is an entertainment editor covering streaming, virtual worlds, and every single Pokémon video game. Andrew joined The Verge in 2012, writing over 4,000 stories.
It’s that time again: for a third year running, the summer is looking pretty great for streaming some science fiction. There’s just something about cool fictional futures that’s a good fit for hot summer days spent indoors, and it seems the various streaming services agree. It’s been a pretty good year so far for the genre, with the return of Severance, Andor, and Black Mirror. And that momentum looks like it will continue through the next few months; we’ve already seen strong debuts for Murderbot and Ironheart, while other shows like Alien: Earth and The Institute are on their way, as well.
Here are some series to keep an eye on.
Streaming on Apple TV Plus now
If you haven’t been keeping up with Apple’s adaptation of Martha Wells’ beloved novels about a depressed and anxiety-ridden killing machine, the good news is that it’s perfect for binge-watching. The episodes are brisk and funny, making it easy to watch a bunch in a row. It provides a nice and light addition to the streamer’s ever-growing sci-fi lineup — that is, until it gets all existential on you. The finale of the 10-episode-long first season drops on July 11th, so there’s plenty of time to catch up before then.
Streaming on Disney Plus now
Tony Stark’s futuristic Iron Man suits helped kick off the MCU’s popularity, and Riri Williams looks to keep that vibe alive. The series, which takes place after the events of Wakanda Forever, follows the genius inventor Riri as she returns home after getting kicked out of MIT, only to get pulled into some typical Marvel shenanigans. The series is relatively short, clocking in at six episodes, and the first half gets off to a high-flying start.
Foundation season 3
Streaming on Apple TV Plus on July 11th
Apple’s century-spanning sci-fi epic is back, and the third season jumps ahead in time once again. It takes place 152 years after season 2, at a time when the genetic dynasty’s power is shrinking and the titular Foundation is growing. Oh, and a new warlord known as The Mule shows up, throwing another wrench into everyone’s plans.
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