Weekend Getaway: 7 Sci-Fi Shows That Will Take You Off to Another Dimension
Buckle up, space cowboys (and space cowgirls)! Science fiction can transport us beyond our world, exploring the vast unknown and the possibilities hidden amongst the stars.
- Orna Ghosh
- 25 December, 2024
- 2 mins ago
Buckle up, space cowboys (and space cowgirls)! Science fiction can transport us beyond our world, exploring the vast unknown and the possibilities hidden amongst the stars.
Whether you're a seasoned sci-fi buff or a curious newcomer, these captivating shows will take you on journeys that will warp your reality and leave you wanting more.
For All Mankind (2019)
This critically acclaimed series reimagines the space race, depicting a world where the Soviets landed on the moon first. The show explores the human cost of ambition, the race for technological dominance, and the emotional toll on astronauts pushing themselves to the limits. "For All Mankind" offers a thrilling blend of historical fiction and space exploration, earning a near-perfect 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Altered Carbon (2018)
Based on Richard K. Morgan's cyberpunk masterpiece, Altered Carbon plunges viewers into a future where 'consciousness' can be downloaded and transferred between bodies, known as "sleeves." It raises profound questions about mortality, identity, and social inequality. The show follows Takeshi Kovacs, a digitised ex-soldier, resurrected in a new body to solve a wealthy man's murder. This gritty and visually stunning series explores a world where technology has fundamentally altered humanity, offering a thought-provoking blend of action and philosophical exploration.
The Expanse (2015)
Based on a series of novels, "The Expanse" paints a realistic picture of humanity's colonisation of the solar system. Set two hundred years in the future, tensions simmer between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt, where resources are scarce. The show tackles themes of political intrigue, corporate greed, and human resilience against a backdrop of breathtaking space battles and exploration.
Black Mirror (2011)
This mind-blowing anthology series isn't afraid to get dark. "Black Mirror" explores the dystopian possibilities of our ever-increasing reliance on technology. Each episode tackles a different scenario, from social media gone wrong to artificial intelligence taking control. While the show's bleak outlook may be unsettling, it serves as a chilling reminder of the potential pitfalls of our technological advancements.
The Peripheral (2022)
This mind-bending adaptation of William Gibson's acclaimed novel takes viewers on a thrilling journey through alternate realities. Flynne Fisher, a skilled gamer in a struggling rural American town, stumbles upon a virtual reality simulation that feels disturbingly real. The Peripheral is a cerebral sci-fi adventure filled with twists and turns, forcing viewers to question the boundaries between reality and simulation.
Foundation (2021)
Isaac Asimov's seminal sci-fi saga, "Foundation," comes to life in this visually stunning TV series. Set in a future where a brilliant mathematician predicts the impending fall of the Galactic Empire, a group of scientists known as the Foundation are tasked with preserving human knowledge and fostering the rise of a new civilization. The show follows multiple timelines and a diverse cast of characters who grapple with the complexities of galactic politics, technological advancements, and the enduring nature of human ambition.
Silo (2021)
Imagine a future where humanity has retreated underground to survive a catastrophic event on the surface. Silo takes viewers inside these claustrophobic, self-contained environments, where a rigid social hierarchy and dwindling resources create a simmering tension. The show boasts a stellar cast who portray characters desperately clinging to a semblance of normalcy. As secrets from the past surface, the residents of the Silo must confront their anxieties and consider the possibility of a future outside their confinement.
So, dim the lights, grab your favourite snacks, and prepare to be transported to new worlds filled with adventure.