Sci-fi TV showshave always been among the most popular offerings on the small screen. The genre has thrived through generations, from the iconic black-and-white chills ofThe Twilight Zoneto the trailblazing adventures ofStar Trek: The Original Series. At the turn of the millennium, hits likeFireflyandFarscapekept the tradition alive, while modern standouts such asDarkandThe Expanseprove sci-fi storytelling is as compelling as ever.
The downside of a handful ofsci-fi shows defining each decadeis that many more never get the attention they deserve. Even when they deliver fresh ideas, gripping drama, and stellar performances, these series can be overshadowed by cultural juggernauts. As a result, brilliant shows often slip under the radar and become cult favorites rather than mainstream hits.
That’s why it’s so important not to miss these essential underrated sci-fi shows. Each offers something unique, whether it’s their bold concepts, layered performances, or imaginative world-building. They may not have dominated the cultural conversation likethe genre’s titans, but they’re more than worthy of discovery for fans eager to explore hidden gems.
10Defiance (2013-2015)
A Sci-Fi Western With Bold World-Building
Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth after a war with an alien race had radically altered the environment,Defianceblends sci-fi with thespirit of an adventurous Western. What sets it apart is its commitment to world-building, with intricate alien cultures, languages, and conflicts shaping a society that feels alive. The show never dilutes its genre elements but instead leans into them with confidence.
Lead character Joshua Nolan (Grant Bowler), a roguish lawman, anchors the story with grit and charm. His dynamic with Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas), his adopted alien daughter, adds depth, ensuring that beneath the spectacle of alien battles and political rivalries, there’s an emotional core.
Unlikeother TV sci-fi experimentsthat prioritize either spectacle or philosophy,Defiancestrikes a rare balance. Its action sequences, frontier-town setting, and thematic explorations of survival and tolerance make it an underappreciated standout. It’s a thrilling space opera on Earth that deserved a much larger audience.
9Colony (2016-2018)
A Gripping Look At Humanity Under Extraterrestrial Occupation
Rather than focusing on the invasion itself,Colonyexplores the aftermath of Earth’s defeat in a war with extraterrestrials. This unique perspective makes it one of the most intriguingsci-fi TV shows of the 2010s, as humanity must navigate occupation and collaboration with their alien overlords. The tension between survival and resistance drives every storyline.
Loststar Josh Holloway andThe Walking Dead’sSarah Wayne Callies bring powerful performances as a couple torn between protecting their family and doing what’s right. Their struggles highlight the moral gray areas that make the show so compelling. Unlike many invasion narratives,Colonythrives on what happens after the supposed “main event” is already lost.
With espionage, family drama, and a looming sense of dread,Colonypaints a chilling picture of what life would look like under alien domination. It’s smart, emotionally layered, and more than worthy of being remembered asa hidden sci-fi gem.
8Devs (2020)
A Slow-Burn Sci-Fi Mystery About Technology And Fate
Devsis one of the most ambitioussci-fi TV shows in recent years, tackling mind-bending concepts like determinism, quantum computing, and the very nature of free will. What makes it stand out is how these abstract ideas are woven into a gripping narrative full of mystery and suspense.
Sonoya Mizuno delivers a standout performance as Lily Chan, a software engineer investigating the shadowy tech company at the heart of the story. Nick Offerman, stepping out of his comedic comfort zone, delivers an unexpectedly haunting performance as Forest, the enigmatic CEO whose grief fuels his obsession with quantum technology.
Director Alex Garland, best known for movies like2018’sAnnihilationand 2024’sCivil War, brings his trademark cerebral style, balancing tense corporate espionage with philosophical questions about reality.Devsis as emotionally resonant as it is intellectually challenging, making it a rare blend of sci-fi storytelling and human drama that deserves far more recognition.
7Killjoys (2015-2019)
A Witty And Action-Packed Space Adventure
Fans ofFireflywill finda lot to love inKilljoys, a stylish, fast-paced space opera that never takes itself too seriously. With a sharp mix of witty banter, high-energy action, and creative world-building, it’s one of the most purely entertaining sci-fi shows of the 2010s.
At the heart of the show is Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), a fearless bounty hunter whose charisma and layered performance drive the series. Alongside her partners John (Aaron Ashmore) and D’avin (Luke Macfarlane), the trio tackles interstellar missions with both humor and heart.
What makesKilljoysstand out is its refusal to get bogged down in overly dense lore or philosophy. Instead, it embraces the thrill of adventure, balancing character-driven drama with quippy dialogue and stylish battles. It’san underrated sci-fi seriesthat puts the “fun” back in futuristic storytelling.
6Childhood’s End (2015)
A Haunting Reimagining Of A Sci-Fi Classic
Based on Arthur C. Clarke’s acclaimed novel,Childhood’s Endis a three-part miniseriesthat explores the unsettling arrival of an alien race promising to end war and suffering. While it starts as a utopian vision, the story quickly unravels into something far more haunting and profound.
