20 Best Sci-fi/Fantasy TV Series of 2021

For a show called Evil, fans sure were blessed when the series moved to Paramount+ for its second season. No longer restricted by network standards, the show pushes its boundaries further than before.

Leland’s demonic plot involving the sigils keeps fans guessing, but Kristen’s mental breakdown is the real draw of the season. Katja Herbers gives one of the best performances on TV as Kristen grapples with her guilt over murdering Orson LeRoux while still protecting her family.

The question of “will they or won’t they?” also hangs over the season, as Kristen and David’s chemistry persists; not since Fleabag has there been this much sexual tension with a priest.

Like The X-Files, Evil tends to create more questions than answers as the team investigates cases of demonic possession. Its ambiguous endings are part of what makes it so frightening. Sometimes we cannot explain the tragedies of the world.

DC’s brightest show turned to the darkness for its sophomore season, taking its cues from horror movies rather than the blockbuster family fare of Season 1. But it doesn’t lose what makes it one of DC’s best shows, which is its heart.

Even as she grows and matures, Courtney never loses her optimism and belief in people, which is part of what makes her heroism so refreshing. If dour, R-rated superhero stories aren’t your thing, Stargirl is a great alternative.

This season brings exciting new characters like Green Lantern’s daughter Jennie, trickster Thunderbolt, and frenemy The Shade. With those characters come standout action sequences and impressive effects beyond what we see on the small screen.

As the truth about the old JSA’s legacy is exposed, the new JSA steps out of their shadow to become the heroes they are meant to be. Beth, Yolanda, and Rick have satisfying story arcs, proving the show is called Stargirl, but it’s about the whole team.

One of the few Marvel Studios series already confirmed for a second season, Loki brings back a beloved character and surprises audiences with a new understanding of how the multiverses of the MCU work.

The Time Variance Authority proves to be an enemy even Loki has trouble outsmarting. It’s hard to argue with people who believe they’re protecting a sacred timeline from variants that could cause the collapse of the multiverse.

Thankfully Loki isn’t completely alone. He has a new bestie in Agent Mobius and a slew of Loki variants.

Fans have loved Tom Hiddleston’s Loki for years, but his multiverse counterpart Sylvie played by Sophia Di Martino holds her own in the series. Even if you don’t ship “Sylkie,” you have to admit they make an impressive duo right up until the very end.

The show has plenty of weird, with a Willy Wonka-esque version of Kang and a talking animated clock named Miss Minutes. Loki’s work is only beginning with the sacred timeline broken.

Although Lee Pace’s Instagram posts may have you believing otherwise, Foundation is not just about an evil emperor who constantly walks around shirtless. Instead, the ambitious show follows a group of exiles who defy the Galactic Empire that rules to save humanity from destruction.

The practice of psychohistory, a fictional science created for the book the show adapts, allows scientists to predict the future behavior of societies. This creates a fascinating new concept to explore.

Despite the story’s high stakes and weighty concepts, it also takes time to focus on the individuals within the story. Sci-fi is at its best when it focuses on humanity, which Foundation does.

Viewers looking for a complex science fiction story to get lost in should look no further.

After getting cut an episode short in Season 2, Doom Patrol is back this year to finish Niles Caulder’s storyline and launch the remaining team into a new adventure. Without the Chief there to guide them, it’s a whole new Doom Patrol.

As usual, some of the season’s best episodes are the weirdest. Getting rescued from Purgatory by Dead Boy Detectives? Check. Switching places with manifestations of their subconsciouses? Check.

Michelle Gomez is a scene-stealer whenever she shows up on TV, and her performance as Laura De Mille/Madame Rouge is no different. Her arrival also gives Rita one of her best and most emotional storylines.

While perennial standouts like Diane Guerrero and Brendan Fraser are as great as ever, April Bowlby gets a chance to shine this season as we see a new side of Rita.

Based on the series of books by Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time transports us to a world filled with magic and Trollocs. We are introduced to five people destined to become the dragon reborn, who could either heal the world or break it.

The Wheel of Time manages to tell a captivating tale set in a beautifully diverse world. There is representation galore, and the show makes it look effortless. Unfortunately, female-led high fantasy shows are not something we have seen on our screens before, which is an absolute shame.

The Wheel of Time gives us female characters who serve vital roles in the story and aren’t simply around to be the love interest of the male characters. It’s beyond refreshing, and it’s one of the many reasons the show makes this list.

