25 Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Shows of 2022

From a twisted take on the elusive “work/life balance” to the large resurgence of vampires and demon slayers, this year’s batch of sci-fi and fantasy TV shows have left fans with no shortage of fun, engaging stories to keep you glued to your screen.

To celebrate the best of the genre, we put together a list of what we consider the best sci-fi and fantasy series to air this year, including Evil, Interview with the Vampire, The Sandman, Severance, and more. These shows stand out for their world-building, character development, and all-around storytelling.

In no particular order, here are Tell-Tale TV’s best sci-fi and fantasy shows of 2022:

1. Evil (Paramount+)

After that wild final scene at the end of last season, Evil Season 3 decided to up the ante, amping up the scares, the dark humor, and the absolute absurdity. With every episode’s slow build of the central puzzle interwoven into the chaos of the case of the week, viewers are treated to surprising twists and turns.

The third season of the supernatural series strengthens its core premise with a further peek into Leland’s machinations, poignant commentary on everything from social media to cults, and a finale bombshell. The season also gave us the gift of more of the Bouchard brood and Sister Andrea’s amazing demon-hunting abilities.

The core cast also continues to manage to make these out their plots land with such talent that viewers find themselves diving further in, eagerly waiting for what’s next.

2. Vampire Academy (Peacock)

2022 seemingly marked the resurgence of the vampire on genre television, bringing a few popular vampire series from the last few decades. Peacock’s Vampire Academy was part of the resurgence.

Based on the young adult genre series of the same name, Vampire Academy gives fans of the book series and newcomers alike a chance to enter the Dominion. The series expands the world of the Moroi and Dhampir and everything in between in a way the prior adaptations couldn’t. Borrowing from all six books in the Vampire Academy series, the show does an excellent job of adding more depth to these characters and shifting timelines enough to keep everyone guessing.

With the picturesque filming locations of Spain and Portugal to build out this world and a young cast ready to bring these characters to life, Vampire Academy is definitely worth a watch.

3. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (The CW)

2022 was the year fans had to say goodbye to DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and with it, we had to say goodbye to the Arrowverse’s most loveable goofballs. Before signing off, though, fans were treated to some fun, sweet, and emotional arcs for the entire team.

The show’s final season was a showcase for the talented cast and helped show fans how far the stories and the characters have come. And nowhere is that more obvious than seeing Sara’s arc from the beginning to this final season, both as a leader and a person. Legends of Tomorrow also cemented its place in the Arrowverse, introducing the verse’s first Ace character.

Though we had to say goodbye to our favorite group of time-traveling misfits, the final season paid tribute to the fans as well. It proved exactly why it’s a critical favorite.

4. The Sandman (Netflix)

The adaptation of the Neil Gaiman graphic novel made its much-anticipated debut on Netflix this year, and it did not disappoint.

The Sandman follows Tom Sturridge’s Dream as he tries to find a way out of the place he’s been imprisoned for over a century. When Dream makes his way through worlds and timelines to set things right, he finds himself coming face to face with characters new and old.

The atmospheric, gripping fantasy series also features an amazing cast, including Boyd Holbrook, Gwendoline Christie, and more, bringing these fantastical personas to life.

5. Warrior Nun (Netflix)

It’s not often that you hear Sci-Fi and Religion mixed in the same sentence, much less to describe one show. This makes Netflix’s Warrior Nun one of the most unique series currently streaming and one of the best Sci-Fi/Fantasy series of 2022.

If Warrior Nun’s first season set the stage for Ava and the Sisters of the Order of the Cruciform Sword, its second season upped the stakes. The filming locations, scenery, stunts, and cinematography rival the production of any of the tentpole fantasy series, making it easy to escape into the world of these badass female characters.

Warrior Nun Season 2 had a more streamlined vision, packing the plot and the action from the beginning. With a tender friends-to-lovers arc for Ava and Beatrice (#Avatrice), culminating in a season-ending cliffhanger, the anticipation is high and hopeful for a (deserved) Season 3 renewal.

