The 25 best sci-fi shows on Amazon Prime Video right now

Do you enjoy supernatural shenanigans, superheroes, alien invasions, and outer space exploration? Then you'll appreciate EW's list of the best sci-fi series currently streaming on Prime.

David Giuntoli on 'Grimm'; Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, and John Noble on 'Fringe'; Christopher Judge on 'Stargate SG-1'
David Giuntoli on 'Grimm'; Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, and John Noble on 'Fringe'; Christopher Judge on 'Stargate SG-1'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/NBC; FOX; MGM Television Prod./Everett Collection

Whether you're interested in animated aliens, off-kilter procedurals, dark comedy, or space exploration, you'll find several solid selections with EW's picks for the best sci-fi TV series currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, as of April 2024.

01 of 25

Being Human (2011–2014)

Sam Huntington, Meaghan Rath, and Sam Witwer on 'Being Human'
Sam Huntington, Meaghan Rath, and Sam Witwer on 'Being Human'.

Jill Greenberg/SYFY

What happens when you put a vampire, a ghost, and a werewolf all in the same living quarters? It may sound like a goofy sitcom premise, but Being Human is actually a compelling drama about trying to figure out one's messy life. For Aiden (Sam Witwer), it's his complicated feelings over his vampirism; for Sally (Meaghan Rath), it's trying to live her (ghostly) life within the confines of her house; and for Josh (Sam Huntington), it's feeling like an outcast, which is only exacerbated by his werewolf identity. Despite their supernatural identities, each deals with human problems, and the three leads have an instant chemistry that will keep you invested. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Being Human: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington, Mark Pellegrino, Kristen Hager, Dichen Lachman

Related content: Syfy's Being Human more 'gritty' than Twilight?

02 of 25

Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (1997–2002)

Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction
'Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction'.

Dick Clark Prod./Courtesy Everett Collection

"We live in a world where the real and the unreal live side by side," said the opening narration on this addictive anthology series. "Can you separate truth from fantasy? To do so, you must break through the web of your experience and open your mind to things beyond belief." Each episode of Beyond Belief featured five short stories of a supernatural or science fiction variety, some made up by the writers. But others were based on events that may have actually happened, and it was up to the viewer to decide which were fact and which were fiction, which the host revealed at the end of each episode. This interactive element was enough to keep viewers hooked, as did the witty puns from hosts James Brolin (season 1) and Jonathan Frakes (seasons 2–4). —K.J.

Where to watch Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: James Brolin, Jonathan Frakes

Related content: Jonathan Frakes embraces his viral meme status 25 years after Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction

03 of 25

The Boys (2019–present)

Butcher (Karl Urban) faces down Homelander (Antony Starr) in 'The Boys' season 3 finale.
Butcher (Karl Urban) faces down Homelander (Antony Starr) in 'The Boys' season 3 finale. Amazon Prime

When Alan Moore penned Watchmen, his epic superhero saga, he offered arguably the darkest mainstream comic book look up to that point. Little did viewers know that The Boys would take things in an even darker direction, albeit with far more humor than the aforementioned Mr. Moore ever would have offered. Adapted from the Garth Ennis/Darick Robertson comic book series and executive produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, The Boys gets wilder with each passing episode...and if you doubt us, then may we suggest you investigate "Herogasm"? While it's in no way for the faint of heart, The Boys absolutely answers the questions, "What would happen if superheroes weren't all squeaky-clean bastions of morality?" and "What kind of universe would Marvel be if no one had ever uttered the phrase, 'With great power comes great responsibility'?" The answer: a very disturbing one, indeed. Funny at times, but still pretty damned disturbing. The first trailer for season 4 dropped in early December, hinting at what's to come when the season premieres on June 13. —Will Harris

Where to watch The Boys: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, Elisabeth Shue

Related content: The Boys stars rank the craziest moments from seasons 1 and 2

04 of 25

Eureka (2006–2012)

Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Joe Morton, and Tembi Locke on 'Eureka'
Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Joe Morton, and Tembi Locke on 'Eureka'. Everett Collection

