Updated September 28, 2023 247.8K votes 22.7K voters 458.1K views
Over 22.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Sci-Fi Shows You Should Be Watching Now
Voting Rules
Vote up the best sci-fi shows currently airing new episodes.
Few TV genres are as tricky to get right as the science-fiction series. However, this also allows for there to be an unlimited number of sci-fi shows with different tones, scopes, and stories depending on the platform they're coming from - be it a big-budget network smash hit, or a smaller and more intimate cable series. There are some excellent current sci-fi shows on television - but which do you think are the best?
It's time to pick the best sci-fi shows on television right now - those you think everyone should be watching. These are sci fi TV shows or sci fi series that voters have agreed are the best of the genre - at least for the current crop (we all know Battlestar Galactica would outrank them all!). However, new sci-fi shows like The Mandalorian and Upload might quickly climb up the list.Â
Check out this list of the best sci-fi shows on television right now and vote up the good current science fiction shows you think deserve the top spots. Whether you prefer a modern iteration of the classic Star Trek franchise, or an anthology series for the ages, if it's a great sci-fi airing now, you'll find it below.
The Mandalorian, helmed by Jon Favreau, has taken the Star Wars universe by storm, reeling viewers in with its western-inspired narrative and captivating visuals. Pedro Pascal stars as Din Djarin, the eponymous bounty hunter who takes the adorable Grogu, aka "Baby Yoda," under his wing, making it a thrilling yet heartwarming journey for fans old and new.
Actors: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Omid Abtahi, Nick Nolte
Stranger Things enjoys a cult following since its debut, thanks to its throwback to the 80s ambiance, thrilling supernatural elements, and an ensemble cast that viewers can't help but root for. The show revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a young boy and the arrival of Eleven, a peculiar girl with telekinetic powers, played by the exceptional Millie Bobby Brown.
Actors: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo
Superman & Lois breathe new life into the iconic comic book characters, with Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch reprising their roles from the greater Arrowverse. This grounded take on the beloved characters explores the challenges of parenthood, marriage, and heroism, proving that even the most powerful beings can't escape life's curveballs in Smallville.
Actors: Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch, Alexander Garfin, Adam Rayner, Michael Bishop
Seth MacFarlane's The Orville: New Horizons goes beyond being a love letter to the Star Trek franchise by offering a unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and humor. The crew navigates through various intergalactic dilemmas and conflicts, highlighting the strong camaraderie among characters, creating a feel-good atmosphere that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Actors: Seth MacFarlane, Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson, Scott Grimes, Peter Macon
Rick and Morty employs dark humor, mind-bending escapades, and sardonic wit to create an animated series that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. Seemingly a blend of Back to the Future and nihilistic philosophy, the show dives into the sci-fi multiverse through the odd yet engaging dynamic between the titular characters, a mad scientist grandfather and his unassuming grandson.
Actors: Justin Roiland, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell, Kari Wahlgren
The Umbrella Academy, adapted from the eponymous comic book series, encompasses a dysfunctional family of superheroes who reunite to foil a catastrophic apocalypse. Juggling tones of absurdity and heartache, this quirky show explores the deeply flawed yet relatable characters, portrayed by a talented cast including Elliot Page and Tom Hopper.
Actors: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan