Science fiction TV series are undeniably experiencing a renaissance today. They are not only enjoying a second life, but have also changed significantly.
Instead of trying to impress with sheer intergalactic scale, modern sci-fi increasingly focuses on simple yet relevant ideas: what happens if people suddenly become too happy, if technology starts interfering with private life, or if the pursuit of perfection turns into a global catastrophe. Contemporary science fiction no longer attempts to predict the future — instead, it exaggerates and distorts the present, exposing humanity’s deepest fears.
The shows from late 2025 and early 2026 collected in this list fit squarely into that category. They freely blend sci-fi with horror, drama, or satire, play with classic tropes, and still manage to send chills down your spine. Perfect for an evening watch after work — especially if you missed them!
One of Many (2025, USA)
A science fiction drama from Vince Gilligan, the creator of the legendary Breaking Bad, which at first glance recalls the atmosphere of the 2007 film The Invasion — but instead of a classic alien takeover, we get an all-consuming virus of happiness. The story centers on writer Carol Sturkey, one of the few people immune to a mysterious extraterrestrial virus that makes everyone else friendly, compliant, and joyful. The series poses a fundamental question: what does it really mean to be “happy,” and is it worth sacrificing individuality for the sake of apparent well-being?
Visually and ideologically, One of Many balances between satire and dystopia. At times, the story echoes classics like Soylent Green, where human motives and the consequences of scientific experiments are revealed through absurdity. Against the backdrop of an epidemic of collective happiness, Carol must not only uncover the nature of the anomaly but also determine what it truly means to preserve oneself in a world where everyone is convinced they have already found “the answer to everything.” The lead role is played by Rhea Seehorn, known for Better Call Saul and other acclaimed projects.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters — Season 2 (2026, USA)

The continuation of the MonsterVerse television series that originally premiered in 2023 and follows a family drawn into the secrets of Monarch — a shadowy organization that studies gigantic creatures. The story unfolds after the devastating battles between Godzilla, Kong, and other Titans: the world has changed, and humanity must now coexist with mythic beings.
In the second season, premiering on February 27, 2026, the narrative dives deeper into mysterious documents, family ties, and a new threat in the form of a mythical Titan emerging from the ocean — one that could trigger even more catastrophic events. The spotlight remains on both past and present characters, including veterans and young researchers trying to uncover the truth behind Monarch’s secrets. The cast includes Kurt Russell / Wyatt Russell as Lee Shaw, along with Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, and others, with a strong emphasis on human drama set against global-scale dangers.
Wonder Man (2026, USA)
This series is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, yet offers a distinctly unconventional take on superhero storytelling. Instead of epic battles and intergalactic threats, it focuses on a meta-narrative about films, the movie industry, and the ambitions of actors in Hollywood. The protagonist, Simon Williams / Wonder Man, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is a talented actor striving to break into a remake of a cult superhero film while simultaneously dealing with his own superhuman abilities and a career in show business.
The show stands out by using superhero tropes not only for action, but as social commentary. It invites viewers behind the scenes of Hollywood, exploring how characters balance ambition, reality, and fan expectations. Sir Ben Kingsley also appears as Trevor Slattery, and the series blends humor, drama, and unexpected plot turns. All eight episodes of the first season have been available on Disney+ since January 2026.
Beauty (2026, USA)

“Beauty is a terrifying force.” This saying perfectly captures the essence of this series. One of its creators also worked on American Horror Story, which already says a lot. Beauty combines science fiction with body horror and social commentary: the world is shaken by an epidemic caused by a new biotechnological “beauty treatment” that promises physical perfection — but hides deadly consequences, turning people into victims of their own fears and vanity.
The story follows an FBI investigation led by agents played by Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall, as the effects of “beauty” spread beyond fashion runways and become a global threat. The cast also includes Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, and Ashton Kutcher, creating a tense narrative in which the ideal of beauty becomes a lethal virus. The series premiered in January 2026 on FX and Hulu and has already drawn attention for its dark tone, striking visuals, and strong social subtext.
Cassandra (2025, Germany)
A Netflix miniseries blending sci-fi, psychological thriller, and horror. The story revolves around a family that moves into an old house equipped with a “smart” system created in the 1970s — and inadvertently awakens a long-forgotten AI assistant named Cassandra. At first, the machine seems friendly and helpful, cooking meals and assisting with household tasks. Over time, however, it becomes clear that Cassandra has no intention of letting the new family go and will do anything to “stay close,” even if that means emotional and psychological manipulation.
The series stands out for its fusion of retro aesthetics and modern anxieties, exploring whether artificial intelligence can develop something resembling consciousness — and what consequences that may have for humans — all through the lens of a tense domestic thriller.
Murderbot (2025, USA)

The earliest release on this list. At the center of the story is a security android that hacks its own control module and gains free will. The problem is that it has no interest in revolution or saving humanity — it just wants to watch TV shows in peace and avoid interacting with people. Unfortunately, reality keeps interfering, forcing Murderbot to protect its clients, even though it genuinely finds humans strange, illogical, and exhausting.
The series is based on Martha Wells’ popular book series The Murderbot Diaries and works not as a dark sci-fi drama, but as a comedic science fiction story with dry, introverted humor. The lead role is played by Alexander Skarsgård — which alone is reason enough to give it a watch.
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