While in the process of retrieving his runaway daughter Zoe (Jordan Danger) and bringing her home, U.S. Marshall Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) stumbles upon Eureka, a town populated almost exclusively by genius-level citizens who work for an advanced research facility known as Global Dynamics and spend most of their days creating heretofore-unimagined technology. When an accident occurs that puts Eureka's sheriff out of commission, Jack is offered the chance to fill the position, and although he's clearly a fish out of water in terms of where his I.Q. stands in comparison to the average local, he takes the job and quickly forges a bond with the citizens of the town. Eureka is structured in such a way that Jack is basically playing the part of the viewer, the outsider who's perpetually trying to figure out what's going on, but it works extremely well, especially with the family element provided by his daughter. —W.H.

Where to watch Eureka: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Joe Morton, Debrah Farentino, Jordan Danger, Ed Quinn

Related content: Colin Ferguson on his Eureka moment

05 of 25

The Expanse (2015–2022)

Steven Strait on 'The Expanse'
Steven Strait on 'The Expanse'. Amazon Prime Video

Set several hundred years in the future, The Expanse considers where humanity might end up heading, positing a scenario where the three major powers are the United Nations of Earth and Luna, the Martian Congressional Republic on Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance (which encompasses the folks living on Jupiter, Saturn, and some habitable asteroids). Things are tense. War seems imminent. What great news, then, when a missing persons case emerges that ultimately threatens to expose a major conspiracy. It's kind of a "you got your political thriller in my sci-fi series/you got your sci-fi series in my political thriller" situation, but the end result is, thankfully, two great tastes that taste great together. A repeat Saturn Award nominee for Best Science Fiction Television Series, The Expanse definitely isn't the happy-go-lucky sci-fi that some of the other programs on this list may be, but it's must-see TV and then some. —W.H.

Where to watch The Expanse: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Thomas Jane, Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Paulo Costanzo, Florence Faivre, Shawn Doyle, Shohreh Aghdashloo

Related content: The Expanse star Steven Strait shares 'crazy' story of Amazon resurrection

06 of 25

Farscape (1999–2003)

'Farscape'
'Farscape'. Everett Collection

When astronaut John Crichton (Ben Bowder) gets sucked into a wormhole, he finds himself in a distant part of the Milky Way, but that was just the beginning of the strangeness he'd experience over the course of four seasons and a miniseries. Crichton quickly ends up part of a ragtag band of outsiders trying to escape from a militaristic group called the Peacekeepers. Traveling in a living starship called Moya, Crichton's crew consists of renegade Peacekeeper fighter pilot Aeryn, empath Zhaan, warrior D'Argo, deposed ruler Rygel, and — after a few episodes — a thief named Chiana. For all their disparity, however, these characters share one thing in common: They're all on a quest to find their way home. Unfortunately, the Peacekeepers, led by the despicable Scorpius, have every intention of stopping that from happening. With creatures created by the Henson Company, the visuals are fun in Farscape, but the chemistry is even better. —W.H.

Where to watch Farscape: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee

Cast: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Virginia Hey, Anthony Simcoe, Gigi Edgley, Paul Goddard, Lani Tupu, Wayne Pygram

Related content: Brian Henson on Dinosaurs, Farscape, Fraggle Rock and more

07 of 25

Fringe (2008–2013)

Olivia (Anna Torv), Walter (John Noble), and Peter (Joshua Jackson) on 'Fringe'
Olivia (Anna Torv), Walter (John Noble), and Peter (Joshua Jackson) on 'Fringe'. Craig Blankenhorn/FOX

With a title like Fringe, you can already presume that the content is going to be a little bit unconventional, but this J.J. Abrams-co-created series goes not only outside the box but into parallel dimensions. The show revolves around three core characters: FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), researcher/real-life mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and Walter's son, Peter (Joshua Jackson), who serves as a civilian consultant while also effectively acting as nursemaid to his eccentric father. Working for the Fringe Division, this trio investigates strange events, many of which are tied to Walter's past experiments, and they often cross paths with the company Massive Dynamic, founded by Walter's former scientific collaborator, Dr. William Bell (Leonard Nimoy). Fringe is a series that could break your brain if you watch episodes in nonconsecutive order, but it's also one that rewards viewers who stick with it through its entire run. —W.H.

