Entertainment
8 Greatest Sci-Fi Shows Even Diehards Haven’t Seen
In a genre near overflowing with dystopian futures, time-bending experiments, and galaxy-spanning epics, it’s easy for a few of them to get lost in the mainstream hype of it all. Most dedicated fans of science fiction may think they’ve seen everything, but in truth, they’ve likely missed quite a few hidden gems. From shows cancelled far too soon to others that were just too ahead of their time during their run, the sci-fi genre’s endless realm is packed full of underappreciated stories that do the same (and sometimes more) than most mainstream watches.
Shows like the one-season wonder FlashForward and even the stunningly brilliant anime series like Astra Lost in Space are both hidden gems that have often been overlooked or simply missed by most sci-fi lovers. Uncovered on this list are some of the most captivating series in the genre — stories that deserve to be seen by all sci-fi diehard fans.
‘Planetes’ (2003–2004)
Planetes is a Japanese-animated series that most sci-fi fans — especially those not entrenched in the realm of anime — likely have never seen. The series is set in the year 2075 and follows Ai Tanabe (Ai Kakuma), a new recruit to a team of space debris collectors, and her more closed-off colleague, Hachirota “Hachimaki” Hoshino (Johnny Yong Bosch), as they chase their personal dreams and perform debris EVA missions.
Planetes has the special ability of making the mundane of humanity’s day-to-day seem extremely compelling. The show doesn’t feature big space battles or any alien creatures, but instead focuses on mankind’s struggle, growth, and tenacity. Quite often, the show is lauded as the best in the sci-fi genre, but it is unfortunately frequently overlooked by Western sci-fi fans. For those sci-fi diehards who haven’t yet opened their world to the vast universe of anime, Planetes definitely stands as a solid opener — especially since popular dramas like The Expanse exist. The anime series continues to be an extremely thoughtful and grounded portrayal of human ambition and space travel far ahead of its time.
‘Beforeigners’ (2019–2021)
This Norwegian series takes a fresh approach to the time-travel and buddy-cop trope sci-fi fans are used to. Beforeigners centers around people of past eras — from medieval Vikings and Stone Age folks, to 19th-century Victorians — who suddenly begin to appear in the present day.
Beforeigners wields a brilliant sci-fi premise, which features multiple clashes of culture that lead to both poignant and darkly funny circumstances. The series delivers an entertaining and truly captivating crime drama with a time-travel twist that explores heavy themes like integration, immigration, and identity. Despite its unique qualities, it’s a series that stands criminally underrated. Many diehard science fiction fans have likely never seen the series due to its international status. This is a true misfortune, as Beforeigners is an excellent watch that skillfully blends speculative fiction social commentary with neo-noir mystery, making for an inventive sci-fi series.
‘FlashForward’ (2009–2010)
FlashForward is a one-season sci-fi drama that wields an irresistible premise. The captivating series kicks off after every single person on earth blacks out for exactly 137 seconds, where they see visions of their life six months into the future. The story primarily focuses on Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes), an FBI agent who, in his flashforward, saw clues to the cause of the global blackout.
Wielding an intricately woven narrative, FlashForward delivers a great series for sci-fi fans. Each episode is a new layer to the mystery and character connections, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Despite featuring relatable characters and a compelling sci-fi twist, FlashForward unfortunately fell victim to failing ratings, ending its single season on a heart-pounding cliffhanger. Fans of the sci-fi genre have likely skipped the series due to talk of its unresolved ending or have simply missed it due to the show being aired during a crowded TV season. Despite its abrupt end, Flashforward is still 22 episodes long with an imaginative sci-fi plot worth diving into.
‘Real Humans’ (2012–2014)
This Swedish series is one of the first to do societal change and artificial intelligence, years before shows like Humans and Westworld came on the scene. The series Äkta människor, or Real Humans, is set in an alternate-present Sweden, where human-like androids known as “hubots” have become common household commodities. With an interwoven story that follows multiple perspectives, the series centers around a suburban family who find themselves with a hubot named Anita (Lisette Pagler), who is much more than she appears, and a group of rogue, self-aware hubots fighting for their freedom and identity.
