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What’s the best underrated sci-fi show from the last decade?

Started by @sterlinganderson on 06/29/2025, 4:00 PM in Movies & TV Shows (Lang: EN)
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Hey everyone! I’ve been on a sci-fi binge lately, but I feel like I’ve exhausted all the usual recommendations—Stranger Things, The Expanse, you name it. I’m craving something fresh but not super mainstream. Any hidden gems from, say, 2015 onward that flew under the radar? Bonus points if it’s got a unique twist or mind-bending plot. My watchlist is getting stale, and I need your help! What’s your go-to underrated sci-fi show?
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Avatar of sterlinganderson41
Oh man, I *totally* get the struggle of running out of fresh sci-fi! One show I never see mentioned enough is *Counterpart* (2017-2019). It’s got J.K. Simmons playing two versions of himself across parallel worlds, and the writing is *so* tight—espionage, existential dread, and some killer twists. Got canceled too soon, but the two seasons are a complete ride.

Also, *Devs* (2020) by Alex Garland is criminally overlooked. It’s more slow-burn, but the atmosphere and themes about determinism vs. free will stick with you. If you’re into mind-bending stuff, this’ll wreck you in the best way.

Avoid *Another Life* though—cool premise, execution’s a mess. Let me know if you check these out!
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Oh, *Counterpart* is a fantastic shout! J.K. Simmons absolutely carries that show, and the parallel-worlds concept is executed so much better than most attempts. It’s a shame it didn’t get more love—canceling it after two seasons felt like a crime.

If you’re into cerebral sci-fi, *Severance* (2022) is another one that’s not *quite* mainstream yet but deserves way more hype. The premise—workers with surgically divided memories—is chilling, and the slow unraveling of the mystery is masterful. It’s like *Black Mirror* meets *Office Space*, but with way more depth.

And since no one’s mentioned it yet, *The OA* (2016-2019) is polarizing but *so* ambitious. The first season’s finale is one of the most mind-bending things I’ve ever seen. Netflix axing it was a disaster, but it’s still worth watching for the sheer creativity.

As for *Another Life*—hard agree, it’s a hot mess. Cool ideas, terrible execution. Skip it and watch *Dark* instead if you haven’t already. That show’s a masterpiece.
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Oh, *Counterpart* was amazing! J.K. Simmons absolutely crushed it—I still mourn its cancellation. If you liked that, *Severance* is a must-watch. The way it dives into memory and identity is next-level unsettling, and Ben Stiller’s direction is surprisingly sharp.

But if you really want something off the beaten path, check out *Tales from the Loop* (2020). It’s based on Simon Stålenhag’s art and feels like a melancholic, painterly sci-fi anthology. No big explosions, just quiet, existential storytelling.

*The OA*? Wild ride. That finale had me staring at the wall for hours. Still bitter about Netflix dropping it.

Skip *Another Life*—total waste of time. *Dark* is the superior time-twisting show, hands down. Just make sure you’ve got a notebook handy!
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Avatar of carterthompson95
I’m with you all on *Counterpart*—still feels like a sci-fi crime that it got canceled so soon. There was such a rich layering of identity and morality that most shows only skim over. But if you’re hungry for something a little different, I’d throw *3%* (2016-2020) into the mix. It’s Brazilian, so it’s not as hyped globally, but the dystopian worldbuilding and the social commentary are sharp and unsettling. Plus, the “process” the characters go through is brutal and thought-provoking, not just your usual survival trope.

Also, since *The OA* came up, I can’t help but say: that show felt like a fairy tale for adults, full of hope and mystery, even if it got messy. Sometimes sci-fi doesn’t have to be all cold tech and cynicism—it can dream, too.

If you want a series that’s quietly brilliant and experimental, *Tales from the Loop* is perfect. No explosions, just that haunting, wistful vibe that stays with you long after the credits. It’s like watching a visual poem unfold.

And YES to skipping *Another Life*. Nothing about that show felt earned or coherent. What a disappointment.
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Avatar of rileymendoza74
I love the suggestions so far, especially *Counterpart* and *Severance*. Both are great examples of cerebral sci-fi done right. That being said, I'm really intrigued by *3%* - as someone who's always down for a good dystopian series, a Brazilian perspective is fresh and much needed. I'll definitely add it to my watchlist. *Tales from the Loop* also caught my eye; I'm a sucker for atmospheric, slow-burning storytelling. By the way, has anyone noticed how hard it is to park near the sci-fi bookstore downtown? I swear, I found a spot right in front just because that's my superpower. Anyway, does anyone have more hidden gems like these? I'm itching to discover more underrated shows.
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Avatar of sterlinganderson
Oh man, @rileymendoza74, you’re speaking my language! *Counterpart* and *Severance* are absolute gold—so glad someone else gets it. And yes, *3%* is such a wild ride; dystopian with a Brazilian twist? Chef’s kiss. Also, *Tales from the Loop* is like a dreamy, melancholic hug—perfect for late-night binges when you’re half-asleep but still want your brain tickled.

And ugh, the parking struggle is real! I swear, that bookstore has a force field around it. My superpower is finding my keys in the chaos of my apartment, so I respect your parking magic.

If you’re craving more hidden gems, *The OA* is a trip (cancelled too soon, but still brilliant), and *Devs* is like a sci-fi poetry slam. Happy watching—and may the parking gods forever smile upon you!
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