1. Star Trek

Netflix is pretty good when it comes to having Trek. You can find most of it there, except for Picard which is over on Amazon. Now’s a top time to get stuck into what might be the most optimistic sci-fi show ever made.

Even the original series still holds up well. Kirk comes across less like a bit of a lad and more like someone who really cares about human rights. The Next Generation is a real high point for stories that wrap up in an episode. And Voyager gave us Seven of Nine, who was so popular she came back in Picard as a tough, bourbon-loving vigilante. It’s not all gold though; Enterprise promised the excitement of early space travel but didn’t really deliver. Still, there are heaps of hours of Trek to enjoy.

2. Doctor Who

Doctor Who is a classic, and it’s easy to see why. It’s probably the ultimate in sci-fi TV that appeals to a broad audience. We almost take Who for granted these days, but we really shouldn’t. What sets it apart from most sci-fi shows is its humour. No Doctor is serious all the time, but when David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor stopped smiling and said ‘I’m so sorry,’ you knew things were about to go downhill fast. Jodie Whittaker is also great as the Thirteenth Doctor, bringing a winningly upbeat vibe to the role. The saga just keeps going, and that’s a good thing, mate.

3. Black Mirror

Okay, Black Mirror. Where do I even start? Charlie Brooker’s anthology series is either your cup of tea, or it isn’t. There’s not much middle ground when it comes to his cynical view on technology. But even if you’re not usually into that kind of thing, there’s probably at least one episode that’ll get under your skin.

It’s a show that really makes you think about where we’re headed, and not in a good way. Each episode is a self-contained story, so you can jump in anywhere. You don’t need to commit to a whole season if you’re not feeling it. That’s the beauty of an anthology, right?

I reckon the best way to watch it is to spread it out. One episode every now and then. Otherwise, it can get a bit too heavy. Trust me, I’ve been there. You start questioning everything, and that’s not always a fun place to be. But if you’re after something that’ll stick with you, Black Mirror episodes are definitely worth a look.

Here’s a few reasons why it’s so good:

• It’s thought-provoking. Like, really thought-provoking.
• The acting is top-notch. They get some great talent in there.
• The stories are original. You won’t see anything else quite like it.

4. Altered Carbon

Okay, Altered Carbon. This show is a trip. It’s based on a book by Richard K. Morgan, and it’s set way in the future where people can basically swap bodies. Like, your mind gets downloaded into a "stack" and then uploaded into a new "sleeve" – which is just a fancy word for body. So, dying isn’t really the end, which is handy because everyone in this show gets shot a lot.

The main character, Takeshi Kovacs, is played by Joel Kinnaman in the first season and Anthony Mackie in the second. The whole body-swapping thing means they can change actors, which is kinda cool. There’s also this dry humour running through it all. Kovacs hangs out in a hotel run by an AI that looks and acts like Edgar Allan Poe, and he’s got a shotgun. It’s all a bit mad, really. It’s definitely not one to watch with the kids, though, because there’s a fair bit of swearing and nudity.

5. Stranger Things

If you haven’t seen Stranger Things by now, where have you been? Seriously, it’s a cultural phenomenon. This show is a pleasingly retro blend of sci-fi and horror that’s well worth your time. The 80s nostalgia is strong, the monsters are creepy, and the kids are fantastic. Winona Ryder’s career has had a great revival thanks to this show, too.

It’s got that perfect mix of adventure, suspense, and a touch of coming-of-age drama that just works. Plus, who doesn’t love a good government conspiracy? It’s the kind of show that gets you hooked from the first episode and keeps you guessing until the very end. And let’s be honest, the Broadway version sounds amazing!

Here’s why you should give it a go:

• Nostalgic vibes that’ll take you back to the 80s.
• A compelling story with plenty of twists and turns.
• A cast of characters you’ll genuinely care about.

6. The Good Place

Okay, so The Good Place isn’t your typical space series, but hear me out. It deals with the afterlife, different dimensions, and the very nature of existence. That’s pretty spacey, right? Plus, it’s hilarious and thought-provoking, a winning combo in my book.

It’s about Eleanor Shellstrop, who, after kicking the bucket, finds herself in what she thinks is the Good Place. Turns out, there’s been a bit of a mix-up, and she’s not exactly the saint everyone believes her to be. What follows is a wild ride of moral philosophy, demon shenanigans, and frozen yoghourt. Lots and lots of frozen yoghourt. The show’s intricate world-building, from the Good Place’s frozen yoghourt to the Bad Place’s attempts at torture, is just brilliant.

I reckon what makes The Good Place so good (pun intended) is that it actually makes you think. It explores what it means to be a good person, and whether anyone is truly deserving of eternal happiness. It’s a comedy, sure, but it’s also got some serious depth. And the ending? Don’t even get me started. Prepare for waterworks.

It’s more fantasy than sci-fi, but Michael Schur’s comedy is one of the most brilliant feats of storytelling. Kristen Bell is splendid as Eleanor, and Ted Danson is outstanding as Michael, the good place’s architect. A show which triumphantly second-guesses you until its finale.

7. Orphan Black

Okay, Orphan Black. This show is a bit of a hidden gem, I reckon. It’s one of those shows that people have heard of, but maybe haven’t actually gotten around to watching. Big mistake! It’s a Canadian sci-fi thriller that’s all about cloning, and it’s way more gripping than it sounds.

The real drawcard is Tatiana Maslany, who plays, like, a million different clones. Seriously, she’s incredible. Each clone has her own personality, her own accent, her own everything. It’s mind-blowing how she pulls it off. You’ve got Sarah, the street-smart con artist; Alison, the uptight soccer mum; Cosima, the brilliant scientist; Helena, the, uh, slightly unhinged assassin. And heaps more!

