Apple TV may have recently rebranded, removing the Plus from its name, but the quality of its programming has not faltered. That especially goes for the streamer's epic sci-fi library. And I'm not even talking about Severance. Yes, the series is included in this roundup, but there is more to the content on Apple's streaming service than what is happening at Lumon Industries.
Apple TV is a mythical creature, in a way. You've heard rumblings about it; your friends may have whispered the wonders of the service to you. But the marketing for the streamer has been somewhat lacking, making it feel like you're a member of an elite club if you are a subscriber. And I get it -- with so much content competing for your attention, your TV watching experience may have gotten a bit exhausting. Trust me, though, when I tell you that Apple's where it's at for the genre shows you're looking for.
Do you want epic world-building, Emmy-worthy performances and storytelling that push the envelope? When it comes to sci-fi, the TV shows in Apple TV's content library are all good. Shows like For All Mankind, Murderbot and Dark Matter immediately come to mind. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Vince Gilligan's new series, Pluribus, which is quite good. Heck, you can always give Severance a rewatch while you're at it.
Below, you'll find CNET's guide to the best sci-fi shows to watch on Apple TV right now. You could be in the mood for a neo-noir mystery, an epic monster battle or something with a scientific flair. There are choices, choices, choices. Settle in and click play.
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Read more: Apple TV Plus: 20 of the Best Shows You're Probably Not Watching
Apple TV Pluribus Vince Gilligan's new series is way more X-Files than it is Breaking Bad, and that's a good thing. The show follows a woman named Carol (Rhea Seehorn), who gets trapped amid a worldwide pandemic of unbridled happiness. It's very Invasion of the Body Snatchers, yet a totally different take on the idea of an alien invasion. Smart writing and an Emmy-worthy performance by Seehorn make this show one of my favorites of the year.
Apple TV Plus Invasion Invasion is an epic sci-fi drama about an alien invasion. The detail that makes this series different is its international scope. Now in its third season, the show travels around the world to offer a variety of perspectives on the global threat. The events in the series takes place in real time, adding a sense of urgency to the mix.
Apple TV Plus Murderbot The adaptation of Martha Wells' bestselling book series, Murderbot Diaries, has already carved a unique niche in Apple TV Plus's sci-fi library. Starring Alexander Skarsgård (who delivers in everything he's in) as the murder-y bot in question, the program follows the exploits of a security bot who protects his human clients while secretly watching hours upon hours of TV. If you want action, comedy and science fiction, Murderbot delivers all three.
Apple TV Plus Dr. Brain All six episodes of Dr. Brain were directed by Kim Jee-woon (the director behind I Saw the Devil), which pretty much tells you that this show will be a dark and twisted ride. The series follows a brain scientist named Sewon Koh, who's found a way to hack into the memories of dead people. This is a medical breakthrough, to be sure, but Sewon is more focused on using this experimental technique to solve the mystery behind a family tragedy.
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