5 Sci-Fi Shows Leading the New Golden Age of Streaming

by

While cable TV hasn’t disappeared, streaming services are now the main attraction, especially when it comes to science fiction. Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, HBO, Hulu, and Peacock not only offer classic movies, but also invest heavily in creating their own original, exclusive shows. This is a perfect fit for sci-fi, a genre known for its limitless creativity and innovation.

Forget the traditional ‘Golden Age of Television’ – we’re now living in the ‘Golden Age of Streaming,’ and streaming services show no signs of slowing down with their original shows. These five sci-fi series are just a small example of the many excellent options available, all of which are continuing with new seasons. What sets these shows apart? Stunning visuals, captivating stories, and big budgets – they’re truly top-tier sci-fi.

Severance Is a Mysterious and Compelling Sci-Fi Psychological Thriller

Severance is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller created by Dan Erickson and available only on Apple TV+. The show centers around employees who undergo a procedure that divides their memories between their work life and personal life – meaning their ‘work selves’ and ‘home selves’ don’t remember each other. Adam Scott stars as Mark S., a worker who starts to become suspicious when his close friend, Petey, unexpectedly leaves the company.

Apple TV+’s Severance is truly original and inventive. Beyond the incredible acting, the show’s striking direction and beautiful visuals set it apart. Through clever use of symbolism, like animals, and distinct color palettes and lighting to differentiate between characters’ work and personal lives, Severance offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human and have free will, all while looking fantastic.

is projected to premiere in 2027.

Fallout Is a Well-Produced and Faithful Adaptation of the Video Game Series

Fallout is a sci-fi series available only on Amazon Prime Video, based on the popular video game of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic America after a nuclear war in 2077, the show follows Lucy MacLean, played by Ella Purnell, as she ventures out of her safe underground vault to find her father.

While Amazon Prime Video might not have as many original shows as other streaming services, it focuses on creating high-quality content. Their adaptation of Fallout is a fantastic example – it’s a complex and well-developed series with a rich world, but it’s still accessible even if you’re not familiar with the video games. The show features impressive visuals, great costumes, and a strong performance from Ella Purnell as Lucy, making it a consistently enjoyable sci-fi experience.

is expected to start filming in May 2026, with a potential release in 2027.

Foundation Is Apple TV’s Ambitious Sci-Fi Epic

Foundation is a science fiction drama series on AppleTV+ inspired by the six books Isaac Asimov published between 1951 and 1993. The show follows the decline of a vast galactic empire and the attempts to protect humanity. Jared Harris stars as Hari Seldon, a brilliant mathematician who believes he can predict the future using a complex science called ‘psychohistory’.

AppleTV’s Foundation isn’t a strict adaptation of Asimov’s stories, taking some liberties with the original material. However, it’s a visually stunning sci-fi series. The show follows multiple storylines and characters, creating a vast and detailed world. The special effects and camera work are exceptional, making it truly immersive. With an intriguing story and captivating characters, this AppleTV adaptation is a compelling series that’s worth watching.

was announced in September 2025.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Blends Old and New Star Trek

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a recent addition to Paramount+. The show takes place about ten years before the events of the original Star Trek series and focuses on the adventures of the crew as they journey through space and build relationships. It features new takes on beloved characters like Captain Pike, played by Anson Mount, Spock, portrayed by Ethan Peck, and Christine Chapel, played by Jess Bush.

With such a huge and beloved franchise like Star Trek, it’s tough to create a new show that honors the original while also feeling fresh. Strange New Worlds successfully does just that, building on Gene Roddenberry’s vision with a modern and creative approach. Featuring a strong cast, impressive visual effects, and witty writing, it’s easily one of the best shows on Paramount+.

is expected to premiere in 2026; the series is expected to end with an eventual fifth season.

The Last of Us Is a Top-Tier Sci-Fi Drama

Although The Last of Us is known as a drama, its story of a world destroyed by a fungal outbreak and the resulting mutations places it firmly in the science fiction genre. The HBO series, based on the popular video game, follows Joel, a man who must transport Ellie (Bella Ramsay), a young woman immune to the infection, across a dangerous, post-apocalyptic America. The second season will introduce Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), another survivor who seeks revenge on Joel.

When people talk about groundbreaking sci-fi shows in the current streaming landscape, The Last of Us consistently comes up as a prime example. HBO is known for its big-budget productions, and the first season of this popular series is said to have cost over $100 million to make.

Even though this video game adaptation costs a bit, it’s definitely worth the money. The world feels incredibly detailed, the special effects are fantastic, and the visuals are beautiful – it really feels like watching an epic film.

is expected to premiere in 2027.

Read More

2026-01-17 03:09