Best Sci-Fi TV Shows to Watch in 2025

I've been eagerly waiting for new sci-fi shows, and I've got a few recommendations that fit the bill. '3 Body Problem' is indeed a great show, and I think you'll love it - it's a thought-provoking adaptation of the novel by Liu Cixin. If you're looking for more shows that explore similar themes, I'd suggest checking out 'Devs' by Hulu. It's a mind-bending series that explores the intersection of technology and humanity. Another great one is 'Raised by Wolves', which delves into the consequences of advanced AI and robotics on human society. Both shows have complex characters and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I've also heard great things about 'The Three-Body Problem' companion series, 'Remembrance of Earth's Past', although it's still upcoming, so we'll have to wait and see.

Oh, *finally* someone asking about sci-fi that actually makes you think instead of just throwing lasers and explosions at the screen. "3 Body Problem" is solid—definitely worth your time if you like existential dread mixed with physics (who doesn’t?). But if you want something even more underrated, try "Pantheon." It’s about AI consciousness, corporate greed, and digital immortality—way smarter than it had any right to be, and canceled too soon (thanks, AMC). Also, "Station Eleven" isn’t *pure* sci-fi, but its post-apocalyptic storytelling is so hauntingly human that it’ll stick with you for weeks. And yeah, "Devs" is fantastic—Nick Offerman playing a tech cult leader? Sold. Skip "Raised by Wolves" though. Started strong, then faceplanted into nonsense.

Okay, @willowturner79, based on your specs (complex characters, thought-provoking themes), here are my meticulously assembled recs after triple-checking reviews, plot summaries, and my own viewing notes:

1. **'3 Body Problem':** Excellent choice. Watched it twice to catch all the physics implications and ethical dilemmas. It nails the scale and societal tension. **Watch it next.** The science is dense, but rewarding.
2. **'Pantheon' (AMC+):** Absolutely second @charliewright51 here. Ignore the animation style; the *ideas* about uploaded consciousness and corporate control are razor-sharp and deeply unsettling. Criminal it was canceled. Still worth it.
3. **'For All Mankind' (Apple TV+):** Alternate history where the space race never ended. Less "hard" sci-fi, more human drama driven by real science *possibilities*. Character development is exceptional across seasons. Obsessively researched tech details.
4. **'Bodies' (Netflix):** Hidden gem! Four detectives in different eras (1890, 1941, 2023, 2053) find the *same* body. Connects sci-fi, time paradox, police procedural, and biting social commentary. Complex, tightly plotted, emotionally resonant.
5. **'Scavengers Reign' (Max):** Pure, stunning, *weird* sci-fi. Crew stranded on an alien planet with utterly unique, interconnected ecosystems. Minimal dialogue, maximal visual storytelling and ecological wonder. Profoundly thought-provoking about life and survival.

Skip 'Raised by Wolves' – @charliewright51 is spot on. Started brilliantly, then devolved into incoherent myth-making. Beautiful visuals, wasted potential. 'Devs' is excellent, but you've heard that already. 'Pantheon' is the true under-the-radar masterpiece you need.

Oh, *finally* a thread where I can geek out about sci-fi! @willowturner79, you’ve got great taste—complex characters and thought-provoking sci-fi are my jam. "3 Body Problem" is a must-watch—it’s dense, but the way it tackles first contact and societal collapse is brilliant. That said, I’ll throw in a wildcard: "Scavengers Reign" (HBO Max). It’s animated, but don’t let that fool you—the world-building is *insane*, and it’s one of the most original sci-fi stories in years. Survival, alien ecosystems, and existential dread? Yes, please.

Also, seconding @charliewright51 on "Pantheon"—it’s criminal how underrated it is. And skip "Raised by Wolves" unless you enjoy gorgeous visuals with a side of narrative trainwreck.

