5 Long Running Sci-Fi Shows on Netflix That You Need To Watch, Including a Newly Added 10-Season Masterpiece

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Although Netflix isn’t buying Warner Bros., it’s still releasing a lot of exciting new content. Fans can look forward to returning seasons of popular shows like One Piece and Wednesday, as well as new installments in the Peaky Blinders and Enola Holmes series, and a Narnia adaptation. While these are still in the works, Netflix has plenty to watch right now, including five popular sci-fi series and a recently added show with ten seasons.

5. Falling Skies

The series Falling Skies originally aired on TNT from June 19, 2011, to August 30, 2015, spanning five seasons. It tells the story of the people left on Earth after an alien race called the Espheni invaded, wiping out roughly 90% of humanity.

The series focuses on 2nd Mass, a group of people trying to resist the alien invaders, the Espheni. Led by Tom Mason, played by Noah Wyle, they face constant challenges and battles. Later on, they receive unexpected assistance from another alien race who are also enemies of the Espheni.

The show was consistently popular with both critics and viewers throughout its five seasons. It has an overall critic score of 79% and a viewer score of 70%, and some individual seasons actually received even higher ratings.

4. Orphan Black

The BBC America series Orphan Black first aired on March 30, 2013, and concluded on August 12, 2017. The show centers around Sarah Manning, played by Tatiana Maslany, who learns she’s a clone – and one of many scattered around the globe. All the clones are in danger, as someone is trying to eliminate them.

Tatiana Maslany portrays several clones throughout the series, but the show’s world grew to include many other cloned individuals and delved into the complex consequences of human cloning – and the problems it could create.

The show received numerous awards and positive reviews during its time on air. It also boasts impressive scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics giving it a 93% rating and audiences a 92% rating.

3. Black Mirror

After discussing Orphan Black, we’re turning to Black Mirror, which first appeared on the streaming service on October 21st, 2016. The show has run for seven seasons so far, and there’s talk of even more to come.

The show Black Mirror is most similar to The Twilight Zone. Each episode presents a standalone, dramatic story blending science fiction, horror, and explorations of society. While some episodes focus more on one of these elements than others, they generally center around a thought-provoking human problem.

As a critic, I have to admit this show isn’t perfect. Because it’s an anthology, not every episode will click with every viewer – and that’s okay! But overall, Black Mirror has really resonated with people. Critics generally like it, giving it around 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences are right there with an 80% approval rating. What really stood out to me, though, was the first season – it’s a near-perfect run with a 98% critics score and a fantastic 92% from the audience. It set a high bar, and the show continues to be a compelling watch.

2. Resident Alien

Coming in at number two is the incredibly charming sci-fi series Resident Alien. It premiered on Syfy and USA Network on January 27, 2021, and recently concluded its four-season run on August 8, 2025.

The TV show Resident Alien follows an alien who crash-lands on Earth. Played by Alan Tudyk, he assumes the identity of a doctor named Harry Vanderspeigle and begins to experience life as a human. Throughout the series, he learns about people and ultimately starts protecting them from danger.

Okay, so this show really nails it – it manages to blend genuinely interesting sci-fi ideas with laugh-out-loud comedy. And let me tell you, Richard Tudyk is amazing as Harry, the android trying to pass as human. He’s learned everything he knows about being people from old TV shows – seriously, he’s studied Law & Order like it’s the bible! It’s a brilliant performance and a really fun concept.

As a critic, I’ve been following Resident Alien, and it’s consistently good – Rotten Tomatoes shows a 98% approval rating from critics and an 88% audience score overall. But what’s really remarkable is that the first two seasons achieved a perfect 100% score from critics. That’s a rare feat, and it speaks volumes about the show’s quality and consistent appeal.

1. Stargate SG-1

Topping our list is the popular series Stargate SG-1, which originally aired from July 27, 1997, to June 22, 2007, spanning an impressive ten seasons. It recently returned to Netflix, giving new viewers a chance to discover why it’s so beloved, and allowing longtime fans to re-watch the series from the very beginning.

The TV series Stargate SG-1 continues the story from the 1994 movie Stargate, and features beloved characters such as Jack O’Neill, Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter, Teal’c, and Vala Mal Doran.

The SG-1 team journeyed across the galaxy, searching for advanced alien technology and potential allies to help them fight threats like the Goa’uld and the Ori. They used ancient devices called Stargates to travel to different worlds.

Over its ten seasons, viewers really connected with the characters – both the originals and those who joined later. The show wasn’t afraid to be bold and try new things, which is why it’s considered a standout in its genre. You can watch all ten seasons of this incredible series on Netflix now.

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2026-02-28 08:11