Sci-Fri Special: Series that Imagine Harder

A list of great science fiction shows you may not have seen.

Once more, I bring you a list of sci-fi recommendations to enrich your weekend binge. Last week, I shared movies that were not necessarily my top 5, but my next 5. This week, I've taken a somewhat similar approach.

Below is a collection of series that have resonated with me over time (rather than the usual suspects I’m sure we can agree upon). Each one possesses unique traits—be it their peculiar nature, offbeat charm, or unpredictability. Collectively, they encapsulate the essence of pushing boundaries and imagining harder about the stories they tell.

Utopia (2013)

Utopia is a conspiracy thriller that follows the story of a group of individuals who discover a manuscript called "The Utopia Experiments." This manuscript contains hidden clues about major global events and conspiracies. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they become targets of a shadowy organization known as The Network, which will stop at nothing to keep the secrets hidden. The series explores themes of government surveillance, corporate power, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth.

Don't mistake this for its American counterpart, which unfortunately falls short. The original UK rendition masterfully sets a chilling tone. Its opening sequence is among the most unforgettable I've witnessed. And the musical genius of Cristobal Tapia De Veer? Phenomenal. His score for this series made me an ardent fan, further solidified by his contributions to 'Humans', 'The Third Day', and 'The White Lotus'.

Years and Years (2019)

The six-part series follows the Manchester-based Lyons family, who’s lives converge on one crucial night in 2019, and the story accelerates into the future, following the lives and loves of the Lyons over the next fifteen years as Britain is rocked by political upheavals, economic instability and technological advances.

The series evoked a 'Black Mirror' vibe, but with a shift away from technology, centering on profound human narratives instead. The portrayed futures present believable dystopias that could haunt your thoughts. It ranks among the finest speculative fiction series I've encountered.

Upload (2020)

In 2033, humans can "upload" themselves into a virtual afterlife of their choosing. When a computer programmer dies prematurely, he is uploaded to the very expensive Lakeview, but then finds himself under the thumb of his possessive, still-living girlfriend. He also bonds with his living customer service rep who struggles with the pressures of her job.

To my surprise, I found myself deeply engrossed in this series. It's a fusion of Sci-Fi, murder mystery, and romantic comedy, crafted by Greg Daniels, the mastermind behind 'The Office'. The in-world concepts presented are almost visionary. Despite its seemingly light-hearted demeanor, the show is impressively detailed in its futuristic elements.

Pantheon (2022)

A young woman starts to get messages from an unknown number that claims to be her deceased father. Trying to uncover the truth, she stumbles upon a larger conspiracy involving the singularity.

I wish there were more animated shows of this caliber. The fusion of sci-fi and animation offers a unique platform, allowing for the exploration of concepts that might be financially challenging with contemporary CG methods and live action.

The Orville (2017)

Set 400 years in the future, finds the crew of the U.S.S. Orville continuing their mission of exploration, as they navigate both the mysteries of the universe and the complexities of their own interpersonal relationships.

The Orville is the best Star Trek spin-off since The Next Generation. Ya, I know it’s not part of the Star Trek franchise, yet it outshines many recent TV and movie spin-offs. While many modern adaptations seem written by children, The Orville's wit and humor unmistakably stem from the genius of a man-child.

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