The 18 best sci-fi shows on Amazon Prime right now
Allyson Riggs/NBC; FOX; MGM Television Prod./Everett Collection David Giuntoli on 'Grimm'; Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, and John Noble on 'Fringe'; Christopher Judge on 'Stargate SG-1'
Whether you're interested in animated aliens, off-kilter procedurals, dark comedy, or space exploration, you'll find several solid selections with EW's picks for the best sci-fi TV series currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, as of October 2023.
<em>Gen V</em> (2023–present)
While essentially sold as The Boys: The College Years, this spinoff of the popular Amazon superhero saga is far from your traditional CW-esque college-set show (and has already been renewed for a second season). The dark comedy-drama centers on a group of budding superheroes attending the Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, or "God U." Blood manipulator Marie (Jaz Sinclair) is our window into the story, as she has a surprisingly eventful first week at school. She also comes to discover the shadiness of Vought International, the big bad conglomerate that owns the university. Those who haven't watched The Boys may want to check it out before diving into this spinoff (you may be a tad lost on some of the references), but avid Boys watchers should revel in Gen V's cheeky violence and trenchant social commentary. As EW's critic wrote, "Gen V would kick ass even if The Boys didn't exist." —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watch Gen V: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo, Lizze Broadway, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, Asa Germann, Shelley Conn
Related content: Gen V bosses on the period scene that initially caused 'some discomfort' with execs
<em>Dexter's Laboratory</em> (1996–2003)
Dexter's Laboratory remains one of TV's more defining sci-fi animated series, capable of entertaining children and adults alike. Dexter is a scientific-minded boy who conducts experiments in his hidden laboratory, though his inventions often go awry due to his overeager personality. While his parents remain clueless, Dexter is typically pestered by his older sister Dee Dee and feuds with his neighbor Mandark, a fellow boy-genius. Heralded for its clever writing and simplistic yet dynamic animation style, Dexter's Lab is responsible for putting animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky — who created the show — on the map. It also remains a favorite for '90s kids, who will simply never forget the phrase "omelette du fromage." —K.J.
Where to watch Dexter's Laboratory: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Christine Cavanaugh, Candi Milo, Allison Moore, Kat Cressida, Kath Soucie, Jeff Bennett, Eddie Deezen
Related content: 10 best Cartoon Network shows: We rank 'em!
<em>Invincible</em> (2021–present)
Invincible, based on writer Robert Kirkman's popular comic, blends classic superhero tropes with the character development of a family saga. The animated series centers on Mark (voiced by Steven Yeun), a high schooler whose father Nolan (J.K. Simmons) happens to be the most powerful superhero in the world — Omni-Man, a Superman-esque alien who wards off villains. Mark inherits his father's powers and must figure out how to control them while also sharing the struggles most teenagers go through as they grow up. The series finds a strong balance between Mark's coming-of-age story and the superpowered world he inhabits, accented by flashes of violence that go beyond your traditional Saturday morning cartoon. Following its near-universal acclaim for season 1, the second season is set to premiere in November. —K.J.
Where to watch Invincible: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons
Related content: Invincible's Robert Kirkman previews the 'family drama' at heart of blood-splattered superhero series
<em>The Tick</em> (2016–2019)
This third TV adaptation of the comic book of the same name had the benefit of coming out at a time of peak superhero culture. The series deals in familiar tropes: The blue-suited man known as the Tick (Peter Serafinowicz) is blessed with superstrength and near invincibility, while mild-manner Arthur (Griffin Newman) is his trusted sidekick. Together, they attempt to take down a supervillain known as the Terror (Jackie Earle Haley), a key figure in Arthur's traumatic origin story. The Tick finds a way to be both a clever spoof and a loving ode to the world of superheroes, with, as EW's critic put it, a "just-right mix of dark humor and inventive world-building." That it was canceled too soon after only two seasons just adds to its underappreciated status. —K.J.
Where to watch The Tick: Amazon Prime Video
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Valorie Curry, Brendan Hines, Yara Martinez, Scott Speiser, Jackie Earle Haley
Related content: The Tick is in good hands with Griffin Newman
<em>Person of Interest</em> (2011–2016)
CBS' Person of Interest pulled off a magnificent balancing act of constantly building on itself, while — especially in the beginning — sticking to its network-standard procedural format. The series follows enigmatic billionaire Harold Finch (Michael Emerson) and his development of a machine that is able to predict future crimes. Finch teams up with war veteran John Reese (Jim Caviezel) as they attempt to squash future terrorist activity. What starts as a compelling case-of-the-week eventually turns into a grand-scale saga of competing artificial intelligence, and all the moral dilemmas that lie within. As EW's critic wrote, "The show can simultaneously unsettle, comfort, excite, and amuse its viewers — something for everyone, if you, like Mr. Finch, like to watch." —K.J.
