friends have left the unsettling lab from the previous season and are now looking into a fresh mystery. The show continues to deliver its signature mix of intense action, mature themes, and graphic content, with even stronger connections to the world of ‘The Boys’.

18. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3

Where to watch: Paramount+

Season 3 of Strange New Worlds wasn’t afraid to take risks, playfully bending Star Trek rules and exploring everything from classic fairytales to thrilling murder mysteries – and that’s exactly what made it so good.

This spin-off series takes place before the original ‘Star Trek,’ following the crew of the Enterprise as they embark on a five-year journey to discover new and unusual planets.

This show isn’t for everyone, and it’s only getting stranger, especially with a puppet episode planned for season 4! But despite its oddness, you’ll likely find yourself drawn to these quirky characters and their relatable problems. It’s a fun reminder that science fiction doesn’t always have to be serious – sometimes it’s good to be a little silly. – Louise Griffin

17. Paradise

Where to watch: Disney+

Though first promoted as a straightforward thriller about a president’s murder, “Paradise” is a surprisingly complex and engaging series. It demonstrates the value of keeping key plot details under wraps, and while the idea of underground bunkers isn’t new to science fiction, the show expertly blends this with a thrilling, Washington D.C.-centered storyline, significantly increasing the suspense.

With outstanding performances from Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, and James Marsden, plus a plot full of unexpected twists, this series is a captivating and emotional watch that you won’t want to stop. – Morgan Cormack

16. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Where to watch: Disney+

This animated series reimagines Spider-Man’s classic origin story – the tale of how ordinary teenager Peter Parker became a hero – with a fresh twist. It’s visually designed to feel like the original comic books, using a retro animation style.

Hudson Thames voices Peter, a likeable, nerdy character who’s on his way to becoming a crime-fighting hero. This version of the story shows more of his everyday high school experiences, but he quickly starts using his abilities to stop crimes and help people – according to Jack Seale.

15. Devil May Cry

Where to watch: Netflix

This animated series is based on Capcom’s well-known action-adventure game. It follows Dante, a charming and funny demon hunter who is also haunted by a difficult past.

In the anime-inspired show, Dante (voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch) could be the last chance for humanity against the enigmatic White Rabbit (Hoon Lee), who plans to unleash terrifying demons from another world. The show’s distinctive style blends retro animation with a touch of emotional depth, creating a unique atmosphere – Jack Seale.

14. Wednesday season 2

Where to watch: Netflix

Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) always stood apart, even among other unusual students, and she definitely wouldn’t want to be popular. But after the first season of this quirky and enjoyable gothic series premiered in November 2022, she unexpectedly became a sensation. People copied her dance moves, analyzed her style, and even admired her strong will. So, it’s a clever move for the second season to reflect this newfound fame, showing Wednesday returning to Nevermore Academy as something of a celebrity after saving the school.

Despite being admired by many, Wednesday Addams remains true to herself – a striking contrast to her bubbly friend Enid Sinclair (played by Emma Myers). However, the adults around her have shifted, and she generally finds them difficult to deal with. This season introduces Billie Piper as the mysterious music teacher Isadora Capri, Steve Buscemi as the annoying principal Barry Dort, and Joanna Lumley as Wednesday’s eccentric Grandmama Frump.

Catherine Zeta-Jones’s portrayal of the gloomy Morticia Addams gives extra attention to the complex relationships between the Addams women. The new story also features Wednesday investigating a mysterious figure who is secretly David Brown.

13. Foundation season 3

Where to watch: Apple TV

This is the most ambitious space opera on television, a sprawling story that balances a serious central plot with moments of dark humor. At its heart, the show follows Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), a mathematician who has developed a way to predict the future of a vast Empire. This Empire once controlled all planets, but now shares power with Seldon’s Foundation.

It’s been a century and a half since the last major event predicted by Seldon, and a new crisis is brewing. This time, the threat comes from a powerful warlord called The Mule, who we’ve only seen briefly before, but is now dramatically introduced in a striking opening scene.

Those who enjoy Scandinavian crime dramas will likely find the change in cast interesting, as Mikael Persbrandt (known from ‘Beck’) is being replaced by Pilou Asbaek (‘Borgen’). Soon, we’ll see the familiar intense conversations and strained relationships unfolding against stunning backdrops. Lee Pace, as the arrogant Brother Day, continues to focus on personal pursuits – in this case, caring for his pet camel, Jack Seale – while a larger crisis looms.

