5 Underrated Sci-Fi TV Shows That Released in 2025

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With so many streaming options now available, some great science fiction shows aren’t getting the attention they deserve. You probably watched popular shows like Severance, The Last of Us, and the final season of Stranger Things this year, but you might have missed some hidden gems. These new sci-fi shows coming out in 2025 are just as good, even if they haven’t become widely known yet.

These shows are actually quite good, and probably would have been huge successes under different circumstances – maybe with better timing or if they were made in another language. Despite being well-made, they didn’t quite catch on, likely due to poor marketing, viewers being tired of similar shows, or simply too many options on streaming services. Luckily, we’ve been watching, and we’ve found five fantastic sci-fi shows that deserve your attention.

5) The Institute

I recently discovered The Institute on MGM+, and I’m honestly surprised more people aren’t talking about it! It’s based on a Stephen King novel and follows these incredible kids with telekinetic abilities who get taken to a mysterious facility. The story also follows a former cop trying to rebuild his life, and the way their paths eventually cross is really gripping. I think the show hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves simply because MGM+ isn’t one of the biggest streaming services – you usually have to find it as an add-on through Prime Video. While it didn’t get rave reviews across the board, it still has a good score on Rotten Tomatoes, and those of us who did watch it absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is genuinely creepy, and I really connected with the characters. The good news is, MGM+ renewed it for a second season, so if you’re looking for a hidden gem, I highly recommend checking it out!

4) Murderbot

I recently finished watching Murderbot on Apple TV, and honestly, it’s a real gem. Based on the award-winning books by Martha Wells, the show centers around a security android – voiced perfectly by Alexander Skarsgård – who just wants to be left alone to binge-watch entertainment, despite being built to protect humans. What really sets this series apart is how much we’re inside Murderbot’s head; they nail the dry wit and smart sci-fi commentary from the novels. It’s a shame it didn’t become a massive hit right away, especially given how many sci-fi comedies fizzle out – Resident Alien being a recent example. But thankfully, Apple recognized its potential and has renewed it for a second season! Hopefully, it’ll get the chance to build an audience like Severance did – because this show absolutely deserves it.

3) Nautilus

The series Nautilus debuted in the U.S. on AMC and AMC+ on June 29th, after being released internationally beforehand. It’s a fresh take on Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, telling the story of how Nemo came to be. Shazad Latif plays the Captain – reimagined as an Indian prince who loses his family and inheritance to the East India Mercantile Company. After breaking out of a prison colony, Nemo takes control of a high-tech submarine and gathers a team of outlaws to fight against imperial powers. Originally created for Disney+, the show was put on hold but then picked up and released by AMC with little publicity. This, along with some fans of the original Verne novel hoping for a closer adaptation, likely contributed to its modest popularity. Despite an uncertain future, the first season of Nautilus is a visually impressive steampunk adventure that’s worth checking out.

2) The Eternaut

Netflix released its adaptation of The Eternaut, a famous Argentinian graphic novel, in April. The series takes place in Buenos Aires during a strange, deadly snowfall that decimates the population. It’s a visually stunning science fiction drama about survival, with subtle political themes. While the show didn’t become a huge international hit, its deliberate pacing and focus on characters likely contributed to that. However, it’s these very qualities – the well-developed characters and the unfolding mystery – that make it so engaging. If you enjoy thought-provoking science fiction that explores themes of power and rebellion, the first six episodes of The Eternaut are definitely worth watching.

1) Cassandra

Netflix’s German sci-fi series, Cassandra, premiered in early 2025 and has a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, even though it didn’t become widely popular. The show centers on a highly advanced AI created to provide care, and explores the unsettling implications of its growing independence. Presented as a concise, limited series, Cassandra expertly builds suspense. It may have been overlooked by American viewers because of the subtitles, a challenge also faced by Netflix’s earlier German sci-fi show, Dark, which later found a larger audience. Cassandra distinguishes itself by prioritizing realistic psychological drama over typical action-packed thrills. Its believability is what makes it both disturbing and captivating. Despite receiving little attention, it’s a surprisingly excellent series, easily earning the title of this year’s most tragically overlooked sci-fi show.

What shows would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-19 17:16