7 Unique Sci-Fi Network TV Shows During the Rise of Streaming

g fans extra content and clues online. And speaking of leaning in, you better get ready for one exhausting story that will have you jumping from the present to past events and back again so that by the time the show’s finale rolled around, you might be scratching your head. But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right? The Event only made it to one season, so if you’re looking to binge-watch the whole thing, you won’t have to set aside too much time to solve this particular mystery. You can stream The Event on Peacock. Almost Human (2013-2014, Fox) When it hit the small screen in 2013, Almost Human had an impressive pedigree. J.J. Abrams and Fringe’s J.H. Wyman were behind the show, which is set in 2048 and focuses on a human cop (Karl Urban) who’s forced to partner up with an android (Michael Ealy) that has an eerily human-like personality.

Despite its heavy procedural vibes, Almost Human, which also featured Minka Kelly and Lili Taylor, quickly leaned into its cyberpunk influences, giving viewers a slick, action-packed show full of robots, technology, and plenty of future conspiracy theories. Themes of identity, prejudice, and the growing disparity between rich and poor in this not-so-distant future all factor into the narrative, which didn’t shy away from tough questions that still resonate today. The chemistry between Urban and Ealy helped drive the show; however, Fox still axed it after one season. You can find Almost Human available for streaming on IMDb TV; it also got a physical release. Orphan Black (2013-2017, BBC America) Canadian sci-fi thriller Orphan Black was ahead of the curve in terms of representation. Not only did it star the versatile Tatiana Maslany as a multitude of clones—each with their unique personalities, quirks, and accents—but it also wove in LGBTQ+ themes, ethical considerations, and conspiracy theories galore.

It’s the kind of mind-bending show that demands your full attention, with Maslany turning in one of the most impressive performances in television history—notably because she played multiple distinct roles every episode, switching accents, costumes, and attitudes with every scene. The show has won numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and Canadian Screen Awards, and it quickly became a cult favorite. While many sci-fi shows of this era tended towards male anti-heroes, Orphan Black was refreshingly female-led, and its nuanced approach to issues like bodily autonomy, identity, and agency helped set it apart. You can stream Orphan Black on AMC+ or Amazon Prime; it also got a physical release.