12. Daredevil: Born Again

Where to watch: Disney+

After initially appearing on Netflix, the character of Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil, has finally returned in a new home – Disney+, where he’s part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s been a bit of a wait for fans to see him back in action.

Good news for fans of Marvel’s TV shows: Vincent D’Onofrio will return as the villainous Kingpin, and Jon Bernthal is back as the Punisher. Charlie Cox, who plays the lead, has even trained in MMA to make the fight scenes more realistic and impactful – according to Jack Seale.

11. Invincible season 3

Where to watch: Prime Video

The third season of the animated superhero show is back, and it still has the same cool, old-school look and clever, understated humor fans love. The voice acting is fantastic, featuring stars like JK Simmons, Sandra Oh, Walton Goggins, Seth Rogen, Mark Hamill, and Andrew Rannells alongside Steven Yuen, who plays 19-year-old Mark – a superhero-in-training struggling to accept his responsibility to save the world.

The exciting and chaotic scenes are balanced by clever humor about the experiences of being a teenager or parenting one – Jack Seale.

10. Severance season 2

Where to watch: Apple TV

This intriguing drama finally returned for a second season, and it’s still compelling. Adam Scott plays Mark, who works for a strange company that uses a procedure to separate employees’ work and personal lives – when they’re at the office, they have no memory of their outside lives, and vice versa.

The team, once split apart, is now united and getting closer to uncovering a major conspiracy. Clever writing and Ben Stiller’s unique directing style keep the audience guessing throughout – Jack Seale.

9. Stranger Things season 5

Where to watch: Netflix

After nine seasons, the popular fantasy series is heading towards its conclusion. Four episodes will be released in November, with the remaining episodes arriving on Netflix between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Given the show’s massive popularity and complex storylines, it will be a challenge to tie up all loose ends and deliver a satisfying ending for its dedicated fans.

The first few episodes spend a lot of time establishing the story before really diving into the show’s strength: the scary events happening in a typical 1980s neighborhood. We return to Hawkins, Indiana, in 1987, only four years after Will Byers first revealed the terrifying, alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.

Vecna, a powerful psychic villain (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), remains a threat, and it’s up to the heroes of Hawkins – including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who has telekinetic powers – to find him. The only problem is, he might find them first. – Huw Fullerton

8. Solo Leveling season 2

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

After just two seasons, Solo Leveling has quickly become a standout anime. The main character, Sung Jinwoo, has grown incredibly powerful, and the show itself has improved dramatically. Its exciting story and constant action have captivated viewers, earning it several awards – and it all looks fantastic thanks to its beautiful animation.

Currently, Solo Leveling is the most-watched anime ever on Crunchyroll. Whether you enjoy it or not, it’s becoming hugely popular with anime fans, similar to how Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan did previously. With a live-action adaptation coming to Netflix and a third season likely on the way, Solo Leveling has the potential to become even more successful than those hit series. – David Opie

7. Black Mirror season 7

Where to watch: Netflix

The newest season of Charlie Brooker’s dark and futuristic series starts with a particularly shocking episode, written by Brooker himself. It features Rashida Jones and Chris O’Dowd as a typical, happy couple living in what seems like the present day, until an unexpected event leads them to try a groundbreaking new health product.

At first, the story feels like a typical Black Mirror episode, pointing out the problems with things like streaming services, annoying ads, and online content that feels cheap and degrading. But it quickly becomes much more than that – a deeply upsetting story that builds to a tragic, yet believable, ending.

The rest of the season promises some unusual stories: a mysterious new worker at a chocolate factory, a romance involving artificial intelligence, a technology that lets people experience old photographs as if they were there, and a special reunion with the crew from USS Callister. – Jack Seale

6. The Wheel of Time season 3

Where to watch: Prime Video

One of the biggest television surprises of 2025 was the sudden cancellation of The Wheel of Time, despite it just having finished its most popular season yet.

The Prime Video series, adapted from Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy novels, received some criticism from fans after its first two seasons. However, the show really found its footing in season three, particularly as Rand Al’Thor (played by Josha Stradowski) traveled to the Aiel Waste to prove his worth as the Car’a’carn.

