Science fiction is a genre that can truly captivate viewers. It opens up incredible worlds and possibilities, making us ponder the future. However, there are many fascinating but lesser-known sci-fi series that deserve your attention. If you're looking to discover something new, here are a few exciting shows that might be just what you need.
Avenue 5 (2020-2022)
If you're a fan of space travel and comedy twists, Avenue 5 is just what you need. The series takes place aboard a space cruise ship embarking on a routine tour. Everything goes according to plan until a malfunction occurs, and the ship loses its course. Instead of a planned few-week trip, the journey stretches out for three years. The passengers rely on the famous Captain Ryan Clark, only to discover that he is merely a marketing figurehead and has no idea how to operate the ship.
This series blends science fiction with dark humor. The idea of people facing unexpected crises in the most unlikely circumstances — while still trying to survive — feels refreshingly original. The humor-infused scenarios in Avenue 5 remind us that even in the most stressful situations, there’s always room for laughter.
Devs (2020)
A thriller and sci-fi drama that will appeal to those who love technological mysteries and intense investigations. The story follows Lily, an employee of a major tech corporation. She witnesses strange events when her colleague attempts to steal a top-secret project capable of seeing into the future and revealing moments from the past. Suddenly, he is found dead, and everything is staged as a suicide. Lily decides to uncover the truth, despite the looming danger.
The plot combines elements of psychological thriller and science fiction. A technology that can alter our perception of time becomes the catalyst for a series of mysterious events that push the protagonist to take risks in search of answers. The story keeps you on edge, and the resolution does not disappoint.
Tales from the Loop (2020)
Inspired by the book and artwork of Simon Stålenhag, this series is a true treasure trove of mysteries. In the small town of Mercer lies the largest experimental physics center, built around a mysterious core. However, the experiments conducted there lead to strange and inexplicable phenomena. The stories of people affected by these experiments make you question the boundaries of human understanding and the possibilities of scientific discovery.
A world driven by a technocratic approach to science leads to unraveling mysteries that can be even more terrifying than anything we’ve seen in sci-fi. The melancholic and enigmatic atmosphere surrounding the characters makes Tales from the Loop stand apart from other shows.
Omniscient (2020)
This Brazilian thriller from Netflix presents a vision of the future where public safety is ensured not by the police but by a corporation that has created flawless surveillance drones. These drones monitor every person 24/7, transmitting data to a central server with strictly limited access. The system promises flawless operation and protection from any potential threats.
However, when a murder occurs in the protagonist’s family — and the drones fail to capture it — she begins to doubt the system’s perfection. The situation she finds herself in raises questions about the true nature of "security" and what lies behind the illusion of a perfect world.
These series will appeal to those looking for fresh, unconventional takes on the sci-fi genre. They don’t rely solely on spectacular visuals but explore philosophical and ethical questions, bringing new elements to the genre. Each of these projects offers something unique — whether it’s a technological dystopia, the mysteries of the future, or scientific discoveries that challenge our perception of reality.
If you're looking to go beyond mainstream blockbusters and discover something truly original, these shows are a great place to start.
