Science fiction is having a major moment on television. Streaming services are competing to create the best sci-fi shows, and we’re seeing a noticeable move away from fantasy and toward this genre. From animated series and superhero stories to epic space adventures and realistic dramas, sci-fi is now a consistent source of passionate fans and popular culture trends.
I’m really excited about what’s coming in 2026! It feels like things are about to speed up with both familiar favorites and totally fresh ideas. Seeing studios like Marvel, DC, and Lucasfilm expanding into TV shows on top of their movies is a great way to get fans like me even more hyped. And it’s not just those big names – sci-fi in general is really pushing boundaries and finding new ways to tell amazing stories on TV.
Trigun Stargaze (Crunchyroll)
Building on the popularity of Trigun Stampede, Trigun Stargaze explores the themes and unique style of the Trigun world in a more complex and thought-provoking way. As the concluding part of the 2023 reboot, Stargaze picks up after the events of Stampede, continuing the story of Vash Stampede, a peaceful gunslinger striving for peace on the harsh planet known as No Man’s Land.
The recent remake of Trigun Stampede by Studio Orange was a big hit, so fans are really excited about what’s coming next, especially to see how the main character, Vash, develops his beliefs about peace. To prepare everyone for the new series, Crunchyroll is making the original Stampede available to watch for free on YouTube from January 6th to 13th.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+)
Set in the 32nd century, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows the lives of cadets as they train to become the future leaders of the Federation. The series combines the excitement of young adult stories with the hopeful spirit of classic Star Trek.
Developed by Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau, this series feels right at home within the growing world of Star Trek on Paramount+. Viewers are excited about the show’s focus on the Academy, which explores the core ideals of Star Trek by showing how they’re taught to new recruits, instead of focusing on the usual space battles and experienced captains.
The Beauty (FX / Hulu)
The Beauty is a horror and science fiction series based on the Image Comics book of the same name. It takes place in a world where a disease spread through sexual contact can make people physically perfect, but at a terrible cost. The show explores themes of beauty, power, and obsession through disturbing imagery and science fiction ideas.
Ryan Murphy, the creator of shows like American Horror Story and Nip/Tuck, is known for his dramatic and visually striking style. Fans are hoping this new series will focus more on its thought-provoking themes and less on simply trying to shock the audience with scary moments.
Wonder Man (Disney+)
In 2026, Marvel will expand its universe with new shows for streaming. The first is Wonder Man, which tells the story of Simon Williams, an actor and stuntman whose life falls apart before he unexpectedly gains superpowers from a new technology.
Created by Destin Daniel Cretton, the series features Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, known for his role in Watchmen, as the main character. Given the varying reactions to some recent Marvel shows, viewers believe Wonder Man‘s success depends on Marvel effectively blending humor and exciting sci-fi elements while still focusing on the character’s emotional journey.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (Disney+)
Image via Star Wars
Following the success of shows like The Mandalorian and Andor, Maul – Shadow Lord continues the Star Wars story. It delves into Darth Maul’s journey to becoming a powerful crime boss after the events of The Clone Wars, enriching the Star Wars universe with a detailed criminal underworld and mixing sci-fi adventure with the thrills of a crime drama.
As a huge Star Wars fan, I’m really excited about this! Lucasfilm Animation is tackling a new project focusing on Darth Maul, and it’s fantastic they’re building on his already massive fanbase. Even better, Sam Witwer is back to voice him – he really is Maul, having done the character in other Star Wars shows. From what I understand, this isn’t just a quick appearance; they’re planning a deep dive into what makes him such a fascinating and compelling villain.
Lanterns (HBO)
Following the positive response to shows like Peacemaker and Superman in 2025, DC and HBO are preparing their next major series for the first chapter of the DCU, titled ‘Gods and Monsters.’ Lanterns will center on Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder on Earth, which leads them to uncover deeper, more unsettling secrets.
The upcoming film ‘Lanterns’ stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, and Nathan Fillion will appear as Guy Gardner. However, Ryan Reynolds, who previously played Green Lantern, and his special effects-heavy costume aren’t expected to be in it. Given the history of ‘Green Lantern’ movies, fans are hopeful but taking a wait-and-see approach to the new direction.
Spider-Noir (MGM+/ Prime Video)
The animated Marvel series Spider-Noir, a gritty, detective-style take on Spider-Man, is becoming a live-action show. Even better, Nicolas Cage will return to play the character of Ben Reilly, Spider-Man in this universe. Set in 1930s New York, the show follows Ben as a detective and will have a distinct vintage look, with viewers able to choose between watching in color or classic black and white.
Early looks at Spider-Noir suggest it will be visually stunning. The art style is reminiscent of Frank Miller’s work, particularly Sin City. This version of Spider-Man promises a unique and inventive take on the superhero genre, offering something truly different from typical stories.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 (Netflix)
Netflix
The world of Stranger Things is expanding with a new animated series called Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. The Duffer Brothers, who created the original show, are producing this new installment and have collaborated with Netflix Animation to create a visual style reminiscent of classic 1980s cartoons.
Netflix has announced a new animated series called Tales from ’85, set between seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things. While the show will feature characters fans already know, they’ll be voiced by a different group of actors. As the live-action Stranger Things series wraps up with its fifth season, this offers a fresh way to keep exploring the world of Hawkins and the Upside Down.
VisionQuest (Disney+)
We’re finally getting a continuation of Vision’s story after WandaVision with the new series VisionQuest. Paul Bettany returns as Vision, who is trying to remember who he is and reconnect with his human side. Unlike some other Marvel TV shows that focus on action, VisionQuest promises to be a more deliberate and reflective series, building on the themes and story established in WandaVision.
Marvel Studios is trying a new approach with its upcoming project, VisionQuest, focusing more on character-driven stories than big action sequences, so it’s natural to be hopeful but reserved. Details are still limited, but rumors about James Spader returning as Ultron are fueling a lot of discussion among fans.
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2025-12-27 03:40