Sometimes the daily grind leaves us wanting to escape reality, even if it’s just for an hour or two. These ongoing sci-fi series are both unearthly and immersive, in the best tradition of sci-fi, providing pure escapism when you need it most.
7
Silo
Watch it on Apple TV+
In a post-apocalyptic world, a massive underground silo houses what’s left of humanity, but its strict rules conceal dangerous secrets. As the saga unfolds, what begins as a mystery about forbidden knowledge quickly becomes a struggle for control deep below the surface of a scorched Earth.
Silo is currently on season two, but has already been renewed through season four (the finale). This dystopian saga is a masterclass in the slow-burn thriller genre, characterized by feelings of claustrophobia and an impending sense of danger. I especially enjoyed the standout performances from Tim Robbins (in a rare villainous role), Rebecca Ferguson, and Steve Zahn.
6
Dune: Prophecy
Watch it on Max
A prequel to Frank Herbert’s Dune, this series follows the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, 10,000 years before the events of Paul Atreides in the first novel. This is a tale about mysticism, politics, and a battle for survival that sows the seeds for the powerful order that’s to come.
Fans of Denis Villeneuve’s recent movie adaptations will appreciate the slick production values behind the lavish world-building of Dune: Prophecy. While the series promises to expand the lore of the existing Dune universe, it also stands alone as a richly textured space opera of power and destiny.
5
Dark Matter
Watch it on Apple TV+
Based on Blake Crouch’s bestseller, this multiverse thriller follows a physicist abducted into an alternate life. We follow his mind-bending ride through identity, family, and infinite possibilities, as he fights his way back to his family. Lines are blurred when our protagonist becomes a villain in another reality as the story takes yet another wild turn.
With season two on the way, Dark Matter is an emotional rollercoaster with Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly in strong leading roles. It’s a tale of love, choices, and roads not taken, underpinned by high-concept science and dark drama that is guaranteed to captivate you from the very first episode.
4
Fallout
Watch it on Prime Video
While it is technically set on planet Earth, Fallout is far removed from reality as we know it. Adapted from the beloved video game franchise, it is set in a retro-future where kitsch 1950s aesthetics meet a dystopian nightmare filled with vault dwellers, mutants, and wild wastelands.
With season two confirmed, the story’s survival is assured, unlike that of the show’s protagonists as they tentatively continue on their journey through the post-apocalyptic world. Despite it being a game adaptation, I found the series to be refreshingly funny and surprisingly touching, while also being violent and stylish in equal measure.
3
Foundation
Watch it on Apple TV+
Fans of Isaac Asimov’s work will appreciate this epic adaptation of his iconic series that tells the story of the fall of a Galactic Empire and the attempt to preserve civilization through “psychohistory,” a mathematical science that predicts the future. Firm favorite Jared Harris plays Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who establishes the Foundation as the Galactic Empire begins to crumble.
Renewed for another season, Foundation is dazzlingly cinematic, and like the universe itself, its cosmic scope keeps expanding. It will captivate you with its stunning visuals, galaxy-spanning politics, and intricately woven world-building.
2
Rick and Morty
Watch it on Max
Despite being an animated comedy, Rick and Morty continues to deliver some of the smartest, strangest sci-fi storytelling on TV. Since its first season, the beloved animation has crafted a fine tapestry that blends multiverse chaos and existential comedy, and continues to attract a loyal fan base.
Beneath Rick and Morty’s often vulgar humor and absurdity lie thoughtful explorations of family, morality, and the vastness of the universe. The multiverse shenanigans are far from over, with new seasons confirmed, as our heroes continue on their often outrageous and usually ridiculous journey.
1
Invasion
Watch it on Apple TV+
Invasion captures the chaos of humanity’s first contact with a hostile alien race, told from the perspectives of ordinary people swept up in extraordinary events around the globe. The stakes are raised with each successive season, as humanity struggles not just to survive but eventually to fight back.
Unlike many similar dramas, such as War of the Worlds and Independence Day, Invasion feels more grounded and human, and less sensational in its storytelling. This makes those moments when the Aliens strike all the more terrifying and impactful, while its interwoven storylines drive the narrative and make each episode increasingly compelling.
These otherworldly series provide the perfect retreat whenever you need a break from reality. Whether you prefer space operas (Foundation, Dune: Prophecy), apocalypse survival (Fallout, Invasion, Silo), or mind-bending multiverse drama (Rick and Morty, Dark Matter), they will transport you light-years away, yet leave you feeling somewhat relieved when you eventually come back down to earth.