Despite a compelling story, strong acting – including Rosamund Pike in the lead role – and impressive visuals, the show was cancelled. However, fans haven’t given up hope, and a petition to revive it has already gathered over 250,000 signatures, as reported by Louise Griffin.

5. It: Welcome to Derry

Where to watch: Sky/NOW

Following the success of horror adaptations on television, this new series offers a creative and genuinely frightening take on Stephen King’s universe. It’s brought to life by the team behind the 2017 and 2019 It films – Andy and Barbara Muschietti, along with Jason Fuchs.

Set in the early 1960s, before the events of the later movies, the story returns to Derry, Maine. When a young boy disappears, his friends – portrayed by a talented group of young actors – begin to search for him. However, they quickly encounter Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård returns as the terrifying clown and also helped produce the film), who preys on their deepest fears.

The first episode takes the story in a completely unexpected direction, demonstrating that even familiar narratives can still surprise you – according to Laura Rutkowski.

4. The Last of Us season 2

Where to watch: Sky/NOW

Usually, seeing “based on a video game” at the beginning of a TV show isn’t a good sign, but The Last of Us proved to be different. When it premiered in 2023, the story—following a hardened smuggler guiding a teenager through a ruined America—really resonated with audiences. They were also captivated by the frightening, fungus-infected zombies the characters encountered.

The show is back for a second season, continuing the story five years later. Joel and Ellie (played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) had been trying to build a quiet life in a small town after Joel made a difficult choice to protect Ellie and prevent a cure for the “cordyceps” plague. However, their peace is threatened by new dangers – both from other people and the infected – and Joel and Ellie are struggling with their relationship.

Despite the bizarre premise involving zombie mushrooms, the strength of the acting and the connections between the characters are what truly captivate you, according to Huw Fullerton.

3. Alien: Earth

Where to watch: Disney+

The year is 2120, two years before the start of the movie Alien. This series, created by Noah Lawley (known for Fargo and Legion), ignores the storylines of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. It’s primarily set on Earth, which is now controlled by five powerful corporations. The world is populated by humans alongside cyborgs – people with both organic and artificial parts – and synthetics, which are incredibly realistic, intelligent robots.

Boy Kavalier, the brilliant CEO of Prodigy Corporation (played by Samuel Blenkin), starts a groundbreaking but controversial project: creating hybrid robots. These aren’t typical machines – they have the bodies of adults but are controlled by the transferred consciousness of children with terminal illnesses. This immediately sparks a fierce competition for technological supremacy. Simultaneously, the USCSS Maginot, a deep space research vessel owned by the Weyland-Yutani corporation, crashes back to Earth, unleashing five different alien species onto the planet, including the deadly Xenomorph.

2. Pluribus

Where to watch: Apple TV

Vince Gilligan, the creative force behind hit shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is back with a new series called Pluribus, and it’s another success! He’s proven once again he knows how to deliver captivating television.

Featuring Rhea Seehorn from Better Call Saul, this sci-fi mystery had people intrigued from the start, thanks to Apple TV+’s unusual promotion. The show quickly draws you into the story of Carol, played by Seehorn, an unlikely hero tasked with saving the world from a truly strange alien invasion. She has to do it alone, armed with only a flip chart, a grumpy demeanor, and a single grenade given to her by her captors.

Pluribus tackles big themes like love, loss, what it means to be human, and the impact of technology in today’s complex world. According to Louise Griffin, it’s a much-needed exploration of these ideas.

1. Andor season 2

Where to watch: Disney+

Few expected much from this Star Wars series when it debuted in 2022. It was a prequel to the movie Rogue One and focused on a lesser-known character. However, the show quickly became popular. This spy thriller offered a fresh take on the Star Wars galaxy, following rebel spy Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as he worked to build the Rebellion while the oppressive Empire tried to silence opposition. Season 2 intensified the drama and stakes.

The second season begins with Andor’s attempt to steal a new spaceship failing spectacularly. Meanwhile, Luthen Rael, a skilled spy, and Mon Mothma, a powerful politician, meet at a wedding and make a difficult, but determined, choice.

Even though it’s set in the Star Wars universe, this is a mature and intelligent story that reflects real-life issues – and surprisingly, doesn’t rely on lightsaber battles. – Huw Fullerton

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2025-12-28 10:11