Us Weekly published a selection of 14 science fiction television series available on HBO Max in March 2026, noting that while the platform excels in fantasy, it offers notable sci-fi options, including international productions. The recommendations span animated series, comedies, and dramatic narratives set in dystopian futures or post-apocalyptic worlds.
In a March 8, 2026, article, Us Weekly emphasized that HBO Max provides strong fantasy content but requires deeper exploration for quality science fiction, recommending both established and recent series. Among the picks is 'The Swarm' (2023), a German production where marine life, including orcas and smaller creatures, turns against humans, with scientists like whale expert Leon Anawak (Joshua Odjick) and PhD student Charlie Wagner (Leonie Benesch) uncovering a weaponized threat from the ocean.
'Years and Years' (2019) blends near-future elements with political drama, following the Lyons family—Stephen (Rory Kinnear), Celeste (T’Nia Miller), and others—as they navigate societal changes under rising nationalist politician Vivienne Rook (Emma Thompson), with family member Bethany (Lydia West) increasingly integrated with advanced technology.
Other highlights include 'Station Eleven' (2021-2022), which depicts survivors of a flu pandemic, centering on performer Kirsten Raymonde (Mackenzie Davis) and her connections to a graphic novel; the animated 'Gen:Lock' (2019-2021), featuring Michael B. Jordan voicing pilot Julian Chase in a war against invaders using holographic mechs; and the comedic 'Avenue 5' (2020-2022), starring Hugh Laurie as a hapless spaceship captain navigating a crisis far from Earth.
The list also covers 'Scavenger's Reign' (2023), an adult animated tale of astronauts stranded on the hostile planet Vesta; 'Peacemaker' (2022-present), with John Cena's character facing new threats in season two; 'Batman Beyond' (1999-2001), a futuristic take on the Batman legacy with teen hero Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle); and 'His Dark Materials' (2019-2022), adapting Philip Pullman's novels with Dafne Keen as Lyra Belacqua in a multiverse-spanning adventure.
Further entries are the anime 'Lazarus' (2025), directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, involving a deadly wonder drug and a race to find its creator; 'Dune: Prophecy' (2024-present), exploring the Bene Gesserit's origins with Emily Watson and Olivia Williams; 'The Last of Us' (2023-present), whose second season premiered in April 2025, following survivors Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey); the Spanish 'Paradise' (2021-2022), a nostalgic mystery echoing early 1990s disappearances; and 'Doom Patrol' (2019-2023), a quirky DC team of super-powered misfits confronting bizarre villains. All series are accessible on HBO Max, catering to diverse sci-fi tastes from political intrigue to alien encounters.
