13 Epic Sci-Fi Shows You Should Watch Immediately On Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus is full of original sci-fi programs that are riveting and thought-provoking. These shows are entertainment at its finest.

Since 2019, the streamer has felt like TV’s best-kept secret. Sure, there have been hits like Ted Lasso and Severance, but until recently, the platform has existed somewhat under the radar. Recent moves have put more eyes on Apple TV Plus, though: The streamer earned a record 72 Emmy nominations in 2024 and can now be subscribed to as an add-on subscription on Prime Video

Highly conceptual and original in their storytelling, each genre show I’m highlighting below stays true to Apple’s sleek branding and “thinks different.” Sci-fi shows like For All Mankind, Foundation and Dark Matter stand out from the crowd. 

Below, you’ll find CNET’s guide to the best genre shows to watch on Apple TV Plus right now. You could be in the mood for a neo-noir mystery, an epic monster battle, a real-life fairy tale or something with a scientific flair. There are choices, choices, choices. So settle in and click play.

Read more: Apple TV Plus Review: Small Library but the Quality Is Top-Notch

Apple TV Plus

Invasion is sort of like World War Z meets Independence Day. The series follows a collection of survivors around the globe who all respond differently to an alien invasion that threatens humanity’s existence. Invasion is an interesting new take on the subgenre, boasting a vast international cast.

Apple TV Plus

Rashida Jones stars as Suzie in Sunny, a series Apple TV Plus describes as a dark comedy. After Suzie’s husband and child mysteriously disappear, she is gifted a robot to help her grieve. As the show unfolds, Suzie begins to learn her husband’s secrets, leading the program to take a darkly dramatic turn. Presented in a sleek, near-future lens, Sunny feels very Black Mirror-y, which is a good thing.

Apple TV Plus

If Ted Lasso set the stage for quirky comedies on the platform, Severance has to be the title that cemented Apple TV Plus as a streamer devoted to high-concept genre programming. The series follows Mark (Adam Scott), who works for Lumon Industries, a biotech firm that has a unique (albeit terrifying) system to maintain its employees’ work-life balance. Ben Stiller executive produces and directs most of the first season’s episodes, proving once again he’s a stellar talent behind the camera.