Apple TV+ Unveils Strong Sci-Fi Roster: A Curated Guide to 15 Must-Stream Series

Apple TV+ has quietly built a formidable library of science fiction programming, distinguishing itself with high-concept narratives and compelling productions. For viewers seeking captivating journeys into speculative futures, the platform offers an impressive selection beyond its well-known hits.

While Apple TV+ has sometimes faced challenges in content discovery, industry analysts, including those at CNET, highlight the streamer's consistent delivery of critically acclaimed and engaging science fiction titles. This curated guide aims to simplify the search for quality viewing for Olley News readers.

Pluribus

From the creative mind of Vince Gilligan, this series takes on an X-Files tone rather than a Breaking Bad one. It follows Carol (Rhea Seehorn) as she navigates a global pandemic of overwhelming happiness. Echoing themes from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," it offers a fresh perspective on alien invasion, bolstered by smart writing and an Emmy-worthy performance from Seehorn.

Invasion

An epic sci-fi drama detailing a global alien invasion. What sets it apart is its expansive international scope, offering diverse perspectives on the extraterrestrial threat from various corners of the world. Now in its third season, the series unfolds in real-time, intensifying the sense of urgency.

Murderbot

Adapted from Martha Wells' bestselling "Murderbot Diaries," this series carves out a unique niche within Apple TV+'s sci-fi collection. Starring Alexander Skarsgård as the titular security bot, the program chronicles its exploits protecting human clients while secretly indulging in endless hours of television. It expertly blends action, comedy, and science fiction.

Dr. Brain

With all six episodes directed by Kim Jee-woon, known for "I Saw the Devil," "Dr. Brain" promises a dark and intricate narrative. The series centers on brain scientist Sewon Koh, who develops a method to access the memories of the deceased. While a medical marvel, Sewon's primary goal is to leverage this experimental technique to unravel a profound family tragedy.

Sunny

Rashida Jones stars as Suzie in this dark comedy. After the mysterious disappearance of her husband and child, Suzie is given a robot to aid her in the grieving process. As the story unfolds, Suzie uncovers her husband's hidden secrets, propelling the program into a dramatic, "Black Mirror"-esque exploration of grief and deception within a sleek, near-future setting.

Severance

If "Ted Lasso" introduced quirky comedies to the platform, "Severance" solidified Apple TV+ as a hub for high-concept genre programming. The series focuses on Mark (Adam Scott), an employee at Lumon Industries, a biotech firm implementing a terrifying system to separate employees' work and personal memories. Ben Stiller, as executive producer and director for many episodes, showcases his talent behind the camera.

Hello Tomorrow!

"Hello Tomorrow!" paints a retro-futuristic world where charismatic door-to-door salesmen market real estate on the moon. The series excels in its distinctive world-building, despite its unfortunate lack of a second season. It features a robust ensemble cast including Billy Crudup, Allison Pill, Dawshane Williams, Hank Azaria, and Susan Heyward.

For All Mankind

This prestige sci-fi drama asks: What if the space race had never ended? Set in an alternate reality, the series depicts America and the Soviet Union in a continuous, intense competition for dominance in outer space. Driven by the inventive vision of creator Ronald D. Moore and the compelling performances of its ensemble cast, it stands as a top-tier science fiction series.

Dark Matter

Exploring the universal question of "what if," "Dark Matter" is a high-concept, twisted series based on Blake Crouch's novel. Joel Edgerton stars as Jason, a college professor whose life and reality are fundamentally altered by a strange assault. Jennifer Connelly, Jimmi Simpson, and Alice Braga co-star in a show designed to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

The Godzilla universe expands to television in this Apple TV+ series, which delves into the secrets of the Monarch organization and its connections to the colossal monsters that devastated San Francisco. Kurt Russell makes his return to a TV series role after nearly five decades, starring alongside his son Wyatt, both portraying Army officer Lee Shaw across different timelines (1950s and present day). The impressive monsters and Russell's star power are compelling reasons to watch.

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Samuel L. Jackson delivers a powerful performance, moving from the superhero genre to address themes of age and dementia. He portrays Ptolemy Grey, an elderly man afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. With the aid of an orphaned teenager and groundbreaking medical research, Ptolemy is granted a temporary return to lucidity, allowing him to seek closure in his life and investigate the mysterious death of his nephew.

Silo

Drawing inspiration from Hugh Howey's book trilogy, "Silo" depicts a dystopian future where humanity's last survivors reside in a massive underground structure. The subterranean city is rife with class divisions, a perplexing murder mystery, and the constant threat of a lethal surface world. Rebecca Ferguson, Common, and Tim Robbins lead the accomplished ensemble cast.

Foundation

Apple TV+ accomplished the seemingly impossible task of adapting Isaac Asimov's monumental sci-fi book series. Jared Harris stars as Hari Seldon, an exiled mathematics professor whose prediction of the Galactic Empire's collapse sets the stage for an epic space drama. Lee Pace delivers a formidable performance as Brother Day, as Seldon and his followers strive to safeguard humanity's future.

See

Jason Momoa showcases his acting prowess in "See," a program created by "Peaky Blinders" mastermind Steven Knight. The series is set in a dystopian future where humankind has lost the sense of sight. Despite this, the absence of sight does not hinder the ability to wage war, creating a spectacle of blind warriors in combat. Momoa's charisma and passion elevate the show, making it an engaging watch despite its challenging premise.

Sugar

Mark Protosevich, known for films like "Thor" and "I Am Legend," created "Sugar," a series that proudly embraces the film noir genre. Visually stunning, it features Colin Farrell as a soft-spoken, empathetic private investigator navigating a stylish murder mystery with patience and compassion. An unexpected plot twist later in the series dramatically transforms the narrative, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ has emerged as a significant destination for high-quality science fiction content.
  • The platform's catalog offers a diverse range of sci-fi subgenres, from psychological thrillers to epic space operas.
  • Highly acclaimed series such as "Severance," "For All Mankind," and "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" are among its standout offerings.
  • Many of the featured shows boast impressive casts with celebrated actors and visionary creators.
  • Despite potential challenges in content discovery, the rich and varied sci-fi catalog on Apple TV+ is well worth exploring.