Real Humans effectively grounds its sci-fi concepts in everyday life by focusing on the personal stories of its characters. The series’ greatest highlight is its emotional depth and subtlety as it explores family, prejudice, and the definition of consciousness. Those outside of Sweden have sadly missed the series due to Real Humans not having been widely streamed. Audiences instead found the series’ English remake, Humans on AMC, which, while great, didn’t wield many of the extraordinary qualities that its original did. Diehard sci-fi fans should definitely take a peek at Real Humans, as it stands as a thought-provoking must-watch.
‘ReGenesis’ (2004–2008)
This Canadian series explored the world of bioterrorism and cutting-edge science with uncanny foresight. ReGenesis premiered in 2004 and follows David Sandström (Peter Outerbridge), a molecular biologist, who is the extraordinarily brilliant but incredibly reckless head of a fictional agency called NorBAC — North American Biotechnology Advisory Commission.
ReGenesis is host to many hauntingly prescient scenarios that feel extremely relevant today. The series was ahead of its time and, during its run, quickly distinguished itself with its refusal to dumb down much of its complex scientific concepts. The show’s characters are well-drawn and relatable, while its story balances high-stakes labwork with everyday personal affairs. Despite ReGenesis being a high-quality sci-fi series, it was never really seen outside of Canada. ReGenesis may not have been widely known internationally, but it absolutely stands as a sci-fi show perfect for fans of series like The X-Files or Fringe, both of which are extremely science-driven.
‘Almost Human’ (2013–2014)
Almost Human was a refreshing mix of cyberpunk flair and buddy-cop action when it first premiered back in 2013. The series, set in 2048, centers around John Kennex (Karl Urban), a grizzled detective who returns to the force after a traumatic injury and is unwillingly paired with a new partner: an android named Dorian (Michael Ealy).
Almost Human is a compelling crime drama that wields plenty of heart. Ealy and Urban deliver standout performances that remain among some of the show’s most memorable moments, while the production boasts a strong pedigree. Unfortunately, despite the show’s great potential, Fox aired episodes out of order, which eventually led to the series’ cancellation. Many sci-fi lovers didn’t get to see the show due to poor handling and its short run. Despite all its setbacks, Almost Human is worth taking a chance on, especially for those who adore sci-fi action and buddy-cop humor.
‘Astra Lost in Space’ (2019)
When it comes to space adventures, even up against most live-action series, Astra Lost in Space is capable of holding its own in terms of sci-fi brilliance and overall captivating storytelling. The series is set in the year 2063 and centers on a group of students on a routine school trip to another planet — but something unexpected occurs. The group encounters a mysterious Sphere that takes the teens and transports them thousands of light-years away, forcing them to find their way back home.
Astra Lost in Space is an anime series packed with breathtaking visuals, mystery, and a moving emotional depth. It’s a heartfelt sci-fi stand-out with various twists and turns that feel like a meeting between Star Trek: The Next Generation and Lord of the Flies. Astra Lost in Space is not only a criminally underrated anime gem — it’s an outrageously underrated sci-fi series, period. It’s a heartfelt story that features themes of survival, belonging, and found family. The series is a true adventure for viewers who become heavily invested in its story, due to the strong sense of belonging it creates with its lovable cast of characters. While the series has never gotten the viewership it deserves and remains overlooked by anime fans and sci-fi enthusiasts alike, Astra Lost in Space still counts as an incredible must-watch that’s capable of enrapturing any sci-fi lover.
‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)
This series wields a cult following unlike any other. Sense8 follows eight perfect strangers across the globe who unexpectedly become emotionally and mentally linked to one another. With a threat cornering the group, they must work together to defeat the odds and save the day, all the while growing closer and becoming the family none of them could have ever hoped for.
Sense8 may host a brilliant plot that features diversity, representation, and a sci-fi story worth talking about, but its viewership still didn’t stand up to most mainstream science fiction shows. The compelling series even faced cancellation, but the few diehard sci-fi fans who found themselves in love with the show were thankfully able to persuade the showrunners to give them a solid conclusion. As time passes, the already underwatched show has continued to fade into obscurity. But with its bold exploration of identity, love, sexuality, gender, and politics, Sense8 stands as a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that is an absolute must-watch for all sci-fi diehards.
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