If you’re looking for this generation’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer, look no further than The CW’s Nancy Drew. It’s the supernatural horror mystery with enough heart to rival any coming-of-age classic.

The series is miraculously able to merge multiple genres seamlessly, keeping you on the edge of your seat while getting you to invest in every one of the Drew Crew Scooby Gang.

When you’re not pining over epic romances and poignantly crafted friendships, you’re furiously trying to put pieces of a story together, hoping this time, to solve the mystery before the infamous Nancy Drew.

You never will, and by the finale’s reveal, you’ll be itching to start back at the very beginning, picking up on all the clues you missed and diving into the whole adventure for a second (and maybe third) time.

After several appearances on other series, the Arrowverse’s version of Clark Kent and Lois Lane finally have their own show. Taking some significant retcons from “Crisis On Infinite Earths,” Superman & Lois follows the couple raising their two teen sons Jonathan and Jordan, in Smallville.

Although Lois and Clark have shown up many times in the past few decades, Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch’s chemistry makes you immediately fall in love with their take on the iconic couple. Jonathan and Jordan’s relationship as twin brothers and the distance Jordan’s powers put between them also adds to the family dynamic.

Supporting characters like Lana Lang Cushing and Smallville Gazzette editor Chrissy Beppo make the show feel like it’s about the town. But, it’s a superhero show that cares about more than just the titular hero. 

A superhero show needs its big bad, and the twists concerning Morgan Edge will shock you. Given all of the huge reveals in Season 1, expectations are high for Season 2.

An alien coming to Earth and realizing humans aren’t so bad is a well-worn sci-fi trope. However, the comedy of Resident Alien makes the premise still worth watching.

Alan Tudyk gives an excellent performance as an alien in disguise Harry as he humorously experiences the oddity of human life. In addition, the ensemble of townspeople who Harry grows to like adds to the show’s fun.

Human experiences encompass the full range of human emotions, from happiness to sorrow. The show proves if an alien set on destroying the world can change, the rest of us can too.

Did we mention there’s a murder mystery? After watching Resident Alien, I think it’s fair to say we need more murder mysteries in sci-fi!

It’s hard to top fighting against unicorns, but Legends of Tomorrow reinvents itself to new heights every season. Season 6 brings the Legends to outer space.

Although the aliens themselves usually aren’t very memorable, the circumstances they create are. So leave it to the Legends to risk the fate of the Earth in a bowling match.

Spooner and Astra, who have had the best friendships on the show since Nate and Ray, join the crew. It’s refreshing to get some new blood after a somewhat stable roster the past few seasons.

The romance between Zari 2.0 and Constantine may break some hearts, but Sara and Ava’s wedding will have you believing in love. Co-captains forever!

Due to a scheduling change by the CW, fans are already enjoying Season 7 of the show. So we’ll never complain about twice the usual amount of Legends of Tomorrow in one year.

The fan-favorite supernatural procedural comedy got a second life on Netflix, but all good things must come to an end eventually. So Lucifer gave a final bow with Season 6, which follows Lucifer taking back his decision to become God and finding a new purpose.

For Deckerstar fans, the series finale is divisive since the couple has to endure another hurdle before being together. They still get their happy ending at the very end, though.

What started as a quirky, odd-couple comedy has become much more meaningful for fans. Finally, after spending so much time with these characters, the show rewards its loyal viewers with a proper goodbye.

Who didn’t shed a few tears when Lucifer had to say goodbye to everyone? Like other shows on this list that ended this year, it will be hard to replace.

Legacies‘ typical monster of the week format is one reason for the outpouring of love for the show. The series has treated fans of the sci-fi/fantasy genre to an array of different monsters over the seasons, including wendigos, mummies, dryads, necromancers, and gargoyles.

Its formatting allows for better exploration of more monsters rather than focusing all of its time on a singular subject. What makes the show so great is the love, family, and breathtaking acting by the wonderful cast.

The show is also proactive with mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ positive stories. For example, right off the bat in the pilot, it’s made known that Josie is pansexual, and from that moment on blossoms a beautiful story about self-acceptance.

When Legacies hits a rough spot plotline-wise, it almost always makes up for it with its superb character progression. As a result, the show is helping tell essential stories and puts marginalized people at the front.

Star Trek: Discovery is boldly taking the classic franchise where it’s never gone before, exploring a galaxy after the fall of the Federation. Jumping 930 years in the future pays off as the show can break out from the confines of being set before the original series.

