Amid the abundance of science fiction series on streaming platforms, TVLine has published a list of 15 underrated gems that deserve greater recognition. The article praises shows overlooked in the crowded genre landscape, from mind-bending connections to alternate histories.
Science fiction television thrives today with ambitious series like Apple's 'Severance' and Netflix's 'Black Mirror,' yet many strong entries go unnoticed, according to a TVLine feature dated December 25, 2025. The piece argues that while classics like 'Star Trek' once dominated, current fans must sift through vast content to find hidden treasures.
The list begins with Netflix's 'Sense8,' created by Lana and Lilly Wachowski alongside J. Michael Straczynski, which follows eight 'sensates' linked by a mysterious mental connection, facing hunters. Canceled after two seasons, it blends identity and hive-mind themes. 'Torchwood,' a 'Doctor Who' spin-off, darkens the franchise with Captain Jack Harkness leading a team against alien threats, emphasizing high stakes and character vulnerability.
British comedy 'Red Dwarf,' launched in 1989, follows Dave Lister awakening after three million years to holograms and mutants aboard a mining ship. Apple's 'For All Mankind' reimagines the space race across decades, evolving from critical acclaim to expansive storytelling. 'Devs,' Alex Garland's miniseries, builds a slow-burn quantum mystery around free will and tech mogul Forrest, played by Nick Offerman.
Other entries include 'Humans,' exploring AI synths' societal impact from 2015 to 2018; Ridley Scott-backed 'Raised by Wolves,' featuring androids raising children on a desolate planet; and 'Babylon 5,' J. Michael Straczynski's five-season space station epic with intricate arcs. '1899,' from 'Dark' creators, delivers a steampunk mystery cut short after one season. 'Counterpart' stars J.K. Simmons in dual roles across parallel worlds, while '12 Monkeys' adapts the film with time-travel to avert a virus over four seasons.
Syfy's 'Dark Matter' (2015-2017) tracks amnesiac mercenaries in space, and 'The Sarah Jane Adventures' (2007-2011) follows journalist Sarah Jane Smith in alien escapades, ending after Elisabeth Sladen's 2011 death. 'The Expanse' mixes crime and politics in solar system colonization, rescued by Amazon for six seasons. 'Farscape' (1999-2003) follows astronaut John Crichton in galactic conflicts, influencing works like 'Guardians of the Galaxy.'
These shows, per TVLine, offer fresh takes amid genre saturation, urging viewers to explore beyond the mainstream.