Where to watch Fringe: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Jasika Nicole, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Kirk Acevedo, Seth Gabel, Mark Valley

Related content: Lance Reddick picks the perfect Fringe, The Wire, and Bosch episodes to binge

08 of 25

From (2022–present)

Harold Perrineau on 'From'
Harold Perrineau on 'From'.

Chris Reardon/Epix

As the Eagles once sang about a cursed hotel, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." This absorbing sci-fi series more or less literalizes those lyrics, centering on a town whose residents are trapped without the ability to exit. Harold Perrineau — no stranger to horror-tinged sci-fi shows about being stuck in a mysterious place — stars as the town sheriff, who tries to keep his residents safe from the mysterious monsters that live in the woods. Like a Twilight Zone episode expanded to a series, From just gets more intriguing as it deepens its mythology. —K.J.

Where to watch From: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, David Alpay, Elizabeth Saunders, Shaun Majumder, Scott McCord, Ricky He

Related content: Harold Perrineau shares memories from OzThe Matrix sequels, Lost, and more

09 of 25

Gen V (2023–present)

Chance Perdomo on 'Gen V'
Chance Perdomo on 'Gen V'. Brooke Palmer/Prime Video

While essentially sold as The Boys: The College Years, this spinoff of the popular Amazon superhero saga is far from your traditional CW-esque college-set show (and has already been renewed for a second season). The dark comedy-drama centers on a group of budding superheroes attending the Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, or "God U." Blood manipulator Marie (Jaz Sinclair) is our window into the story, as she has a surprisingly eventful first week at school. She also comes to discover the shadiness of Vought International, the big bad conglomerate that owns the university. Those who haven't watched The Boys may want to check it out before diving into this spinoff (you may be a tad lost on some of the references), but avid Boys watchers should revel in Gen V's cheeky violence and trenchant social commentary. As EW's critic writes, "Gen V would kick ass even if The Boys didn't exist." —K.J.

Where to watch Gen V: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo, Lizze Broadway, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, Asa Germann, Shelley Conn

Related content: Gen V bosses on the period scene that initially caused 'some discomfort' with execs

10 of 25

The Greatest American Hero (1981–1983)

William Katt in 'The Greatest American Hero'
William Katt in 'The Greatest American Hero'.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images

This classic superhero dramedy follows Ralph (William Katt), an ordinary high school teacher whose life is turned upside down after encountering extraterrestrial aliens. They give him a special suit that grants him extraordinary abilities, enhancing his vision and speed and giving him the ability to fly. They command him to protect the planet from untold threats, though Ralph proves reluctant to accept his responsibility. A goofy spin on the boom of superhero shows of the '80s, The Greatest American Hero can now be enjoyed for its charmingly cheesy aesthetic. —K.J.

Where to watch The Greatest American Hero: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: William Katt, Robert Culp, Connie Sellecca, Michael Paré, Faye Grant

Related content: The 'Greatest American Hero' critiques Heroes

11 of 25

Grimm (2011–2017)

David Giuntoli on 'Grimm'
David Giuntoli on 'Grimm'. Allyson Riggs/NBC

"There once was a man who lived a life so strange, it had to be true. Only he could see what no one else can — the darkness inside, the real monster within, and he's the one who must stop them. This is his calling. This is his duty. This is the life of a Grimm."

So goes the narration that opens this series, but we'll offer a little more clarification. The man in question is Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a homicide investigator for the Portland Police Department, and he's a Grimm, descended from a line of individuals who've been deemed the protectors of humanity against the supposedly mythological "Wesen" who are walking the planet. With the help of his partner, Det. Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby), and Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), one of the good Wesens, Nick's adventures are part cop show, part sci-fi tale, and the combination is a blast. —W.H.

