Since the start of the Golden Age of Science Fiction in the 1930s, sci-fi TV shows have brought viewers escapism and innovation in the comfort of their own homes. With the debut of the first episode of Star Trek in 1966, studios began to invest more money in science fiction properties, and these series developed dedicated fandoms.
Star Trek’s fandom, Trekkies, paved the way for dedicated fandoms for series like the 90s’ Babylon 5, the British time travel series Doctor Who, the Battlestar Galactica reboot, and even Joss Whedon’s Firefly.
Although Star Trek’s original series broke barriers with its on-screen racial and gender representation, it wasn’t until recent years that serialized sci-fi began to depict the inclusivity the genre deserves. Recent shows such as the Wachowskis’ Sense8, The Expanse, Electric Dreams, Westworld, and more have deviated from the genre’s historic focus on white men colonizing space.
At the same time, recent years have also seen a resurgence of new series based around classic IP, from Star Trek: Discovery to The Mandalorian and Marvel shows like Loki.
With this vast galaxy of content, how does one choose what to watch? The Portalist recommends the best sci-fi shows to stream on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney Plus, and beyond.
Prepare to boldly go—and binge—where you’ve never gone before.
With so many TV shows constantly being created, finding the ones truly worth watching can be a challenge.
Tune in to terrors beyond earthly imagination.
If you're a fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, these novels offer a whole new galaxy of adventures.
By Jena Brown
If you're excited for the TV adaptation of Blake Crouch's bestselling Dark Matter, be sure to try these great sci-fi thrillers.
Three winners will receive a signed copy of the manga.
If you're looking for something to fill the void that the finale of Loki left behind, try one of these books full of mischief and myths.
This year saw the return of many popular, ongoing anime series, but here are some gems to put on your radar.
William Shatner’s illustrated memoirs give fans a look behind the curtain of Star Trek movies and TV shows.
From ancient vampire lords to downtrodden familiars, the stars know exactly who you are.
After sharing screen time in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka Tano is finally getting a live-action TV show all to herself.
These inspirational quotes from Star Trek will help you "make it so!"
"Engage" with these incredible storylines.
In George R.R. Martin we trust.
Netflix returns loyal viewers to the Grishaverse in this trailer for season two of 'Shadow and Bone.'
The FX show is based on Octavia E. Butler's novel of the same name.
By Carolyn Cox
From The Original Series to Discovery, let the stars determine your place in the universe.
How Butler's Parable/Earthseed series counters racism in sci-fi.
By Carolyn Cox
You can't take the sky from us.
By Jena Brown
“Everyone in the world will come to these gates." -Ray Bradbury
By Jena Brown