The Best Sci-Fi Shows of the 21st Century

When Collider released its list of the 15 best sci-fi shows of the 21st century on September 14, 2026, the topic quickly became a focal point. The publication highlighted titles that, in some way, defined the genre's aesthetic and discourse in the current decade, and curiosity surged when streaming platforms announced the revival of some of these series.

What Changes When the List Appears

The timing of Collider's list coincided with Prime Video's announcement that it would renew the series Secret Level and launch a spin-off. The decision to continue production, even almost two years after its premiere, was seen as confirmation that audiences are still seeking quality sci-fi content.

Orphan Black: The Underestimated Canadian Classic

The Canadian clone-centric show, starring Tatiana Maslany, was highlighted as one of the decade's most undervalued. Collider's review praised its well-structured plot and exploration of themes like identity and autonomy, emphasizing that the show only improved with time and remains indispensable.

Foundation: The Adaptation That Exceeded Expectations

Based on Isaac Asimov's books, the Apple TV+ series was described as “visually stunning, epic in scale, and full of brilliant adaptation choices.” The review noted that, despite some considering the work “unadaptable,” the series managed to be intelligent and entertaining, maintaining three seasons without significant flaws.

The Impact of Renewed Series on Pop Culture

The return of Secret Level, an animated anthology exploring video game franchises, exemplifies the trend of platforms like Prime Video investing in new stories within established universes. The renewal was announced shortly after the release of the final batch of first-season episodes, signaling confidence in the format.

Other Titles That Defined the Decade

• The Expanse: six seasons addressing planetary and conspiratorial conflicts in a galactic Cold War setting.
• Silo: a post-apocalyptic drama centered around a massive underground shelter, focusing on mystery and investigation.
• Firefly: a short series that, despite being canceled after one season, gained cult status and continues to be cited as a reference.
• From: a mix of horror and science fiction, focusing on a small isolated town and unknown creatures.
• Rick and Morty: animation that combines humor and interdimensional travel, maintaining relevance for over ten years.
• Severance: an Apple TV+ original series that explores the division of memories between professional and personal life, sparking philosophical discussions.
• Andor: a Star Wars spin-off notable for its narrative of rebellion and thematic complexity.
• Fallout: an adaptation of the game series that brings a post-apocalyptic setting with Western elements.

What the Future Holds

With new seasons and spin-offs confirmed, the expectation is that the genre will continue to evolve, incorporating new production technologies and delving deeper into contemporary themes. Collider's list serves as a guide for those looking to understand which series have shaped the trajectory of science fiction on television today.

With information from Collider, ScreenRant.