Where to watch Grimm: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B– (read the review)

Cast: David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Jacqueline Toboni, Silas Weir Mitchell, Sasha Roiz, Reggie Lee, Bree Turner, Claire Coffee

Related content: Grimm: Russell Hornsby previews 100th episode, reflects on past five years

12 of 25

Heroes (2006–2010)

Masi Oka, Ali Larter, Noah Gray-Cabey, Leonard Roberts, Milo Ventimiglia, Adrian Pasdar, Hayden Panettiere, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Greg Grunberg, Santiago Cabrera, Tawny Cypress on 'Heroes'
Masi Oka, Ali Larter, Noah Gray-Cabey, Leonard Roberts, Milo Ventimiglia, Adrian Pasdar, Hayden Panettiere, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Greg Grunberg, Santiago Cabrera, Tawny Cypress on 'Heroes'.

Mitch Haaseth/NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

Following the massive success of Lost, network TV execs greenlit several sci-fi series, most of which were ill-fated. Then came Heroes, which exploded onto the scene with a world-spanning scale that hadn't been seen much on television at the time. The series followed various characters from all different walks of life who all happened to have superhero powers — from psychics to mimics to flying abilities — many of whom were instrumental in helping to "save the cheerleader, save the world." Heroes may have had more of a mixed reception in its latter years, but that first season remains one of the most gripping, audacious debuts we've seen from network TV in the modern age. —K.J.

Where to watch Heroes: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Hayden Panettiere, Masi Oka, Adrian Pasdar, Greg Grunberg, Ali Larter, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Zachary Quinto, Jack Coleman, Noah Gray-Cabey, Santiago Cabrera, Tawny Cypress, Kristen Bell

Related content: Heroes Reborn boss on why more originals didn't return

13 of 25

Invincible (2021–present)

'Invincible'
'Invincible'. Amazon Studios

Invincible, based on writer Robert Kirkman's popular comic, blends classic superhero tropes with the character development of a family saga. The animated series centers on Mark (voiced by Steven Yeun), a high schooler whose father Nolan (J.K. Simmons) happens to be the most powerful superhero in the world — Omni-Man, a Superman-esque alien who wards off villains. Mark inherits his father's powers and must figure out how to control them while also sharing the struggles most teenagers go through as they grow up. The series finds a strong balance between Mark's coming-of-age story and the superpowered world he inhabits, accented by flashes of violence that go beyond your traditional Saturday morning cartoon. Following its near-universal acclaim for season 1, the second season premiered on Nov. 2, with the latter half of that season picking back up on March 14. —K.J.

Where to watch Invincible: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons

Related content: Invincible's Robert Kirkman previews the 'family drama' at heart of blood-splattered superhero series

14 of 25

Lost (2004–2010)

Jorge Garcia, Dominic Monaghan, and Terry O'Quinn on 'Lost'
Jorge Garcia, Dominic Monaghan, and Terry O'Quinn on 'Lost'. ABC/MARIO PEREZ

ABC's Lost changed the game for what was possible from a TV show as early as its series premiere in 2004. The epic sci-fi drama follows the lives of a group of castaways stranded on an island after their plane crashes. From a variety of backgrounds, the survivors try to adapt to their new island home, which they soon discover has a mysterious power beyond the limitations of the "real world." Don't let the haters fool you — not every moment works, but, much like the island, Lost has a magnetic pull that will draw you in and keep you hooked through every twist and turn. —K.J.

Where to watch Lost: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Matthew FoxEvangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway, Terry O'Quinn, Dominic Monaghan, Naveen AndrewsJorge Garcia, Daniel Dae Kim, Yunjin Kim, Emilie de Ravin, Maggie Grace, Harold Perrineau, Malcolm David Kelley, Ian Somerhalder

Related content: Lost: How it all began

15 of 25

The Man in the High Castle (2015–2019)

Rufus Sewell on 'The Man in the High Castle'
Rufus Sewell on 'The Man in the High Castle'. Liane Hentscher/Amazon Studios

It's one thing to do a time-travel series where every trip into the past creates the potential for accidentally changing the past, but it's quite another to devote an entire series to the premise of an alternate future. In the world of The Man in the High Castle, based on the Philip K. Dick novel, the year is 1962, but given that the Axis powers won World War II in 1946, a scenario which played out as a result of the assassination of FDR in 1933, things are decidedly different than they otherwise would be, not least of which because Germany dropped an atomic bomb on Washington, D.C. Things begin shifting in a more favorable direction for the resistance fighters, however, when the mysterious titular character produces films that indicate the existence of other parallel universes where history hasn't happened in the same way, offering the rebels a rare sense of hope...if only they can reach them. —W.H.