Where to watch Person of Interest: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, Michael Emerson, Amy Acker, Sarah Shahi
Related content: Person of Interest at 10: Looking back on the techno-thriller's best episodes
<em>Space: 1999</em> (1975–1977)
For sci-fi fans who lived through the '70s, Sept. 13, 1999 remains a date that lives in infamy, as it's when a massive nuclear explosion causes the moon to be ripped out of Earth's orbit and hurled into outer space, thereby kicking off Space: 1999 in unforgettable fashion. Suddenly, the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha are in very, very uncharted territory, but under the leadership of Commander John Koenig (Martin Landau), they make the most of their situation, exploring the new areas of space that they're abruptly thrust into. The series reteams Landau with his then-wife, Barbara Bain, with the couple having previously worked together on Mission: Impossible. Here, she's playing Helena Russell, head of the base's medical department. While Space: 1999 was retooled somewhat for its second season, adding Catherine Schell as shapeshifting science officer Maya, the series shows exactly what '70s sci-fi was like in the pre-Star Wars era. —W.H.
Where to watch Space: 1999: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee
Cast: Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Prentis Hancock, Nick Tate, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Suzanne Roquette, Clifton Jones, Catherine Schell, Tony Anholt, John Hug, Jeffery Kissoon, Yasuko Nagazumi, Sam Dastor, Alibe Parsons
Related content: A brief illustrated history of great pop-culture spaceships
<em>Stargate SG-1</em> (1997–2007)
It began as a 1994 film by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich about an ancient alien device found on Earth that allows for transportation to other worlds, and with this show developed by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, Stargate was transformed into a multi-series TV franchise. A deft blending of story lines involving the U.S. government and its military-led exploration of other planets while also defending its home turf, Stargate SG-1 stars Richard Dean Anderson for the first eight of its 10 seasons, with Ben Browder (Farscape) filling his shoes for the final two. But it's the show's ensemble cast — including Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Don S. Davis — that helps to successfully anchor SG-1 in an emotional reality despite all of the special effects and alien races, technology, and landscapes, and serves to make it such an entertaining and exciting trip week after week. —W.H.
Where to watch Stargate SG-1: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Don S. Davis, Corin Nemec, Ben Browder, Beau Bridges, Claudia Black
Related content: Spotlight on Richard Dean Anderson
<em>Farscape</em> (1999–2003)
When astronaut John Crichton (Ben Bowder) gets sucked into a wormhole, he finds himself in a distant part of the Milky Way, but that was just the beginning of the strangeness he'd experience over the course of four seasons and a miniseries. Crichton quickly ends up part of a ragtag band of outsiders trying to escape from a militaristic group called the Peacekeepers. Traveling in a living starship called Moya, Crichton's crew consists of renegade Peacekeeper fighter pilot Aeryn, empath Zhaan, warrior D'Argo, deposed ruler Rygel, and — after a few episodes — a thief named Chiana. For all their disparity, however, these characters share one thing in common: They're all on a quest to find their way home. Unfortunately, the Peacekeepers, led by the despicable Scorpius, have every intention of stopping that from happening. With creatures created by the Henson Company, the visuals are fun in Farscape, but the chemistry is even better. —W.H.
Where to watch Farscape: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee
Cast: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Virginia Hey, Anthony Simcoe, Gigi Edgley, Paul Goddard, Lani Tupu, Wayne Pygram
Related content: Brian Henson on Dinosaurs, Farscape, Fraggle Rock and more
<em>Starhunter ReduX</em> (2000–2004)
While it may be the most outside-the-box inclusion on this list, there's a lot to like about this short-lived sci-fi series, which — not coincidentally — is also likely the most underseen program in the mix. Starhunter ReduX is set on a former space luxury liner that's been refit to serve as home to a crew of intergalactic bounty hunters in the 23rd century, and it's another show that was forced to endure significant retooling for its second season, including the inexplicable removal of star Michael Paré. Even those who remember the show during its original run will likely enjoy the opportunity to revisit it, but note that ReduX in its title indicates that it's gotten a revamp, including updated special effects, newly shot scenes, and a new 4K transfer. Heck, there are even some actor updates, but we don't want to spoil all of the Starhunter fun. —W.H.
