The Great Sci-Fi Streaming Heist: Top Shows to Con Your Eyes This Summer
The dog days of summer are upon us, but don’t let the sweltering heat get you down. No, this season, we’ve got a treat in store – a veritable treasure trove of sci-fi goodness, ready to stream its way into your wildest dreams. From animated behemoths to time-traveling thrill rides, we’ve got the rundown on the most mouth-watering options to tantalize your taste buds.
1. Scavengers – Reign
Max (available on Netflix) – 2023
This one’s an absolute must-see. Mixing hard sci-fi with stunning art and a harsh, unforgiving alien world (inspired by Hayao Miyazaki and Jean "Moebius" Giraud, no less!), Scavengers – Reign is a visual feast that demands your attention. With a rich universe to explore and complex characters, get ready to binge the entire season the moment it drops.
2. Dark Matter
Apple TV+ – 2023
Another gem, Dark Matter marks a bold new direction for sci-fi fans. Based on Blake Crouch’s novel, this series follows a physicist who wakes up in a parallel world – yep, you read that right, a parallel world! With its fascinating premise and clever twists, Dark Matter is an absolute game-changer.
3. Doctor Who
Disney+ – 2022
Russell T. Davies takes the reins once more, bringing wit, charm, and some of the best aliens in the business to the most iconic sci-fi franchise of all – Doctor Who. Prepare for a wild ride filled with laughs, gasps, and, of course, SPOILERS. The new doctor is in town, and they’re on a mission to save the universe (along with your sanity).
4. The Acolyte
Disney+ – 2023
This one’s a dark horse (pun intended). Set a century before The Phantom Menace, The Acolyte is a journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves, their newest recruit – an 11-year-old history nerd (because who wouldn’t want to fight alongside a pre-caffeinated genius?) – and loads of surprises. Buckle up, folks, this show is going places.
5. Time Bandits
Apple TV+ – 2023
Yes, you read that right; the 1981 cult classic gets a remake, and we. cannot. wait. This new installment promises to explore modern tech through the lens of the future, AI, and (drumroll) the true 5 million-year-old story behind the consciousness-altering substance known as coffee. You read that correctly, folks – COFFEE! The fate of humanity may depend on this caffeinated elixir… or not.
6. Futurama
Hulu – 2023
And because you asked for it (implied), the most beloved "dead" show in the world makes a triumphant return for its 12th season. Futurama is back, and it promises to explore modern tech with gusto, humor, and maybe, just maybe, a few nods to ancient coffee rituals.
7. Terminator: Zero
Netflix – 2023
Mark your calendars for the first-ever animated entry in the Terminator franchise. Set in 1990s Tokyo, this sci-fi martial arts extravaganza promises some serious butt-kicking action… and, of course, the inevitable invasion of cyborg assassins seeking to destroy humanity (again, because why not?). But hey, at least it’ll look phenomenal, courtesy of Production I.G.
There you have it – the scintillating lineup of summer ’24’s most unmissable sci-fi shows. Get ready to experience the thrill of discovery, the rush of action, and the sheer joy of bingeing hours of your favorite genre. So go ahead, grab some popcorn (don’t forget the coffee!), and immerse yourself in the world of sci-fi goodness.