Where to watch The Man in the High Castle: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank, DJ Qualls, Joel de la Fuente, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Rufus Sewell

Related content: The complete guide to binge-watching The Man in the High Castle

16 of 25

Outer Range (2022–present)

Outer Range
'Outer Range'. Richard Foreman Jr. SMPSP/Amazon Prime

This is inarguably the least science-fiction-y inclusion on this list, but there's one specific aspect of Outer Range that causes it to qualify. Otherwise, it feels like a modern-day western à la Yellowstone. The series stars Josh Brolin as Royal Abbott, a Wyoming rancher with a wife (Cecilia, played by Lili Taylor) and two sons: Rhett (Lewis Pullman) and Perry (Tom Pelphrey). In addition to dealing with the mysterious disappearance of Perry's wife, Rebecca, there's also a mysterious stranger — Autumn (Imogen Poots) — who's camping out on the ranch. Ah, but you're wondering about the sci-fi element: Suddenly, for no discernible reason, a giant circular void has appeared on the Abbotts' land, one which results in a myriad of effects when someone goes into it. It's an unlikely blending of plots — there's also a story line where another family tries to steal Royal's land — but damned if it doesn't work. Season 2 drops May 16. —W.H.

Where to watch Outer Range: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Lili Taylor, Tom Pelphrey, Tamara Podemski, Lewis Pullman, Noah Reid, Shaun Sipos, Will Patton, Isabel Arraiza, Olive Abercrombie, Deirdre O'Connell, Kristen Connolly

Related content: Josh Brolin poses nude to tease Outer Range season 2: 'We are taking things in a different direction'

17 of 25

Paper Girls (2022)

Riley Lai Nelet and Ali Wong on 'Paper Girls'
Riley Lai Nelet and Ali Wong on 'Paper Girls'.

Amazon/Courtesy Everett Collection

This acclaimed series based on the comic book series of the same name by Brian K. Vaughan may have been short-lived, but it's still well worth the watch. Tiff (Camryn Jones), Erin (Riley Lai Nelet), Mac (Sofia Rosinsky), and KJ (Fina Strazza) are the paper girls, going about their routine delivering papers the morning after Halloween 1988, when they stumble into a fierce conflict between time travelers. While many shows and movies based on comics are enhanced by knowledge of the source material, Vaughan told EW that such knowledge is unnecessary to enjoy the show. "If you're a hardcore fan of the comic, it's still going to be extremely surprising to you," he said. "With our blessing, they go to some places that we never could as a comic and there are new characters, there are new threats." —K.J.

Where to watch Paper Girls: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet, Sofia Rosinsky, Fina Strazza, Adina Porter

Related content: Paper Girls is a 'death threat' to the '80s, not a 'love letter,' says creator at Comic-Con 2022

18 of 25

The Peripheral (2022)

Chloë Grace Moretz on 'The Peripheral'
Chloë Grace Moretz on 'The Peripheral'.

Sophie Mutevelian/Amazon/Courtesy Everett Collection

This short-lived adaptation of William Gibson's 2014 novel of the same name imagines a dangerous future in which reality and simulation are two sides of the same coin. Taking place in 2032, the series stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne, a VR expert who tests out a new prototype for her brother, in which she transports to what she thinks is a futuristic simulated world. But the truth is far more consequential to Flynne's reality than she can even imagine, threatening her life in the real world. "It's Gibson at his best in terms of complete immersive world creation and almost uncanny ability to predict the future," executive producer Lisa Joy told EW ahead of the series premiere, "so much so that many of the things he's predicted have already come to pass as of today. But he combines it with what feels like a really personal story." —K.J.

