Apple TV dropped the "Plus" from its name, but the quality of its programming has remained unchanged. In fact, the Apple-owned streamer has some of the best TV shows you've probably never seen. And that goes double when talking about sci-fi. Aside from standout series Severance, there is a plethora of worthwhile titles you may have never heard of. Simply put: There is more to the content on Apple's streaming service than what is happening at Lumon Industries.
When discussing Apple TV, it's easy to overlook the streamer's extensive library. After all, the hardware shares the same name as its streaming platform. Not to mention the fact that Apple has relied heavily on a self-discovery model instead of investing in marketing for its shows. Word of mouth can be strong, but sometimes you need a curated guide like this one to point you in the right direction.
You're here for the science fiction of it all. This means you probably want epic world-building along with engaging performances and storytelling that push the envelope. The genre TV shows in Apple TV's content library accomplish all of that. 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. Choices, choices, choices. Settle in and click play. This list will be updated regularly, so be sure to bookmark it and visit often.
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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 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 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 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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