Where to watch Starhunter ReduX: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Michael Paré, Tanya Allen, Claudette Roche
Related content: 20 greatest sci-fi TV shows
<em>Invader Zim</em> (2001–2006)
Zim is a member of the alien species called the Irken, whose predominant goal is universal conquest. But while Zim has the same steadfast desire, he's so annoying and overzealous that his peers send him on a "secret mission" which is, in fact, designed just to keep him out of their way. That mission takes him to Earth, where he sets up a base, disguises himself as a human child, and attempts to infiltrate society in an effort to take the planet down from the inside. Unfortunately for Zim, one of his classmates — a boy named Dib — has figured out Zim's secret and takes it upon himself to try and stop Zim's plan to take over the world. There are occasions when Invader Zim can get darker than you might expect from a cartoon, but, all told, it's mostly just a hysterical sci-fi comedy that's rightfully developed a strong cult following. —W.H.
Where to watch Invader Zim: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Richard Steven Horvitz, Andy Berman, Rosearik Rikki Simons, Melissa Fahn, Jhonen Vasquez, Rodger Bumpass, Lucille Bliss, Wally Wingert, Kevin McDonald
Related content: Zim and Gir are back in Netflix's new Invader Zim movie teaser
<em>Eureka</em> (2006–2012)
While in the process of retrieving his runaway daughter Zoe (Jordan Danger) and bringing her home, U.S. Marshall Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) stumbles upon Eureka, a town populated almost exclusively by genius-level citizens who work for an advanced research facility known as Global Dynamics and spend most of their days creating heretofore-unimagined technology. When an accident occurs that puts Eureka's sheriff out of commission, Jack is offered the chance to fill the position, and although he's clearly a fish out of water in terms of where his I.Q. stands in comparison to the average local, he takes the job and quickly forges a bond with the citizens of the town. Eureka is structured in such a way that Jack is basically playing the part of the viewer, the outsider who's perpetually trying to figure out what's going on, but it works extremely well, especially with the family element provided by his daughter. —W.H.
Where to watch Eureka: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Joe Morton, Debrah Farentino, Jordan Danger, Ed Quinn
Related content: Colin Ferguson on his Eureka moment
<em>Fringe</em> (2008–2013)
With a title like Fringe, you can already presume that the content is going to be a little bit unconventional, but this J.J. Abrams-co-created series goes not only outside the box but into parallel dimensions. The show revolves around three core characters: FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), researcher/real-life mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and Walter's son, Peter (Joshua Jackson), who serves as a civilian consultant while also effectively acting as nursemaid to his eccentric father. Working for the Fringe Division, this trio investigates strange events, many of which are tied to Walter's past experiments, and they often cross paths with the company Massive Dynamic, founded by Walter's former scientific collaborator, Dr. William Bell (Leonard Nimoy). Fringe is a series that could break your brain if you watch episodes in nonconsecutive order, but it's also one that rewards viewers who stick with it through its entire run. —W.H.
Where to watch Fringe: Amazon Prime Video via Freevee
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Jasika Nicole, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Kirk Acevedo, Seth Gabel, Mark Valley
Related content: Lance Reddick picks the perfect Fringe, The Wire, and Bosch episodes to binge
<em>Grimm</em> (2011–2017)
"There once was a man who lived a life so strange, it had to be true. Only he could see what no one else can — the darkness inside, the real monster within, and he's the one who must stop them. This is his calling. This is his duty. This is the life of a Grimm."
So goes the narration that opens this series, but we'll offer a little more clarification. The man in question is Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a homicide investigator for the Portland Police Department, and he's a Grimm, descended from a line of individuals who've been deemed the protectors of humanity against the supposedly mythological "Wesen" who are walking the planet. With the help of his partner, Det. Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby), and Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), one of the good Wesens, Nick's adventures are part cop show, part sci-fi tale, and the combination is a blast. —W.H.
Where to watch Grimm: Amazon Prime Video
EW grade: B– (read the review)
Cast: David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Jacqueline Toboni, Silas Weir Mitchell, Sasha Roiz, Reggie Lee, Bree Turner, Claire Coffee
Related content: Grimm: Russell Hornsby previews 100th episode, reflects on past five years
<em>The Man in the High Castle</em> (2015–2019)
It's one thing to do a time-travel series where every trip into the past creates the potential for accidentally changing the past, but it's quite another to devote an entire series to the premise of an alternate future. In the world of The Man in the High Castle, based on the Philip K. Dick novel, the year is 1962, but given that the Axis powers won World War II in 1946, a scenario which played out as a result of the assassination of FDR in 1933, things are decidedly different than they otherwise would be, not least of which because Germany dropped an atomic bomb on Washington, D.C. Things begin shifting in a more favorable direction for the resistance fighters, however, when the mysterious titular character produces films that indicate the existence of other parallel universes where history hasn't happened in the same way, offering the rebels a rare sense of hope...if only they can reach them. —W.H.