Where to watch The Peripheral: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Gary Carr, Jack Reynor, JJ Feild, T'Nia Miller, Louis Herthum, Katie Leung

Related content: The Peripheral's Chloë Grace Moretz likes to think she's good at Call of Duty

19 of 25

Person of Interest (2011–2016)

Jim Caviezel and Enrico Colantoni on 'Person of Interest'
Jim Caviezel and Enrico Colantoni on 'Person of Interest'. John P. Filo/CBS via Getty Images

CBS' Person of Interest pulled off a magnificent balancing act of constantly building on itself, while — especially in the beginning — sticking to its network-standard procedural format. The series follows enigmatic billionaire Harold Finch (Michael Emerson) and his development of a machine that is able to predict future crimes. Finch teams up with war veteran John Reese (Jim Caviezel) as they attempt to squash future terrorist activity. What starts as a compelling case-of-the-week eventually turns into a grand-scale saga of competing artificial intelligence, and all the moral dilemmas that lie within. As EW's critic writes, "The show can simultaneously unsettle, comfort, excite, and amuse its viewers — something for everyone, if you, like Mr. Finch, like to watch." —K.J.

Where to watch Person of Interest: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, Michael Emerson, Amy Acker, Sarah Shahi

Related content: Person of Interest at 10: Looking back on the techno-thriller's best episodes

20 of 25

Space: 1999 (1975–1977)

Tony Anholt and Nick Tate on 'Space: 1999'
Tony Anholt and Nick Tate on 'Space: 1999'. Everett Collection

For sci-fi fans who lived through the '70s, Sept. 13, 1999 remains a date that lives in infamy, as it's when a massive nuclear explosion causes the moon to be ripped out of Earth's orbit and hurled into outer space, thereby kicking off Space: 1999 in unforgettable fashion. Suddenly, the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha are in very, very uncharted territory, but under the leadership of Commander John Koenig (Martin Landau), they make the most of their situation, exploring the new areas of space that they're abruptly thrust into. The series reteams Landau with his then-wife, Barbara Bain, with the couple having previously worked together on Mission: Impossible. Here, she's playing Helena Russell, head of the base's medical department. While Space: 1999 was retooled somewhat for its second season, adding Catherine Schell as shapeshifting science officer Maya, the series shows exactly what '70s sci-fi was like in the pre-Star Wars era. —W.H.

Where to watch Space: 1999: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee

Cast: Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Prentis Hancock, Nick Tate, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Suzanne Roquette, Clifton Jones, Catherine Schell, Tony Anholt, John Hug, Jeffery Kissoon, Yasuko Nagazumi, Sam Dastor, Alibe Parsons

Related content: A brief illustrated history of great pop-culture spaceships

21 of 25

Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007)

Corin Nemec, Amanda Tapping, Richard Dean Anderson, and Christopher Judge on 'Stargate SG-1'
Corin Nemec, Amanda Tapping, Richard Dean Anderson, and Christopher Judge on 'Stargate SG-1'. Everett Collection

It began as a 1994 film by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich about an ancient alien device found on Earth that allows for transportation to other worlds, and with this show developed by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, Stargate was transformed into a multi-series TV franchise. A deft blending of story lines involving the U.S. government and its military-led exploration of other planets while also defending its home turf, Stargate SG-1 stars Richard Dean Anderson for the first eight of its 10 seasons, with Ben Browder (Farscape) filling his shoes for the final two. But it's the show's ensemble cast — including Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Don S. Davis — that helps to successfully anchor SG-1 in an emotional reality despite all of the special effects and alien races, technology, and landscapes, and serves to make it such an entertaining and exciting trip week after week. —W.H.