6. Stranger Things (Netflix)

After an entirely too-long hiatus, Stranger Things returned, pulling back the curtain on more than a few mysteries and questions fans had.

From a Freddy Kreuger-Esque foe to an epic guitar riff-off and the resurgence of an ’80s pop hit, Stranger Things this year offered fans much while maintaining its grandiosity, nostalgic soul, and most character relationships. But it wasn’t just the kids that made it a worthwhile return — Joyce’s trip to Russia also gave fans Hopper’s return.

Diving into Vecna and bringing the kids back together to try and save Hawkins brings out the best of the series.

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video)

The Tolkien fandom is alive and well with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the latest entry to Middle Earth. This series has given longtime Tolkien fans even more stories to celebrate. It also welcomes new fans into the fold.

While the pacing may be slow for many tastes, it allows the stories to be fully fleshed-out. The new and already-known characters are so delightful to see in this new context.

For fantasy lovers, The Rings of Power tells a classic story of good versus evil and the importance of finding the light even in the darkest places. It’s an escape to a new world, one that we can’t wait to return to.

8. Interview With The Vampire (AMC)

AMC’s Interview with the Vampire is a masterclass on how to do an adaptation for a new generation. The series honors Anne Rice’s original book series, staying true to the themes of the stories while taking creative liberties that make the adaptation even richer and more relevant. The new version centers much of its drama on matters of race, and it does so incredibly well.

Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson embody Lestat and Louis perfectly, while Bailey Bass makes the older version of Claudia a fresh, intriguing character all her own. 

9. House of the Dragon (HBO)

Before the Battle of the Bastards, The Red Wedding, and countless traumatic events surrounding the fight for the Iron Throne on Game of Thrones, there was the birth of the House of the Dragon.

The HBO prequel series represented the return to appointment to television after what feels like a long time, setting the Thrones fandom into a flutter every Sunday night. The return of a dynastic fight, dragons, and a refreshing focus on the female characters’ desires to take over the realm is just what the franchise needed to keep fans hooked and waiting eagerly for more.

10. Astrid & Lilly Save the World (Syfy)

Though gone entirely too soon, Syfy’s one-season run of Astrid & Lilly Save the World brought a lot to the network and is worth viewing for sci-fi and fantasy fans.

When Astrid and Lilly accidentally open up a portal to some alternate dimension filled with nightmarish creatures in the aftermath of a moonlit ritual gone wrong, it’s the pair of friends (and some help from their new demon friend) that have to do the saving. The camp-adjacent tone, balanced mix of typical adolescent problems, and the fun monsters of the week made for an entertaining watch every episode.

It’s refreshing to see the kind of genre television they were making with Astrid & Lilly, excellent examples of body positivity, sex positivity, and totally embracing the life of a modern teenage demon slayer.

11. Andor (Disney+)

Bringing Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor back into the Disney+ fold was a brilliant move following the fervor of Star Wars: Rogue One.

Giving viewers additional insight into the revolutionary we met in the film, Andor follows Cassian through his formative years, marking not only the decisions that radicalized the man but also the shifting environment around him that led to the galaxy we see in the films.

With tight storytelling, compelling characters and remarkable growth for the central cast, and a deeper dive into the extended universe, Andor is a delightful and welcome addition to the verse.

12. Naomi (The CW)

Though Naomi had a slow start, the short-lived addition to the Arrowverse was hitting its stride part way through its freshman season.

The series introduced the world to Naomi McDuffie, played by the fabulous Kaci Walfall, a young woman who comes into her power while navigating life balance as a super-powered hero and a teenager. What made this show stand out among the landscape is that it managed to tackle difficult, real-world subjects in a way that does not come off as preachy.

Further, it showed fans that you don’t need special powers to step out into the world and try to make a change.

