Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV Shows According to Viewers
Science fiction and fantasy television continues to draw passionate audiences who rate their favorites based on story, performance, and innovation. Recent viewer reviews highlight both celebrated new releases and enduring series from across streaming platforms and networks.
Breakout Sci-Fi Thrillers
High concept series and space-based adventures lead the way among science fiction shows with top viewer ratings. For instance, The Expanse has earned acclaim for its detailed world-building, political plotting, and realistic depiction of life in the solar system.
Shows like Foundation bring ambitious storytelling to the screen, adapting classic literature into sprawling, visual epics. Severance, a cerebral and highly rated sci-fi drama, explores workplace dystopia with a fresh concept that has sparked discussion and positive feedback.
On the streaming side, Andor—set in the Star Wars universe—has received strong praise for its OOT character development and mature storytelling. Fans also point to The Eternaut as a recent standout, earning impressive review scores and visibility on charts like those at Rotten Tomatoes for best sci-fi TV shows.
Fantasy Series with High Viewer Ratings
Fantasy remains a staple for TV enthusiasts, thanks to intricate settings and memorable characters. Series with enduring fan admiration include The Witcher, which combines dark fairy tale elements and complex world-building, and Shadow and Bone, praised for visual effects and tight plotting.
Mandalorian stands out by blending fantasy with adventure in the Star Wars galaxy, gaining high marks for creativity and episodic storytelling. Other shows in the fantasy realm, such as Arcane, receive top scores for their balance of lore, action, and emotional depth.
Both fantasy epics and smaller-scale stories have maintained robust followings and continue to secure high viewer ratings on platforms like Metacritic.
Animation and Imaginative Worlds
Animated series play a key role in expanding the boundaries of sci-fi and fantasy on television. Scavengers Reign is a recent animated standout, impressing viewers with its imaginative alien landscapes and unique storytelling approach.
Animations such as Samurai Jack and Arcane are also universally praised for their striking visuals, mature themes, and inventive narratives. Classic animation from Fox, like Futurama, has shown long-lasting appeal with its blend of humor and speculative fiction.
Lists of top-rated sci-fi and fantasy animation consistently feature these titles, signaling their status among both critics and audiences. The visual creativity and narrative experimentation found in this genre make it a dynamic part of sci-fi and fantasy TV.
Award-Winning Streaming Originals
Award-winning series on major platforms showcase unique storytelling, strong performances, and innovative production. Many of these originals have become defining titles in the world of streaming television, ranking high with both critics and audiences.
Netflix Originals You Shouldn’t Miss
Netflix continues to lead with a library of highly acclaimed original content known for pushing creative boundaries. Adolescence (2025) stands out as a new drama, capturing real-life challenges of youth with performances that have drawn significant attention.
Another notable entry is Baby Reindeer, a psychological drama praised for its unflinching narrative and acting. For fans of crime and thrillers, You delivers suspense and strong character development across its seasons.
Bojack Horseman offers a different experience—a blend of dark humor and emotional depth, earning accolades for its writing and animation. Each of these shows boasts high ratings and positive audience reviews, cementing their place in television history.
For a concise overview of the most popular options, visit this comprehensive list of top Netflix shows.
Top Hulu and FX Offerings
Hulu and FX have established reputations for groundbreaking original series that consistently perform well with critics and viewers. Recent FX dramas set on Hulu, like The Bear, focus on gritty realism and complex character studies, receiving multiple awards for writing and ensemble performances.
Comedies such as Atlanta are also highlights, elevating both platforms’ prestige. Hulu’s original lineup includes The Handmaid’s Tale, an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel that continues to earn acclaim and awards for its timely themes and standout cast.
These series engage audiences with sharp dialogue, cultural relevance, and impressive production values. For more acclaimed streaming choices, see this curated guide to popular TV shows.
Unmissable Anthology Series with High Ratings
Anthology TV series are gaining renewed attention for their unique storytelling structure and standout performances. Shows like True Detective and The White Lotus have continued to attract critical acclaim and strong viewer ratings due to gripping plots and well-crafted characters.
True Detective and Anthology Success Stories
True Detective remains a benchmark for modern anthology series. Each season introduces new characters and narratives, allowing viewers to experience different crime stories and settings.
The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, stood out for its atmospheric direction and writing. Season 3 brought Mahershala Ali to the forefront, earning further praise.
Across all its seasons, True Detective consistently draws praise for its cinematography, dialogue, and unpredictable mysteries. Its anthological structure keeps each installment fresh, maintaining viewer interest and building anticipation for new stories.
Other acclaimed anthology series include Fargo, The Twilight Zone, and Black Mirror. These shows are recognized for their unique approach to self-contained episodes or seasons.
For more rankings of top anthology TV shows, see the best anthology TV series on SlashFilm.
The White Lotus: A Modern Classic
The White Lotus has quickly established itself as a standout among contemporary anthology series. The show transports viewers to a different luxury resort each season, exploring the darkly comic dynamics between guests and staff.
Jennifer Coolidge’s performance in both seasons has drawn significant viewer attention and awards recognition. High ratings for The White Lotus stem from its timely social satire, clever writing, and strong ensemble casts.
Each season balances humor and suspense, offering sharp commentary on privilege, wealth, and human behavior. According to recent best-of lists, it stands among the most popular anthology series, praised for its originality and compelling storytelling.
