The streaming service Hulu has a wide range of options when it comes to sci-fi television series. This collection includes classics like the original seasons of Star Trek and The Twilight Zone along with newer options like Devs and Rick and Morty.
Within the ambit of sci-fi, such shows often incorporate other genres. For instance, Runaways bears traces of superhero drama while The Orville plays out as a satirical comedy. Long story short, sci-fi aficionados would have a pretty interesting time while surfing through Hulu's diverse picks.
Devs (2020): 7
Alex Garland has already established himself as a modern trendsetter in sci-fi with films such as Ex Machina and Annihilation. For the miniseries format, Garland created the Hulu original Devs that explored the extent to which computing companies can control data in the future.
The plot deals with a software engineer investigating the mysterious death of her boyfriend. As she unearths more secrets, she discovers that her own company's CEO has a hand in the larger conspiracy. Garland's writing and direction aside, Devs benefits greatly from the lead performances of Sonoya Mizuno and Nick Offerman.
Runaways (2017-2019): 7
Based on the titular Marvel comics series, Runaways can be a light watch for fans of the superhero genre as well as coming-of-age dramas.
The so-called 'runaways' in the show are misfit teenagers who escape from their parents who are a part of what seems like a cult. As time progresses, these superhuman teenagers realize that their parents are a part of an extraterrestrial mystery that can alter the world. As the protagonists learn to explore their powers while dealing with the everyday changes in their life, an engaging story of survival is set in motion.
Timeless (2016-2018): 7.7
As a mysterious organization attempts to change the course of history, a team of time-traveling experts hops back and forth on the timeline. In their journey, they encounter several historical icons and get to be a part of era-defining moments in the past and the future.
With an over-the-top premise, Timeless offers simple thrills and classic time travel tropes. It might not be a visionary work of sci-fi but its two seasons are perfect for a quick binge.
12 Monkeys (2015-2018): 7.7
Based on Terry Gilliam's dystopian film of the same name, 12 Monkeys inherits the original's time-traveling plot although with reimagined characters.
The title refers to an anarchic organization whose actions wreak havoc in the future. However, the gray areas persist as the rivals of the 12 Monkeys are intent on saving humanity at the cost of potentially serious collateral damage. Despite a few formulaic plotlines, it is this moral dilemma between good and evil that adds more depth to 12 Monkeys.
The Orville (2017-): 8
Created by and starring Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane, The Orville is a space comedy with clear allusions to the Star Trek franchise. Similar to the USS Enterprise, Captain Ed Mercer leads the crew of the spaceship christened as The Orville as they charter the many regions of the galaxy.
However, rather than serving as a cheeky parody, The Orville is a well-written homage to yesteryear sci-fi classics. Even the present-day Star Trek productions can be quite dramatic in tone. So, viewing a light-hearted tribute can provide a good break from the usual brand of space exploration sci-fi.
Legion (2017-2019): 8.2
Even though Legion's central character arc is inspired by the titular character of X-Men comics, this surreal and philosophical drama incorporates elements that easily transcend beyond an average Marvel comics adaptation.
Dan Stevens stars as David Haller, a man with multiple personalities who discovers mutant-like powers within himself. As he unleashes the true nature of his abilities, he becomes involved with a conspiracy around other mutants as well as mutant-hunting forces. The series is a must-watch for its experimental non-linear storyline, and a retro-visual style coupled with vibrantly aesthetic special effects.
Star Trek (1966-1969): 8.3
Star Trek, of course, needs no introduction. Even though some 'Trekkers' might prefer the sequels and spin-offs over the three-season original series, Star Trek makes for essential viewing as a time capsule of sorts.
A closer viewing of this classic would reveal how Gene Roddenberry's creation revolutionized sci-fi with multi-layered characters and a Space Western tone (that was replicated in numerous space operas). Be it with modern reboots or tributes like the aforementioned The Orville, Star Trek: The Original Series has clearly left an unforgettable mark on pop culture.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994): 8.6
Abbreviated as TNG, this Star Trek spin-off ran for seven seasons with its characters returning in four films as well as the Paramount+ original Picard. Apart from introducing Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the show's ensemble also attained popularity with names like LeVar Burton and Brent Spiner.
Chronologically, Star Trek: The Next Generation is set in the 24th century and much like the original series, it focuses on the adventures of the USS Enterprise's crew while navigating the Milky Way galaxy.
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964): 9
Rod Serling created The Twilight Zone in the 1950s but the anthology show's impact can be felt even today. Apart from sci-fi being a prominent theme, the show also incorporated horror and fantasy with a cynical Kafkaesque approach. Many of its iconic episodes have aged well for their morals or twist endings.
Even though several revivals have already been produced, the original deserves to be revisited by modern sci-fi fans. After all, The Twilight Zone helped in subverting the genre's cliches elevating it above the formulaic alien invasion and creature feature premises.
Rick And Morty (2013-): 9.2
What seemed like a parody of Back To The Future has now transitioned into a wildly original and defining work of sci-fi comedy. The Adult Swim series's fanbase has only increased with time thanks to its reliance on dark humor, witty pop culture references, and a highly unpredictable plot.
In fact, other than the comedic aspects, Rick and Morty has also won over new fans with its discourses on deeper issues like religion, mortality, and identity within a larger universe.