13. La Brea (NBC)

Broadcast television sometimes feels like an entirely different beast, especially regarding their general intolerance for genre television. That’s why it was initially surprising to see NBC not only support La Brea but give it another season to thrive in its mad-cap premise.

Following two groups in the aftermath of some members falling through a sinkhole, transporting them to the past. Depending on only each other to get them through life in two different time periods, there’s no shortage of wild special effects, situations, and chances for the characters to grow.

14. Paper Girls (Prime Video)

Adapting a book or graphic novel for the screen is always sure to draw skepticism and criticism from the biggest fans. But with Prime Video’s Paper Girls, newcomers and fans alike have rallied around the series.

Following a group of paper girls out on their route one Halloween morning in 1988, the girls are caught in the crossfire between fighting time travelers opening up the universe, and the concept of time, and altering their perspectives forever.

Despite the time travel aspect of the series, the special and most stand-out moments are the ones that take advantage and the amazing opportunities for these girls to see how things turn. The central premise remains focused on telling the story of girlhood.

15. Severance (Apple TV+)

The Apple TV+ critically adored series Severance manages to turn the aspect of finally separating the professional from the personal to an eerie, terrifying level.

Taking a unique approach to telling a story about work/life balance, couching it in an eerie tale at Lumon Indutries’ severed department, the series follows Mark, played by Adam Scott, as he goes from living his life as a severed worker to unfurling a web of intrigue and conspiracies surrounding him.

Fascinatingly shot and featuring a wonderfully talented cast, Severance is one of the best and most refreshing sci-fi series 2022 has had to offer.

16. The Orville: New Horizons (Hulu)

With its move to Hulu and its long-awaited return, The Orville: New Horizons offers the best the series has had to offer. The newest season comes following a multi-year hiatus as the series moved from FOX, but it proved to be well worth the wait.

The satire pays homage to Star Trek in some obvious, very witty ways, with plenty of humor and heart. The Orville: New Horizons tackles timely, important topics with intelligent storytelling and fantastic performances.

17. Quantum Leap (NBC)

It’s not easy to reboot a show that could be best described as a cult classic, so NBC’s latest revival of Quantum Leap had its work cut out for them. But through its first half of the season has managed to find its angle that makes for a compelling watch beyond reliance on the original’s cult classic status.

Starring Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song, Quantum Leap follows Dr. Song as he works to revive the long-defunct program. When he uses the program to leap to the rescue of a friend, he soon finds himself as the test subject that will help keep the program going.

Filled with fun references to its original series, and homages to cultural touchstones like The Exorcist, it’s been a great time seeing the show stand out.

18. Reginald The Vampire (Syfy)

Who knew vampires would make a comeback in 2022? This year has yielded a crop of new shows geared toward our favorite bloodsucking creatures of the night. Syfy’s Reginald the Vampire joins those ranks, with the ever-charming Jacob Batalon spearheading an equally charming cast of characters.

Based on the book series Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant, the show follows Reginald (Batalon), an endearing Slushy Shack employee who becomes a vampire. Reginald must navigate the discriminatory vampire elite, who favors “blemish-free” vamps in their community while figuring out how to live as a supernatural creature.

The series tackles everything from fatphobia and body image to embracing what makes you unique. It’s wholesome, heartwarming, and so sweet you might get a toothache. Reginald the Vampire is a rarity among genre TV in that it’s more character-driven than plot-driven, and that’s beautiful.

19. The Man Who Fell To Earth (Showtime)

The Man Who Fell to Earth, despite its less than stellar start, offers an interesting perspective on what it means to be human through the eyes of a being seeking help to sustain their entire species.

Following Farraday, played by the phenomenal Chiwetel Ejiofor, an alien who arrives on Earth on a mission to try and save his own kind by seeking out the one person they believe could provide the answer. Buoyed by a cast that includes Naomie Harris, Rob Delaney, and Jimmi Simpson, who bring these characters to life in a way that had viewers enthralled by the story.