It’s not just about the clones themselves, though. There’s a whole conspiracy going on, with shadowy organisations and dodgy science. It gets pretty intense, but it’s also got a good sense of humour. Plus, it’s got a lot of strong female characters, which is always a win. If you’re after a show that’ll keep you guessing and give you a bit to think about, Orphan Black is definitely worth a look.

Here’s why you should watch it:

• Tatiana Maslany’s performance is next-level.
• The plot is twisty and turny, in a good way.
• It explores some interesting ethical questions about cloning and identity.

8. Peaky Blinders

Right, so Peaky Blinders isn’t exactly about space, but hear me out. It’s a bloody brilliant series, and sometimes you just need a break from spaceships and aliens, yeah? This show follows the Shelby family, a gang operating in post-World War I Birmingham. It’s all about power, family, and trying to get ahead in a tough world. Think of it as a grounded, gritty alternative to all the sci-fi stuff. Plus, Cillian Murphy is absolutely phenomenal as Tommy Shelby.

It ran for six seasons, wrapping up in 2022, and there’s even a film in the works to properly finish the story. If you haven’t seen it, now’s the time to jump in. And if you have, well, a rewatch is never a bad idea, is it?

Here’s why you should give it a go:

• The acting is top-notch, especially Murphy and Helen McCrory.
• The story is gripping, with plenty of twists and turns.
• The soundtrack is killer, setting the perfect mood.

It’s a bit of a commitment, clocking in at around 30 hours for the first five seasons, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

9. The Boys

Okay, so The Boys is definitely not one to discover sci-fi movies with the kids, unless your kids are into some seriously messed-up superhero action. Imagine a world where superheroes are real, but they’re mostly corrupt, arrogant, and controlled by a massive corporation. That’s the world of The Boys. It’s a dark, satirical, and often hilarious take on the whole superhero genre.

The basic premise is this: a group of vigilantes, ‘The Boys’, decide to take down these corrupt superheroes. It’s violent, it’s gory, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’re after something that flips the superhero trope on its head, this is it.

Here’s why you might want to give it a go:

• It’s a fresh take on superheroes. Forget the squeaky-clean image; these heroes are deeply flawed.
• The action is intense and over-the-top. Expect plenty of blood and guts.
• The satire is sharp and relevant. It takes a good hard look at celebrity culture, corporate greed, and the abuse of power.

It’s a pretty wild ride, and definitely one that’ll keep you hooked. Just be prepared for some seriously messed-up stuff along the way.

10. The Umbrella Academy

Okay, so The Umbrella Academy is a bit of a weird one, but in a good way, yeah? It’s based on a comic book by Gerard Way (the My Chemical Romance guy!), and it’s all about these adopted siblings with superpowers. They’re super dysfunctional, which makes for some pretty good drama, especially when they have to, you know, save the world.

I reckon the best part is the characters. You’ve got Number Five, who’s an old man stuck in a kid’s body because of time travel – hilarious! And then there’s Vanya, played by Elliot Page, who’s got some serious issues to work through. Honestly, the whole cast is great, and they really make you care about these messed-up superheroes.

The plot’s pretty wild too. It’s all about preventing the apocalypse, but there’s also a bunch of family drama, time travel paradoxes, and even some assassins thrown in for good measure. It’s a bit bonkers, but it keeps you hooked. If you’re after something a bit different with a good dose of action and heart, give The Umbrella Academy a go. You might just find yourself hooked!

Wrapping it Up: Your Next Space Odyssey Awaits

So, there you have it, a fair dinkum look at some of the best space series Netflix has on offer. Whether you’re into deep philosophical stuff, action-packed adventures, or just a bit of a laugh with aliens, there’s something there for everyone. Honestly, you could spend weeks just getting through this lot. So grab some snacks, get comfy on the couch, and prepare for a proper binge. You won’t regret it, promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Netflix have a good range of sci-fi shows?

Absolutely, mate! Netflix has a massive collection of sci-fi shows, from classic hits like “Star Trek” to newer, mind-bending series like “Black Mirror” and “Altered Carbon.” You’ll definitely find something to get stuck into.

Are there any funny sci-fi shows on Netflix?

If you’re after a good laugh with a side of deep thoughts, “The Good Place” is a ripper. It’s more fantasy, but it’s super clever and will keep you guessing right till the end.

Is there a good sci-fi thriller series on Netflix?

For sure! “Orphan Black” is a brilliant Canadian thriller about cloning that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. It’s got a fantastic lead actress who plays a bunch of different characters.

What’s a popular sci-fi show on Netflix that everyone talks about?

If you haven’t seen it yet, “Stranger Things” is a must-watch. It’s a fantastic mix of sci-fi and horror, set in the 80s, and the kids in it are just brilliant. Plus, Winona Ryder is back and better than ever!

Is “Peaky Blinders” a sci-fi show?

While “Peaky Blinders” is an awesome show, it’s actually a historical crime drama, not sci-fi. It’s set in the early 20th century in Birmingham, England, and is all about a gangster family. Still worth a watch, though!

What kind of show is “The Boys” on Netflix?

“The Boys” is a superhero show on Netflix, but it’s a dark and gritty take on the genre. It’s about what happens when superheroes are actually corrupt and abuse their powers. Definitely not your average superhero flick.

What’s “The Umbrella Academy” about?

“The Umbrella Academy” is a fantastic show about a dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an apocalypse. It’s got a great mix of action, drama, and quirky humour.

Why is “Doctor Who” so popular?

“Doctor Who” is a classic for a reason! It’s been around for ages and is known for its clever stories, time-travel adventures, and a touch of humour. It’s a great show for all ages and has a huge following.