Where to watch Stargate SG-1: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Don S. Davis, Corin Nemec, Ben Browder, Beau Bridges, Claudia Black

Related content: Spotlight on Richard Dean Anderson

22 of 25

Starhunter ReduX (2000–2004)

'Starhunter'
'Starhunter'. Everett Collection

While it may be the most outside-the-box inclusion on this list, there's a lot to like about this short-lived sci-fi series, which — not coincidentally — is also likely the most underseen program in the mix. Starhunter ReduX is set on a former space luxury liner that's been refit to serve as home to a crew of intergalactic bounty hunters in the 23rd century, and it's another show that was forced to endure significant retooling for its second season, including the inexplicable removal of star Michael Paré. Even those who remember the show during its original run will likely enjoy the opportunity to revisit it, but note that ReduX in its title indicates that it's gotten a revamp, including updated special effects, newly shot scenes, and a new 4K transfer. Heck, there are even some actor updates, but we don't want to spoil all of the Starhunter fun. —W.H.

Where to watch Starhunter ReduX: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Michael Paré, Tanya Allen, Claudette Roche

Related content: 20 greatest sci-fi TV shows

23 of 25

Tales From the Loop (2020)

Rebecca Hall on 'Tales From the Loop'
Rebecca Hall on 'Tales From the Loop'. Jan Thijs/Amazon

Adapting Simon Stålenhag's art book of the same name, Tales From the Loop is a deeply humanistic examination of life in an Ohio town — which happens to contain an experimental underground facility called the Loop. The town features all natures of strange phenomena from time traveling to body swapping, which impacts the lives of its residents. Starring Rebecca Hall and Paul Schneider as a married couple working in the Loop, the series features gorgeous Emmy-nominated cinematography and visual effects that bring Stålenhag's striking imagery even further to life. —K.J.

Where to watch Tales From the Loop: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Rebecca Hall, Paul Schneider, Duncan Joiner, Daniel Zolghadri, Jonathan Pryce

Related content: The 20 best dystopian novels of all time

24 of 25

The Tick (2016–2019)

Griffin Newman, Peter Serafinowicz, and Valorie Curry on 'The Tick'
Griffin Newman, Peter Serafinowicz, and Valorie Curry on 'The Tick'. Giovanni Rufino/Amazon Prime

This third TV adaptation of the comic book of the same name had the benefit of coming out at a time of peak superhero culture. The series deals in familiar tropes: The blue-suited man known as the Tick (Peter Serafinowicz) is blessed with superstrength and near invincibility, while mild-manner Arthur (Griffin Newman) is his trusted sidekick. Together, they attempt to take down a supervillain known as the Terror (Jackie Earle Haley), a key figure in Arthur's traumatic origin story. The Tick finds a way to be both a clever spoof and a loving ode to the world of superheroes, with, as EW's critic put it, a "just-right mix of dark humor and inventive world-building." That it was canceled too soon after only two seasons just adds to its underappreciated status. —K.J.

Where to watch The Tick: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Valorie Curry, Brendan Hines, Yara Martinez, Scott Speiser, Jackie Earle Haley

Related content: The Tick is in good hands with Griffin Newman

25 of 25

Upload (2020–present)

Robbie Amell on 'Upload'
Robbie Amell on 'Upload'. Aaron Epstein/Amazon Studios

Created by Greg Daniels, the man behind the American adaptation of The Office and co-creator of Parks and Recreation and King of the Hill, this series posits a world where death is no longer final and one's existence can be continued by being "uploaded" into a virtual afterlife. Unfortunately, when it happens to Nathaniel Brown (Robbie Amell), he's not expecting it, and his fate is left in the hands of his girlfriend, Ingrid (Allegra Edwards), who holds it over his head that she's footing the bill for his expensive afterlife in Lakeview. Meanwhile, Nathaniel forges a friendship with Nora (Andy Allo), the Lakeview employee assigned to help him transition into his new existence, and the two discover that there's a romantic spark between them. In the midst of all of this, Nathaniel also begins to suspect that his death may not have been accidental. It's a sci-fi rom-com murder mystery. Who could ask for anything more? Season 3 concluded in November. —W.H.

Where to watch Upload: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, Kevin Bigley, Josh Banday

Related content: Upload is the best comedy you're not watching

Related content:

Related Articles