Paired with clever nods to David Bowie songs and the original film starring the late rock icon, The Man Who Fell to Earth combines the old with the new in a grounded and heartwarming way while addressing pressing current issues without overwhelming the viewer.

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

While most of the newer tales the Star Trek universe has taken to observations on the darker, harrowing aspects of space travel through their use of edgier cinematography, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds seems to rely on its originator’s tone.

Opting to go The Original Series route as far as the ship and the uniforms, Strange New Worlds takes that nostalgic look and feel and translates it into its premise and arcs. Looking at the journey, the crew sets out with a more optimistic view.

With a stellar cast including Rebecca Romijn, Celia Rose Gooding, Ethan Peck, and Anson Mount, among many joining Captain Christopher Pike on the U.S.S. Enterprise, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is yet another delightful entry in the Star Trek verse.

21. Let the Right One In (Showtime)

Adding to the list of vampire adaptations this year is Let the Right One In, and this one has an entirely different take on vampire mythology. Based on the original Swedish novel and film, the series centers on Mark and his daughter Eleanor whose lives were changed 10 years earlier when she was turned into a vampire.

Mark’s life mission is to find the creature that changed her so he can find a cure, all while doing whatever he has to keep his daughter fed. Eleanor, on the other hand, just wants something resembling a regular life, and that includes making a friend. 

It’s a story that’s filled with suspense and emotion, powerful performances, and lots of surprises. 

22. The Boys (Prime Video)

The Boys Season 3 pushed boundaries even more than usual as it welcomed several new Supes, including the infamous Soldier Boy played by Jenson Ackles. The season tackled important political topics head-on while showing Homelander to be even more of a villain than he was before.

The season also featured the much-anticipated Herogasm episode, which held absolutely nothing back. With smart writing and a wickedly talented cast, the superhero series remains as entertaining, crude, and gruesome as ever. 

23. Wednesday (Netflix)

Wednesday delivered a YA spin on the Addams family, following Wednesday as she enrolls in Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. As she tries to endure the torture of Nevermore, Wednesday finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, and she’s determined to uncover the truth.

Jenna Ortega does a phenomenal job as Wednesday. She manages to capture the essence of the character while also updating her. She even choreographed Wednesday’s dance scene on Wednesday Season 1 Episode 4, “Woe What a Night.”

Wednesday captured our hearts and exceeded expectations. We’re dying for a chance to return for another semester at Nevermore.

24. Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform)

Motherland: Fort Salem is a series revolving around witches like any other. While it was short-lived due to its cancellation after the third season, it will forever be one of the best series Freeform has ever produced.

With it revolving around a matriarchal world, queer representation, high-octane fight scenes, mounds of lore to explore, and a wickedly talented cast on and off screen, Motherland: Fort Salem exceeded expectations with each passing episode and season.

Fans of the series can only hope another network will decide to renew it for a fourth season and allow for further world-building. Eliot Laurence, the creator, envisioning the series going for six or seven seasons makes sense because three seasons only scratched the surface of what was planned and the lengths the series could have gone.

25. For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

For All Mankind on Apple TV+ heads into new territory with its third season: a mission to Mars. The series explores what might have happened had the race to the moon gone differently, heading into the future and showing progression for each character along the way.

The series is nothing if not thought-provoking in the way it addresses science and prepares to send astronauts to the moon, but the drama between the characters is the most interesting part of the story that’s being told.

These are characters we care about deeply as we watch them compete with one another and put their lives on the line for the sake of exploring a new frontier. It’s absolutely riveting television.

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What are your favorite sci-fi and fantasy shows from this year? Share them in the comments below!

*Additional Contributions by Allison Nichols, Ashley Bissette Sumerel, Justine Kraemer, Cade Taylor, Marissa Crenwelge, and Melody McCune

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