Sci-fi and fantasy fans are in for a treat in 2026. From alternate history epics and superhero sagas to dystopian thrillers and monster-filled adventures, this year’s lineup promises fresh storytelling, epic visuals, and unforgettable characters. Here’s a countdown of the 16 shows we’re most excited to see.
16. Star City
Apple TV+ expands the world of For All Mankind with Star City, a gripping drama set behind the Soviet side of the space race. Instead of focusing on NASA, this series centers on the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, spotlighting cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence operatives navigating Cold War pressure and personal sacrifice.
Led by Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin, and guided by returning producers Ronald D. Moore, Ben Nedivi, and Matt Wolpert, the show promises emotional depth alongside political tension. Expect ambition, secrecy, and the human cost of competing for the stars.
15. Silo (Season 3)
The dystopian world of Silo continues as season three delves further into the mysteries of humanity’s underground refuge. Rebecca Ferguson returns as Juliette, still determined to uncover the truth about the toxic world above and the secrets buried below.
Adapting Hugh Howey’s second novel, Shift, the new season promises long-awaited answers about the silo’s origins. With added cast members and rising stakes, the tension is set to intensify in powerful ways.
14. The Boroughs
From the creators of Stranger Things comes The Boroughs, a supernatural adventure set in an unexpected location, a retirement community. When a mysterious force begins stealing time itself, a group of residents bands together to fight back.
Featuring Bill Pullman, Geena Davis, Alfred Molina, Clarke Peters, and Alfre Woodard, the series blends humor, suspense, and heart. It’s a fresh twist on the “unlikely heroes” formula, offering scares and emotional depth in equal measure.
13. VisionQuest
Marvel Studios continues expanding the MCU with VisionQuest, a follow-up to WandaVision. Paul Bettany returns as White Vision, exploring questions of memory, identity, and what it truly means to be alive.
With Terry Matalas at the helm and James Spader reprising Ultron, the series leans into philosophical themes and artificial intelligence dilemmas. Expect a thoughtful blend of superhero spectacle and introspective storytelling.
12. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
Darth Maul steps into the spotlight in this animated entry set after the Clone Wars. Voiced once again by Sam Witwer, the series follows Maul’s rise within the galaxy’s criminal underworld.
Darker and more character-focused, the show promises to explore Maul’s ambition, rage, and tragic complexity. For fans who’ve long wanted more of this iconic Sith, Shadow Lord could be essential viewing.
11. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Season 4)
Captain Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise continue their episodic voyages in season four. The series has earned praise for blending classic Trek optimism with playful experimentation.
With Anson Mount leading the cast, new episodes promise bold storytelling choices while maintaining the franchise’s spirit of exploration. It remains one of the most inventive corners of the Star Trek universe.
10. Neuromancer
After decades of anticipation, William Gibson’s seminal cyberpunk novel finally receives a major adaptation. Neuromancer follows washed-up hacker Case as he’s pulled into a high-stakes mission in a neon-soaked future ruled by powerful AIs.
Starring Callum Turner and Briana Middleton, the series aims to capture the novel’s gritty atmosphere and cerebral tone. If done right, it could redefine cyberpunk storytelling for a new generation.
9. X-Men ’97 (Season 2)
The revival of the beloved ’90s animated series continues with a second season on Disney+. Picking up where the previous chapter left off, the mutants face new threats and deeper internal conflicts.
Balancing nostalgia with modern storytelling, the show has already won over longtime fans. Season two promises higher stakes, possibly even an Apocalypse showdown, while keeping its classic 2D style intact.
8. Blade Runner 2099
Returning to the rain-drenched future of the Blade Runner universe, this new series jumps decades beyond Blade Runner 2049. Michelle Yeoh leads the cast in a story that further examines replicants, humanity, and moral ambiguity.
With a six-episode arc, the show aims for philosophical depth and visual grandeur. It has the potential to expand the mythos while staying true to the franchise’s brooding roots.
7. Spider-Noir
Inspired by the Marvel comic, Spider-Noir brings a 1930s detective spin to the Spider-Man mythos. Nicolas Cage stars as an older Ben Reilly navigating crime and corruption in a black-and-white-inspired New York.
Blending pulp noir style with superhero action, the series promises something visually distinct from other Spider-Man adaptations. It’s a bold addition to the ever-growing multiverse.
6. Lanterns
DC Studios’ Lanterns places the Green Lantern Corps in a prestige television setting. Kyle Chandler stars as Hal Jordan, mentoring John Stewart while unraveling a cosmic mystery.
With Aaron Pierre, Nathan Fillion, and Ulrich Thomsen in key roles, the show aims for a grounded, character-driven tone. It could finally deliver the serious, expansive Green Lantern story fans have been waiting for.
5. The Boys (Season 5)
The fifth and final season of The Boys promises an explosive conclusion to its brutal satire of superhero culture. Billy Butcher and Homelander’s long-simmering conflict is expected to reach a breaking point.
With returning stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Antony Starr, the show’s trademark mix of dark humor and shocking twists will likely be turned up to eleven. Expect chaos, bloodshed, and unforgettable moments.
4. Invincible (Season 4)
The animated superhero saga continues as Mark Grayson faces even darker challenges. Steven Yeun reprises his role in what promises to be one of the most intense seasons yet.
Creator Robert Kirkman has teased major turning points and new adversaries. The blend of emotional storytelling and brutal action ensures Invincible remains must-watch television.
3. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season 2)
The MonsterVerse expands once again as Monarch returns with more secrets and even bigger creatures. Season two deepens the Randa family storyline while teasing the arrival of King Kong.
Balancing massive kaiju battles with human drama, the show aims to make its monsters feel both awe-inspiring and personal. It’s a spectacle with emotional stakes.
2. Paradise (Season 2)
Dan Fogelman’s post-apocalyptic thriller returns with Sterling K. Brown’s Xavier Collins continuing his search for answers and for his wife. The second season promises heightened tension and deeper political intrigue.
With a planned three-season arc, Paradise is building toward an ambitious payoff. Its mix of survival drama and character-driven storytelling makes it one to watch closely.
1. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Topping the list is Starfleet Academy, set in the 32nd century and centered on a new generation of cadets. Holly Hunter stars as Nahla Ake, guiding recruits through training, discovery, and personal growth.
Blending coming-of-age drama with classic Star Trek exploration, the series offers a fresh entry point for newcomers while honoring decades of lore. It could become the franchise’s next defining chapter.
2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for sci-fi and fantasy TV. From gritty dystopias and AI-driven mysteries to superhero epics and galactic adventures, these shows promise to expand universes, push boundaries, and deliver storytelling that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether you’re in it for the action, the drama, or the mind-bending concepts, there’s something on this list for every genre fan.