The sci-fi genre can pluck you from your sofa and drop you into strange new worlds – in short, the right TV show can be life-changing.
From mystical alien races to high-stakes intergalactic conflicts to weird and wacky occurrences on plain ol’ Earth, science fiction is not bound by rules; it’s where the imagination goes to flourish.
What’s more, in the TV format, viewers can stay with their favourite characters for episodes on end as they tackle other-worldly challenges anew or explore places brimming with technology out of the 31st century.
We asked Metro readers which shows have stayed with them long after the credits rolled, and who knows, you might just stumble upon your new favourite.
Metro readers have their say
There were plenty of shows that had just one call out but deserve an honourable mention nonetheless.
Facebook user Charles Barley recommended HBO drama Raised By Wolves, which follows two androids raising human children on a mystery planet.
Other strong contenders include Stargate SG-1, as shared by Garry Greenhalgh, while Daniel Hylands called animated series Scavenger’s Reign ‘the best series of recent times’.
Mike Kirk praised Disney+ Star Wars spin-off Andor for its ‘depth’, adding: ‘Mix of political drama, classic science fiction & very realistic physics which most shows just get around with some sort of crazy technology or poor writing. Almost a full season just setting up the story – it takes a certain level of patience….’
Chris Tierney declared Battlestar Galactica was the ‘correct answer’ with Andy Shedden agreeing the original ‘blew my mind as a kid’.
David Goldie called Blake’s 7 ‘great escapism’ and plenty more put Red Dwarf in the running.
The Expanse
By far and away, The Expanse has won over our readers.
The six-season TV show, which first aired in 2015, is set hundreds of years in the future in a timeline where humans have colonised the solar system.
Starring Cara Gee, Steven Strait and Frankie Adams, the show dives straight into the action when the disappearance of a young woman brings together a cynical detective and a rogue ship’s captain.
As they delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that could threaten the delicate peace between Earth, Mars and asteroid dwellers known as Belters.
The show has wowed fans and critics alike, scoring an impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many of whom resoundingly agree with our readers. ‘One of the great sci-fi shows of all time,’ Dan D has written.
Humans – Metro TV reporter Asyia Iftikhar
When I find myself looking down the barrel of technologically induced existential doom and looking to indulge, my hand often goes for the TV remote.
As a sci-fi nerd and dystopia lover, I have long loved shows like Black Mirror and Orphan Black, but time and time again, I find myself revisiting Humans on Channel 4.
Not only does this brilliant cast put on a compelling performance, but the storyline still feels like it could happen at any moment, even 10 years after it first aired.
Beyond its pertinent themes, it makes for gritty and grounded television with the human and robot relationships forming the beating heart of the show.
‘This show takes a little time to get moving but once it does you are all in. This is one of the best-written science fiction shows I’ve ever watched. It’s an original story set in a very believable world. I can’t recommend this enough,’ Jim W agreed.
‘Loved it. Unpredictable original concepts, well written and acted. Special effects were believable as was the science,’ Patrick L echoed.
Where to watch: You can buy seasons one to six on Apple TV Plus. Seasons four to six are also available to stream on Prime Video.
Andor
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
The expanding genre of Star Wars spin-offs has had a mixed reaction, but Disney+’s’ Andor has shocked and delighted viewers in equal measure.
The show stars Diego Luna as a thief turned spy, Cassian, as we watch him rise from the ashes as a rebel leader.
The show has been hailed as ‘phenomenal’, ‘a masterpiece’ and even ‘one of the greatest Star Wars projects ever made’. High praise indeed.
The whole story is told in a powerful two-season arc that will leave you teary-eyed, on the edge of your seat, and desperately wanting more (even if you know you can’t have it).
For those who have never seen Star Wars, this is a show you can get behind even without knowing all the movie lore.
The Mandalorian – Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr
A masked bounty hunter. Music that leaves your skin crawling with goosebumps. Gun-toting action… and an unexpected father-son relationship that captured all of our hearts. None of us could have anticipated the global phenomenon that The Mandalorian became.
The series is a unique release for the beloved cinematic universe set in a galaxy far, far away. From the first few moments of episode one – which blends being a sci-fi, space Western and family drama in one – I was hooked.
The marketing for the first season was genius in itself. Grogu – or Baby Yoda – didn’t feature in the trailer, so viewers had no idea that the bond he forms with Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) would form the backbone of the entire tale.
Game of Thrones star Pedro became the new blueprint for conveying emotion with your face concealed, deservedly soaring to new levels of fame. The feature film couldn’t come sooner!
Talking with Metro at the red carpet, Luna shared his feelings about moving on.
‘There’s nothing [I regret]. There is nothing. I’m getting to the end of this journey after enjoying every second, and I’m ready to go because I’m still excited,’ Diego said.
‘I’m really proud of what we’ve done. I’m very happy I’ve made this family this connection, and that’s the way to end things when you’d still like to come back; otherwise, it’s wrong, you know?’
Where to watch: Andor is available to stream on ITVX and Disney+.
Red Dwarf
Strap yourself in for this 13-season-long space odyssey from 1988.
What makes this even more fun is that it’s a sitcom, so if you want to a break from the intense storylines, this is the one for you.
‘The last man alive is a total idiot. And the rest of the ‘crew’ aren’t much better. Under the guidance of a senile computer, what could go wrong?’ the synopsis for this cheeky series reads.
Essentially, this space spoof is for those looking for a silly time, as one Rotten Tomatoes user described it as ‘awkward, unpolished, cheap.. and totally awesome.’
‘A great British comedy mixed with an interesting plot device – throw a buffoon millions of years into the future and see what happens,’ another anonymous user echoed.
Where to watch: All 13 seasons are free to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Battlestar Galactica (2004)
This is a two-in-one recommendation for the 1978 series and the 2004 reboot, although we’ll be focusing on the latter.
The four-season re-imagining follows ‘humanity’s last fleet as they battle deadly Cylons in a fight for survival’, as they attempt to find a mythical planet known as Earth.
The space opera has raked in plenty of glowing reviews over the years, with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘One of the best shows of all time- in any genre or time period. I can’t keep track of how many times I have watched it since it began almost 20 years ago. An absolute must-see,’ one particularly enthusiastic fan AW M shared.
‘It really is an amazing show, not afraid to shake things up, and show quiet moments as well. And the visuals were spectacular even from the get-go,’ another has said.
Where to watch: Battlestar Galactica is available to stream on ITVX.
Blake’s 7
If Red Dwarf gave you the bug for more classic shows, then you can’t go far wrong with the 1978 series Blake’s 7.
Described as a ‘sweeping 70s sci-fi epic that broke the mould with its gripping adventure tales’ the story follows ‘a band of rebels [who] wage war against the ruthless regime that rules Earth.’
Its evergreen themes around fascism and corruption have made this a must-watch for British sci-fi lovers for decades.
‘While there remain elements that date it to the time it was made and the budget it was made on, Blake’s 7 stands out among British television science fiction and fantasy shows.
‘It wasn’t simply superhero good against evil,’ The Guardian wrote in a review marking 40 years since it had aired.
Where to watch: All four seasons are available to stream on ITVX Premium.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.