While there have been a number of great space movies that have been released in the last few years, like our collective new obsession that is Project Hail Mary (2026), it's been a lot more rare on TV. Star Wars property still very much owns the space, and the Star Trek series are also dominating, but outside of the franchise features, we don't have much.
But surprisingly, when we do get TV shows, they're almost always phenomenal, and the latest season of For All Mankind (2019) proves this. If you're anything like me and want more space series, these are the best ones we've had in the last five years that are worth watching for all audience members. They're also shows guaranteed to make subscriptions to platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video worth it.
For All Mankind (2019-present)
For five seasons now, For All Mankind has been consistently exceptional, delivering some of the best sci-fi on TV we've seen in recent years. It’s gorgeously shot and executed, but the real strength in For All Mankind lies in the storytelling. The writing is sharp, and the cast is sensational, allowing the character journeys to remain memorable and easy to care about year after year.
There's a comforting empathy that's present in a lot of these genre shows, and For All Mankind does an excellent job of bringing it to the surface unfailingly. The series leaves us with plenty to sit with after each episode, allowing the humanity at the center of the historical reimagining to continue being profound. Perfect for anyone who wants something thought-provoking, it's not a show to sleep on.
The Expanse (2015-2022)
No list of mine would ever be complete without mentioning the single greatest piece of sci-fi, The Expanse. From gems like Battlestar Galactica (2004), I've seen them all, but nothing comes close to the world-building, character journeys, and visual effects of The Expanse. It's hard to believe it's designed for the small screen sometimes, because the visuals are so awe-inspiring that it belongs on big screens.
From beginning to end, there's not a single moment that feels dull, dragged out, or too much. The perfect balance in giving us a world elsewhere that looks like the one we're in is no small feat, and no matter when we watch it, the narrative arc continues to feel relevant. It also features one of the most exceptional soundtracks that I still have on replay, and the type of found family that's unforgettable. If you want a series that'll grip you right from the start and features some of the best relationships on TV, look no further.
Foundation (2021-present)
Like The Expanse, Foundation is also so visually stunning that it almost feels like a crime to watch it on TV as opposed to in theaters. Based on the bestselling novels by Isaac Asimov, it's a huge inspiration for the films and TV shows we have today. Its impact is enormous in what it achieves, even if the TV series isn't as well-known as franchise ones.
Still, if you appreciate the Dune movies, Foundation is a must-watch in all that it accomplishes through a visual and narrative lens (I'd also say two words: Lee Pace.) More than anything, Foundation is also worth the Apple TV subscription and features the type of strong directing that the network is brimming with. There's not a single shot that doesn't hold a thousand words in a single frame.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-present)
There are a number of Star Trek properties, and it can be impossible to start at times, but I've often said that Strange New Worlds is a great starting point for newbies who don't know what's in store for them. It's the easiest one to get into because it's equal parts fun and equal parts serious, and how we navigate through the different stories is relatively simple to understand if you don't have all the lore.
It makes for a solid starting point, and it's after this where you can essentially deep dive into others like Star Trek: Prodigy (2021) or even go all the way to the beginning with Star Trek: The Original Series (1987). Still, in the last five years, this one's the best new thing, and no matter which order you watch it in, it's a delight regardless. Strange New Worlds can also be fun for the whole family, with plenty of easily digestible material and stunning visuals.
Andor (2022-2025)
While most Star Wars properties don't take place directly "in space," a galaxy far, far away certainly isn't our word, and it feels wrong to have a list of the best TV shows about space and exclude Andor. There have been a number of great ones in the last five years, like Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), but Andor was indescribably and undeniably groundbreaking.
Seldom are these shows recognized at award ceremonies, but the recognition Andor got was not only worthy, but it was huge for the genre. If you loved Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), but somehow never dove into the show thinking that it'd be too much, you don't want to miss out on the brilliant storytelling and performances in Andor. It's unlike anything else in the Star Wars universe, and it's even perfect for new fans, too.
Doctor Who (2023-2025)
There's often a new season of Doctor Who, but the latest we've gotten with Ncuti Gatwa as the fifteenth Doctor was lovely and wholesome. While it can be daunting to start Doctor Who if you've never watched, the series makes it relatively easy to begin with each new Doctor and still manages to get the best of what their arc has to offer.
Sure, there's something really enjoyable about watching it all, but you can go in with just your favorites, and Gatwa is genuinely sensational. The brightness he brings to the series is so gratifying that it makes every episode he's in utterly lovely in the best way. If you've never started, he's a great place to do so and make your way back.
