So far, 2026 is still finding its footing, and while there are some highly anticipated upcoming shows, if you are craving some great series to last you till they come out, last year’s repertoire has more than got you covered. 2025 was a great year for science fiction television. While Hollywood undergoes streaming shake-ups, sci-fi fans can enjoy some of the most original and entertaining shows the genre has ever produced. Whether you’re a hardcore sci-fi fan or just a casual viewer looking for your next binge watch, 2025 has something for you. Here are the four series that we think deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Murderbot (Apple TV+)
Alexander Skarsgård brings Martha Wells’ adored book character to life in this breezy sci-fi action comedy that premiered in May. The series follows a self-aware security robot, which is part human tissue, part machine, who hacks its governor module to gain autonomy while secretly binge-watching soap operas between risky missions.
What makes Murderbot stand out is how it blends dry wit with vulnerability. The show explores what it means to be human through the eyes of someone who desperately wants to be left alone but keeps getting drawn into protecting the people they claim to find annoying.
Critics loved it, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 96% approval rating. The series balances thrilling action sequences with emotional moments, all while maintaining a comedic edge that keeps things from getting too heavy. Apple TV+ renewed it for a second season in July, with show makers planning to adapt the next three books in Wells’ series.
2. Foundation (Apple TV+)
Apple TV+’s epic adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic novels concluded its third season in September with its most ambitious storyline yet. The series, which chronicles a thousand-year chess game between mathematician Hari Seldon and the Galactic Empire, introduced the Mule, a powerful psychic villain who threatens everything Seldon’s psychohistory predicted.
Season 3 earned global acclaim, with an 83 Metacritic score and a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The show’s strength lies in the fact that it is not scared to span centuries, following multiple timelines as the Foundation grows from a small colony into a power that rivals the Empire itself. Lee Pace continues to shine as the cloned Emperor Brother Day, while new additions like Pilou Asbæk as the Mule bring fresh energy to the sprawling narrative.
3. Invasion (Apple TV+)
Simon Kinberg and David Weil’s multilingual alien invasion series returned in August for its third season. Unlike usual alien invasion stories, Invasion tells its story through the eyes of ordinary people across the globe, showing how humans respond when faced with an existential threat.
The show creates a global perspective on first contact by following characters in multiple countries and languages. The series doesn’t rush its reveals; instead, it builds tension through character development and the slow realisation that people must unite to survive.
While the first season received mixed reviews for its pacing, Season 2 was lauded for improved storytelling and its scope. Season 3 keeps this upward trajectory, with a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score. Invasion seems to be the perfect choice for viewers who enjoy slow-burn sci-fi that prioritises character development over spectacle.
4. Mobius (Netflix/iQIYI)
This Chinese science fiction mystery thriller became an international hit when it premiered in September. Starring Bai Jingting as Detective Ding Qi, the series explores the concept of time loops, where Ding Qi can relive each day up to five times, but everyone except a select few loses their memories after each reset.
What separates Mobius from other time-loop stories is its structure. The cycles reset at midnight, and Ding Qi must use his first four iterations to collect evidence and stop crimes by the fifth and final loop. The show becomes even more interesting when he realises someone else might share his ability, leading to a chase across multiple timelines.
The show became a massive phenomenon in Asia, ranking in Netflix’s Top 10 across multiple regions, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. It earned 7.5 out of 10 on Douban and topped iQIYI’s drama rankings. The series also boasts excellent production values, featuring Hong Kong-style action choreography directed by Hollywood stunt veteran Zhang Peng.
2025 has proven to be one of the best years for science fiction series, ranging from robot stories to time loop narratives that span across timelines, showing diversity not only in the storylines but also in the characters. One of the best aspects of these shows is that most of them are returning for more. Murderbot, Foundation, and Invasion have all secured renewals, meaning 2026 is already shaping up to be another great year for sci-fi fans.
Whether you’re looking for something to watch over a weekend or a slow-burning epic to enjoy over weeks, these four shows are some of the best options to choose from. Which of these sci-fi series are you adding to your watchlist first? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Up Next: Dinosaurs in 2025? Sci-Fi Movies Are Getting Boring
