21 epic sci-fi shows to watch if you're missing Doctor Who

Whether those shows involve epic space battles and adventures across the stars or mind-bending predictions of the future and journeys in time, there are countless reasons to love sci-fi.

So, if you're missing Doctor Who and just want to escape for a little bit into another world, you're certainly not alone. Here are some of our top sci-fi recommendations.

1. Foundation (Apple TV+)

Just like Doctor Who, Foundation is about to take over your life in the best way possible.

It's an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's novels - but the show has taken a fair amount of liberties, making it more of an accompaniment to the books, and ensuring that even fans who have read the originals still have surprises in store.

The third season is currently airing, with twists and turns at every corner. Make sure to watch this one when you've got some time to take it all in - it deserves to be savoured.

2. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+)

After an adventure of the week? Look no further. Even if you're not a Trekkie and have never seen an episode of Star Trek before, Strange New Worlds can be enjoyed as a standalone series.

It's gripping, adventurous, fun and silly at times - but its main strength is its characters, who we'd happily follow across the stars. Get ready for the final frontier, with season 3 now airing!

3. Murderbot (Apple TV+)

Need more fun sci-fi in your life? Murderbot could be what you're looking for. Starring Alexander Skarsgård as SecUnit, the cyborg guard who gains free will and uses it to binge-watch soap operas and avoid human emotion at all cast, the series is based on Martha Wells's beloved books.

Season 1 recently ended, with the show officially being renewed for season 2. If you need your faith in humanity restored a little, give Murderbot a go.

4. From (MGM+)

From is a testament to word-of-mouth hits. Over the course of its three seasons, the horror sci-fi starring Harold Perrineau as Sheriff Boyd Stevens has quickly grown its audience.

There's good reason for that too - the show doesn't hold back. From killing off beloved characters to upending expectations, it'll keep you guessing at every turn.

5. Silo (Apple TV+)

Speaking of word-of-mouth hits...

Rebecca Ferguson-led series Silo quickly won fans over with its beautiful adaptation of Hugh Howey's book series.

Following Ferguson's no-nonsense engineer Juliette, the series sees humanity living in a gigantic underground silo after an apocalyptic event made the outside uninhabitable.

But things aren't all as they seem and secrets can't stay hidden forever. If there's one person who can discover the truth, it's Juliette.

6. Invasion (Apple TV+)

If it's aliens you're after, Invasion could be for you. Created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil, the series follows a few key characters across the globe, who experience an alien invasion in real time.

Season 3, which is coming this November, will see our heroes meet for the first time as they need to join forces to working on a critical mission to infiltrate the alien mothership - but that's easier said than done.

7. Constellation (Apple TV+)

Constellation is more of a psychological thriller, with sci-fi elements interwoven throughout - and it's a real hidden gem.

Starring Noomi Rapace and Jonathan Banks, the series follows astronaut Jo who returns from a disastrous space mission to find her life is not quite as she left it.

8. 3 Body Problem (Netflix)

A word of warning: 3 Body Problem is a weird show. But it's also absolutely brilliant.

Based on Liu Cixin's novel, the Netflix series from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and DB Weiss follows a group of scientists who come into contact with an extraterrestrial civilisation.

Despite the book seeming almost unadaptable, the series has changed just enough to make it a bit more accessible and enjoyable while still keeping the essence of the novel and the brilliant unhinged nature of the story.

9. Battlestar Galactica (ITVX)

It might be an obvious suggestion - but there's a reason Battlestar Galactica has had such a long-lasting legacy.

Following the last surviving members of the human race as they flee from enemies of their own creation, Battlestar Galactica remains one of the best sci-fi series ever made.

10. Severance (Apple TV+)

Already a modern classic, Severance has taken over the world with a genius premise, flawless execution, and a spectacular cast.

If you've somehow missed one of the best shows of the last five years, it follows employees of Lumon Industries, who undergo a procedure to 'sever' their work memories and their personal memories.

11. Firefly (Disney Plus)

It's one of the great tragedies of TV that we only got one season of Firefly - but what a season it was.

Following the crew of the spaceship Serenity as they navigate the fringes of settled space, Firefly sought to point out that while technology will advance, the political, moral and ethical problems of today will remain.

12. Dark Matter (Apple TV+)

Starring Joel Edgerton, Dark Matter, based on the book by Blake Crouch, begins with one intriguing premise - one day, as he's returning home, Jason Dessen is kidnapped by an alternate version of himself, who attempts to steal his life.

What does he do next? How can he justify that his life is his own? And how can he possibly get it back?

13. Babylon 5 (Prime Video)

J Michael Straczynski, who has thrown his hat in the ring to take over Doctor Who as showrunner, was the brains behind the series that followed the military staff and alien diplomats stationed on the Babylon 5 space station.

Again, it's got an incredible legacy for good reason.

14. Stargate (Prime Video)

Stargate may be a franchise rather than a single series, but if you're missing Doctor Who, this might be the right call for you.

Boasting three films and five TV series, Stargate kicked off in 1994 with the cult-favourite movie of the same name - and the rest is history.

15. Blake's 7 (ITVX)

A low budget British sci-fi institution created by Terry Nation? Count us in!

Following a group of rebels fighting against the totalitarian Terran Federation, it sums up everything we love about sci-fi.

16. The Expanse (Prime Video)

The Expanse, based on the iconic books by James A Corey, followed a group who uncover a massive conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.

Not only was it a brilliant show, it also restored faith in series being saved after it was cancelled following its third season – before being picked up by Prime Video for another three.

17. Orphan Black (ITVX)

Tatiana Maslany has gone on to huge roles but, for some, Orphan Black, which saw her character Sarah Manning discover she is a clone, is still her shining moment.

Maslany played no fewer than 13 different characters in the unique hit, with the show opening up discussions about bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ representation and sisterhood, all the while with humour and shocking twists and turns.

18. For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

For All Mankind imagines what would have happened if the global space race had never ended, in a gripping four-season run from Ronald D Moore, Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi.

Not only that, we've also got spin-off Star City on the way, with Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin set to star.

19. Dark (Netflix)

Yet another word-of-mouth hit, Dark had fans absolutely gripped for its three-season run.

The German series followed dysfunctional characters who sought the truth about a child's disappearance - and slowly discover a time travel conspiracy.

20. Outer Range (Prime Video)

Speaking of time travel, if Westerns are more your thing, you'll need to check out Outer Range.

Starring Josh Brolin, the series follows Royal Abbott, a rancher who finds a mysterious black void on his land after the arrival of a mysterious woman, Autumn.

A word of warning, though - Outer Range was unfortunately cancelled after its second season. However, the first two instalments are still worth the watch.

21. 1899 (Netflix)

Despite being cancelled after one season, 1899 was widely acclaimed.

Following a group of emigrants on the ship Kerberos looking to start new lives in New York City, the series quickly escalates, with a twist around every corner.

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