Original characters like Tilly have shown tremendous growth during their time in the future. In addition, Burnham herself finally reaches the rank of captain, something the show has been setting up since Season 1.

Rebuilding the Federation was just the beginning of making a better future. With a new threat on the horizon, the crew has its work cut out for them.

If you’re ready to fly, the USS Discovery will be waiting.

16. The Flash (The CW)

The arrival of Nora and Bart West-Allen to present-day Central City is one of the best things to happen to The Flash in Season 7 (or ever). Although we loved the original Nora West-Allen, this new version who gets to play the protective big sister (while still teasing her little brother) is even more fun to watch.

Seeing the West-Allen family team up and work together is a blast. Changing Bart to be their son instead of grandson works perfectly as Jordan Fisher fits right in with the cast.

Speaking of the West-Allens, fans finally get the wedding do-over they have been clamoring for this season. We’re wiping tears from our eyes just thinking about that beautiful vow renewal.

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The Flash isn’t slowing down in its eighth season either. The “Armageddon” event currently airing is one of the best Reverse Flash storylines the show has ever done.

17. The Expanse (Prime Video)

If you’re looking for a series to fill the Battlestar Galactica-shaped hole in your heart, look no further than The Expanse. Part-epic space opera and part-political thriller, The Expanse, like any sci-fi show worth its salt, asks us to learn from our history so that we’re not doomed to repeat it.

Set in the 24th century and based on James S.A. Corey’s novels, The Expanse presents a world much different from ours.

Space travel is the new norm, Mars terraforms and boasts a top-tier military, and blue-collar workers known as Belters mine the Asteroid Belt for precious resources.
Often dubbed as “Game of Thrones set in space,” this show explores classism, xenophobia, inequality, and even redemption.

The characters are complex, imperfect, and beautifully acted, with standout performances from Dominique Tipper as Naomi Nagata, Cara Gee as Camina Drummer, and Shohreh Aghdashloo as Chrisjen Avasarala.

Season 5 launches The Expanse into the stratosphere with high-octane action, methodical storytelling, poignant dialogue, and gut-wrenching character work. Marco Inaros, for all of his Shakespearean villain pomposity, will become a character you love to hate. Likewise, Avasarala will become your favorite swearing fashion icon.

18. Wynonna Earp (SyFy)

Fans fought for the fourth season of Wynonna Earp, and the show delivered. The Earps face new enemies while still showing everyone who’s the toughest family in the Ghost River Triangle.

The Clantons prove to be an interesting foe for the Earps and expose a darker side to Wyatt Earp’s legacy. Newcomer Rachel Valdez livens things up and gives Wynonna a run for her money in the sass department. Even Nedley gets plenty of fun scenes.

Topping everything off is the two couples at the show’s center getting a well-deserved happy ending. In a world where queer characters are still regularly killed off, seeing WayHaught make it to the altar will make you cheer. Of course, Wynonna and Doc riding off into the sunset is one of the series’ most perfect moments. 

There will never be another show quite like Wynonna Earp, but it left us plenty of fond memories to hold in our hearts.

19. 4400 (The CW)

A reboot of a 2004 USA Network show about people disappearing without a trace and reappearing decades later, 4400 premiered, ready to take on a changing world and new political landscape.

The show puts BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled storylines front and center.

The returnees come from different decades, bringing a unique perspective and experience. In a short time, the new series has already laid the groundwork for solid storylines that center on the returnees and not the government officials assigned with taking care of them.

Not only does 4400 serve up some solid character-centric storylines, but it also expertly balances them with plot points that keep the viewers engaged. Plenty of answers still need to be revealed about their disappearance, so this is the type of mystery to keep audiences hooked.

20. The Outpost (The CW)

Lesser known than its peers on The CW, The Outpost still gathered a dedicated fan base during its four-season run.

Its magic and world-building set it apart from other series on the network. Protagonist Talon is hard not to root for as she uses her powers to save others.

Despite the cancellation, the series finale wraps up the show satisfyingly instead of leaving fans hanging. Talon and Garret’s journey ends with a wedding and coronation, indicating a promising future.

With the show finished, maybe now is a good time to catch up on what you missed!

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What sci-fi and fantasy shows make your list this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Additional contributions by Lauren Busser, Melody McCune, Allison Nichols, Kat Pettibone, and Cade Taylor.

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