Charles Dance gives a commanding performance as Karellen, the alien representative whose motives blur the line between benevolence and control. The series dives into big questions about humanity’s future, sacrifice, and evolution, staying true to Clarke’s reputation for thought-provoking sci-fi.
Unliketypical alien invasion stories,Childhood’s Enddoesn’t focus on battles or resistance. Instead, it meditates on transformation, destiny, and what it means for humanity to transcend its limits. It’s a bold, faithful adaptation that captures the unsettling awe of Clarke’s vision while making it accessible to a new audience.
5Humans (2015-2018)
A Grounded Exploration Of AI And Humanity
There have been many, many shows that explore the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, but few have handled the discussion as delicately or as in-depth asthe UK sci-fi showHumans. Humanstakes the familiar concept of lifelike androids and turns it into a deeply human story about technology, ethics, and identity. Its strength lies not in futuristic spectacle but in its grounded, everyday exploration of what artificial intelligence means for society.
Like many great sci-fi shows, the cast is essential for delivering the core themes running throughoutHumans.Gemma Chan delivers a breakout performance as Mia, a synthetic who struggles with her emerging sense of self. Her journey, alongside a cast of richly drawn characters, elevates the show beyond typical “robots vs. humans” narratives.
Each subplot inHumansexplores a different aspect of AI - from labor and family to freedom and morality. Plus, with its sharp writing and emotional resonance, this series feels more relevant now than ever as real-world discussions about AI continue to evolve. It’s athoughtful and thrilling sci-fi showthat deserves to be recognized alongside the genre’s biggest hits.
4Travelers (2016-2018)
Time Travel With A Clever Twist
Time travel is one of sci-fi’soldest storytelling tools, butTravelersputs a unique spin on the concept. Instead of flashy machines, consciousness itself is sent back in time to inhabit present-day individuals, with the goal of preventing a grim post-apocalyptic future.
Eric McCormack leads a talented ensemble cast, but what makes the series shine is its focus on the ripple effects of time travel in everyday life. Each “traveler” must balance their mission with the personal lives of the people whose bodies they inhabit, leading to morally complex and emotionally charged storylines.
Blending futuristic stakes with grounded character drama,Netflix’sTravelersmanages to be botha nailbiting adrenaline-fueled watch and, at the same time, a philosophically deep one that prompts introspection. Its inventive approach to time travel storytelling makes it one of the most underrated sci-fi shows of the last decade.
3Sense8 (2015-2018)
A Global Sci-Fi Drama Like No Other
Created byLana and Lilly Wachowski for Netflix,Sense8is one of the most unique sci-fi shows ever made. It follows eight strangers across the globe who suddenly find themselves mentally and emotionally linked, exploring themes of empathy, identity, and connection through a deeply original narrative.
The show’s ambition lies in its scope: filmed across multiple continents with a sprawling cast, every location and culture feels authentically portrayed. The Wachowskis’ bold storytelling combines action, philosophy, and intimate character arcs into a singular viewing experience.
With standout performances from an ensemble cast, including Bae Doona, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, and Jamie Clayton, the show thrives on the chemistry of its central “cluster.” Though it was cut short,Sense8remains a testamentto how inventive and boundary-pushing sci-fi television can be.
2The OA (2016-2019)
A Genre-Defying Blend Of Mystery And Sci-Fi
Few shows have ever been asexperimental or enigmatic asThe OA. Co-created by Brit Marling, who also stars as Prairie Johnson, this underrated sci-fi gem blends mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi into an utterly unique narrative that defies easy categorization.
Prairie’s story of captivity, near-death experiences, and interdimensional travel unfolds in ways that constantly challenge viewers’ expectations. The show’s unconventional structure, paired with its willingness to take bold risks, made it a critical darling even if it never reached mass popularity.
WhatmakesThe OAremarkableis its emotional weight. Beneath its abstract storytelling and otherworldly concepts, it’s a deeply human tale about trauma, belief, and the power of storytelling itself. It’s one of the most daring and unforgettable sci-fi shows of the decade.
1Counterpart (2017-2019)
A Spy Thriller With A Sci-Fi Twist
Counterpartcombines espionage and parallel-universe science fiction to create one of the most gripping, intelligent shows of its era. Its premise - that a secret passage links two versions of Earth, each diverging from a shared past - sets the stage for an intricate tale of politics, identity, and betrayal.
J.K. Simmons delivers acareer-best performance as Howard Silk, a meek bureaucrat who discovers his counterpart from the parallel world is a hardened spy. Watching Simmons play both roles with incredible nuance is reason enough to seek out the show, but the story itself is just as compelling.
Balancing sci-fi intrigue with the taut pacing of a spy thriller,Counterpartearned critical acclaim, including a 100% score onRotten Tomatoes. Its combination of stellar performances, thought-provoking storytelling, and gripping atmosphere make it one of the greatestsci-fi TV showsyou’ve likely never seen.
