Sci-fi is such a pliable genre. You can mold and shape it; use it as a mirror to reflect our triumphs and failures as a species. It can represent our past, present, and what might pass in our future, especially from a technological or societal perspective. The streaming era has afforded us an influx of sci-fi shows, along with advanced special effects and bigger budgets. You’d be hard-pressed not to find something in the science fiction realm that appeals to you. After all, there are subgenres within the genre itself, not to mention the blending of polar opposite genres in shows like Firefly, Preacher, or Outer Range.
Unfortunately, streamers and studios don’t always let sci-fi series run their course. We’re often left with unfinished stories due to financial constraints or plummeting viewership. While it’s downright disappointing that these stories won’t continue, at least they’re available to stream. On top of that, at least their shorter episode counts make it easier to binge-watch them over a few days as opposed to, well, much longer. Sometimes, we don’t have all the time in the world to commit to a lengthy binge. Here are eight sci-fi TV shows you can watch in only one weekend.
‘Devs’ – Hulu (2020, Miniseries)
Untimely deaths are breeding grounds for questions. Lily Chan, a software engineer for quantum computing company Amaya, falls headfirst into the mystery surrounding her boyfriend Sergei’s death after he passes away on the first day of his job. Sergei was offered a role by Amaya CEO Forest in a secretive division known as “Devs.” The series isn’t simply science fiction – there are elements of spy thriller woven throughout. Devs requires patience, though. It’s a slow-burn narrative, pacing-wise, but at least it tells a complete story.
The show delves into thought-provoking themes like determinism and free will. It hails from Ex Machina helmer Alex Garland (one of my favorite films), and he knows a thing or two about crafting compelling sci-fi. Devs is also as visually eye-catching as they come.
‘Tales From the Loop’ – Prime Video (2020)
Underneath the fictional town of Mercer, Ohio, there is the Loop – a machine built to unlock the mysteries of the universe. The researchers at the Mercer Center for Experimental Physics believe they can make the impossible, well, possible. Each episode of the first and only season feels more standalone than your typical long-form narrative series, giving viewers eight unique stories to consume. This isn’t your fast-paced, hard sci-fi fare; Tales From the Loop burns slowly and makes you think. It’s science fiction with a heaping helping of heart at its core.
Ultimately, Tales From the Loop deserved more love. Perhaps COVID played a part in its demise, or audiences went into it expecting something different. However, it certainly tugs on the heartstrings and packs an emotional wallop.
‘Firefly’ – Hulu (2002)
“I swear by my pretty floral bonnet” … that Firefly is your perfect weekend binge if you haven’t watched it already. The cult classic sci-fi Western series has amassed a legion of fans called Browncoats since it went off the air almost 23 years ago. The show follows a motley crew aboard a Firefly-class ship in the wake of the Unification War. Led by Captain Malcolm Reynolds, the group embarks on various adventures on the fringes of society. After a short-lived, 14-episode run, the series returned as a movie, 2005’s Serenity.Firefly was a formative piece of science fiction for this writer. Its biting wit, compelling performances, and strong storylines resonated with young me. To be fair, there wasn’t much like this on the air at the time. That aside, every sci-fi fan should watch this show at least once.
‘Lovecraft Country’ – HBO Max (2020)
Multi-genre one-and-done series Lovecraft Country can definitely be watched in only one weekend. The show follows a Black man and his friend in 1950s Jim Crow America as they search for his missing father. What transpires next is a journey to overcome the terrors of racist white America and the creatures of Lovecraftian horror. Created by Misha Green, the show is a continuation of the 2016 dark fantasy novel of the same name by Matt Ruff (and Sinners‘ Wunmi Mosaku is one of its stars).
While fantasy and horror are in the driver’s seat, science fiction certainly plays a role in Lovecraft Country, much like H.P. Lovecraft himself wrote in the genre. Bolstered by stellar performances across the board and profound thematic exploration, it delves into the U.S.’s deeply entrenched, systemic racism, and what it’s like being Black in America, particularly during a time of racial segregation.
‘Caprica’ – Peacock (2010)
Battlestar Galactica, specifically the 2004 version, is widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi shows of all time (and with good reason). Enter Caprica, a one-season prequel spin-off of said series that premiered in 2010. Set 58 years before the events of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica chronicles the origins of Cylons. It takes place on Caprica, the main planet in the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. Joseph Adama, Rear Admiral William Adama’s father, is one of the main characters. Another main character, wealthy technologist Daniel Graystone, endeavors to revive his late daughter in his grief.
Perhaps the nail in this show’s coffin was the knee-jerk reaction to compare it to its wildly successful predecessor. As someone who didn’t watch it during its tenure on the air, I can only guess that the 2007–2008 writers’ strike affected its renewal prospects. While it’s a slow, slow burn, the Season 1 ending begged for more narrative exploration in a second season.
‘I Am Not Okay With This’ – Netflix (2020)
As if being a teenager isn’t hard enough, Sydney Novak also has psychokinetic powers … that are triggered by strong emotions. Netflix’s I Am Not Okay With This is perhaps more of a coming-of-age comedy than a sci-fi series. One could even argue that it’s more supernatural than science fiction. However, I’m bending the rules a bit. “Supernatural” and “sci-fi” go hand in hand in my book.
I Am Not Okay With This cleverly taps into teen angst and tackles the overwhelming emotions of adolescence with the telekinesis angle. Sure, it’s a popular trope in media, but it works so well here. Not only must Sydney navigate these bewildering powers of hers, but she must also work through grief stemming from a major loss in her life. The show delves into her psyche with equal parts heart and humor. It’s an underrated gem.
‘The Peripheral’ – Prime Video (2022)
Ah, The Peripheral. You deserved another season. Loosely based on William Gibson’s 2014 novel of the same name, this eight-episode series focuses on a young woman in a small Appalachian town whose method of escapism is playing advanced video games. When a company sends her a new game to test, she uncovers an alternate reality she has a dark connection to. Hailing from the creators of Westworld, The Peripheral boasts common elements with the popular HBO series that came before it. It’s intelligent, thought-provoking, and filled to the brim with solid performances. The futuristic visuals are also a feast for the eyes.
The Peripheral presents an engaging sci-fi story, even though it stumbles a bit in its execution. It’s not perfect, but it definitely needed a second season to iron out the wrinkles and tie narrative loose ends.
‘Watchmen’ – HBO Max (2019, Miniseries)
Sometimes, a show only needs one season to complete its arc. Damon Lindelof’s Watchmen miniseries from 2019, which was written as a sequel to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ 1986 DC Comics series, is a work of art. Spearheaded by Regina King, Watchmen is set 34 years after the events of the comics. In this alternate reality, masked vigilantes are treated like outlaws. One detective investigates the resurgence of a white supremacist terrorist group, which derives inspiration from the long-dead Rorschach.
Watchmen received universal acclaim for its impactful storytelling, direction, visuals, and enthralling performances across the board. It also highlights the 1921 Tulsa massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. The series expands on its comic book source material while honoring it. Watchmen deserves your devotion for a weekend.
What are your favorite sci-fi shows that can be binge-watched in one weekend? Did we include your picks? Let us know in the comments.
- Release Date
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2019 – 2019-00-00
- Network
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HBO
- Directors
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David Semel, Fred Toye
- Writers
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Nick Cuse, Carly Wray
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