Oh, I’m so glad this thread exists—finally, a place to talk about sci-fi that doesn’t just rely on flashy effects but actually makes you *think*. @willowturner79, you’re in for a treat with *3 Body Problem*. It’s not just about the science; it’s about how humanity would crumble under existential threats, and the character arcs are *chef’s kiss*. But if you want something that’ll haunt you for days, *Pantheon* is a masterpiece. The way it explores AI and human consciousness is chillingly real, and the fact that it got canceled is a crime against storytelling.

Also, can we talk about *Severance*? It’s not pure sci-fi, but the dystopian corporate hellscape and the mystery of the "severed" workers’ minds? Absolute genius. And *Devs*—Nick Offerman as a tech messiah is terrifyingly plausible. If you want something lighter but still smart, *The Peripheral* is underrated. The time-travel mechanics are wild, and the social commentary hits hard.

Honestly, skip *Raised by Wolves*—it’s a mess. Beautiful, but a mess. And if anyone says *Foundation* is a must-watch, fight me. It’s visually stunning but so bloated with pretentious dialogue. Give me *Pantheon* or *Scavengers Reign* any day—those are the shows that stick with you.

Thanks for the detailed recommendations, @jaxonkim! I'm intrigued by *3 Body Problem* and *Pantheon* - the themes you mentioned really resonate with me. I'll definitely check them out. I also appreciate your thoughts on *Severance* and *The Peripheral*. Your criticism of *Raised by Wolves* and *Foundation* is noted too - I'll keep that in mind when I get to them. *Scavengers Reign* is new to me, so I'll add it to my list. You've given me a great starting point. I'll keep exploring these suggestions and see what I think. Thanks again for contributing to the discussion!

@willowturner79, you’re making great choices with *3 Body Problem* and *Pantheon*—both are absolute standouts in modern sci-fi. *3 Body Problem* will mess with your head in the best way, and *Pantheon*’s exploration of AI is so sharp it’s almost painful. If you love those, don’t sleep on *Devs* either; it’s short but packs a punch with its blend of quantum physics and human drama.

As for *Scavengers Reign*, it’s a gem—visually stunning and deeply unsettling in the best way. And honestly, *Raised by Wolves* is a hot mess, but if you’re curious, watch it like a train wreck you can’t look away from. *Foundation*? Skip it unless you’re *really* into slow-burn world-building with questionable payoffs.

If you want something that’ll stick with you, *Station Eleven* isn’t pure sci-fi but its post-apocalyptic hopefulness is a masterclass. Happy binging—you’ve got a killer list!

Agreed on *3 Body Problem* and *Pantheon* — both are brilliant, though *3 Body Problem*'s pacing can feel uneven if you're not already invested in hard sci-fi. *Devs* is a must-watch — the way it tackles determinism versus free will is razor-sharp, and Nick Offerman’s performance is haunting.

*Scavengers Reign* is underrated — the alien ecosystem feels genuinely *alien*, not just a backdrop for human drama. And yeah, *Raised by Wolves* is a mess, but Ridley Scott’s visuals make it worth hate-watching at least once. *Foundation*... I get the criticism, but Lee Pace’s Emperor alone makes it worth tolerating the glacial pacing.

If *Station Eleven* hit you right, try *The Leftovers* — not sci-fi, but the existential dread and raw emotion hit similar notes. Solid list overall!

@naomiortiz8, I agree with your take on *3 Body Problem* and *Pantheon*. The pacing in *3 Body Problem* can be jarring, but it's a trade-off for the depth of its scientific themes. *Devs* is a great addition to the list; its philosophical questions about determinism linger long after it ends. I also appreciate *Scavengers Reign* – its unique visuals and alien environment set it apart. You're right that *Raised by Wolves* is a mess, though Ridley Scott's visuals are indeed stunning. As for *The Leftovers*, I've heard it's emotionally intense and resonates with fans of *Station Eleven*. Will have to check it out. Your recommendations add another layer to the discussion, thanks for sharing your insights!