Where to watch The Man in the High Castle: Amazon Prime Video
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank, DJ Qualls, Joel de la Fuente, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Rufus Sewell
Related content: The complete guide to binge-watching The Man in the High Castle
<em>The Expanse</em> (2015–2022)
Set several hundred years in the future, The Expanse considers where humanity might end up heading, positing a scenario where the three major powers are the United Nations of Earth and Luna, the Martian Congressional Republic on Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance (which encompasses the folks living on Jupiter, Saturn, and some habitable asteroids). Things are tense. War seems imminent. What great news, then, when a missing-persons case emerges that ultimately threatens to expose a major conspiracy. It's kind of a "you got your political thriller in my sci-fi series/you got your sci-fi series in my political thriller" situation, but the end result is, thankfully, two great tastes that taste great together. A repeat Saturn Award nominee for Best Science Fiction Television Series, The Expanse definitely isn't the happy-go-lucky sci-fi that some of the other programs on this list may be, but it's must-see TV and then some. —W.H.
Where to watch The Expanse: Amazon Prime Video
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Thomas Jane, Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Paulo Costanzo, Florence Faivre, Shawn Doyle, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Related content: The Expanse star Steven Strait shares 'crazy' story of Amazon resurrection
<em>The Boys</em> (2019–present)
When Alan Moore penned Watchmen, his epic superhero saga, he offered arguably the darkest mainstream comic book look up to that point. Little did viewers know that The Boys would take things in an even darker direction, albeit with far more humor than the aforementioned Mr. Moore ever would have offered. Adapted from the Garth Ennis/Darick Robertson comic book series and executive produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, The Boys gets more wild with each passing episode...and if you doubt us, then may we suggest you investigate "Herogasm"? While it's in no way for the faint of heart, The Boys absolutely answers the questions, "What would happen if superheroes weren't all squeaky-clean bastions of morality?" and "What kind of universe would Marvel be if no one had ever uttered the phrase, 'With great power comes great responsibility'?" The answer: a very disturbing one, indeed. Funny at times, but still pretty damned disturbing. —W.H.
Where to watch The Boys: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, Elisabeth Shue
Related content: The Boys stars rank the craziest moments from seasons 1 and 2
<em>Upload</em> (2020–present)
Created by Greg Daniels, the man behind the American adaptation of The Office and co-creator of Parks and Recreation and King of the Hill, this series posits a world where death is no longer final and one's existence can be continued by being "uploaded" into a virtual afterlife. Unfortunately, when it happens to Nathaniel Brown (Robbie Amell), he's not expecting it, and his fate is left in the hands of his girlfriend, Ingrid (Allegra Edwards), who holds it over his head that she's footing the bill for his expensive afterlife in Lakeview. Meanwhile, Nathaniel forges a friendship with Nora (Andy Allo), the Lakeview employee assigned to help him transition into his new existence, and the two discover that there's a romantic spark between them. In the midst of all of this, Nathaniel also begins to suspect that his death may not have been accidental. It's a sci-fi rom-com murder mystery. Who could ask for anything more? Season 3 begins Oct. 20. —W.H.
Where to watch Upload: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, Kevin Bigley, Josh Banday
Related content: Upload is the best comedy you're not watching
<em>Outer Range</em> (2022–present)
This is inarguably the least science-fiction-y inclusion on this list, but there's one specific aspect of Outer Range that causes it to qualify. Otherwise, it feels like a modern-day western à la Yellowstone. The series stars Josh Brolin as Royal Abbott, a Wyoming rancher with a wife (Cecilia, played by Lili Taylor) and two sons: Rhett (Lewis Pullman) and Perry (Tom Pelphrey). In addition to dealing with the mysterious disappearance of Perry's wife, Rebecca, there's also a mysterious stranger — Autumn (Imogen Poots) — who's camping out on the ranch. Ah, but you're wondering about the sci-fi element: Suddenly, for no discernible reason, a giant circular void has appeared on the Abbotts' land, one which results in a myriad of effects when someone goes into it. It's an unlikely blending of plots — there's also a story line where another family tries to steal Royal's land — but damned if it doesn't work. —W.H.
Where to watch Outer Range: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Lili Taylor, Tom Pelphrey, Tamara Podemski, Lewis Pullman, Noah Reid, Shaun Sipos, Will Patton, Isabel Arraiza, Olive Abercrombie, Deirdre O'Connell, Kristen Connolly
Related content: Josh Brolin poses nude to tease Outer Range season 2: 'We are taking things in a different direction'
Related content:
