So you’ve binged through all the latest terrestrial TV shows and you’re looking for something out of this world to stream next. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. There are some fantastic intergalactic TV shows out there waiting to transport you to distant planets and parallel dimensions.
Whether you’re in the mood for gritty space operas, wacky alien comedies or mind-bending parallel universe dramas, you’re sure to find something otherworldly on this list to satisfy your science fiction cravings. From beloved cult classics to big-budget blockbusters, here are 10 of the best alien and space-themed TV shows available to stream right now.

The X-Files – A Sci-Fi Classic
If you dig creepy conspiracies and unsolved mysteries, The X-Files is a must-watch. This sci-fi classic originally aired in the ‘90s and followed FBI special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated strange and chilling cases known as “X-Files”.
Mulder is a believer in the paranormal and supernatural, while Scully is a sceptic and scientist. Their contrasting views create tension and chemistry as they work to uncover the truth about aliens, monsters, and government cover-ups. The show is dark, gritty, and will leave you questioning what’s really out there.

Stargate SG-1 – Exploring the Universe through the Stargate
Stargate SG-1 is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan. This show chronicles the adventures of the Stargate program, an organization that uses an ancient alien device called a Stargate to explore the galaxy.
Through the Stargate, teams travel to distant planets in our universe. The flagship team, SG-1, discovers advanced alien civilizations, encounters dangerous adversaries like the Goa’uld, and allies with friendly aliens like the Asgard.

Firefly – Space Cowboys on the Final Frontier
Firefly follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity as they travel across the galaxy, taking on a variety of misfits, outlaws, and jobs to try and make a living and stay flying. Set in the year 2517, Firefly provides a glimpse into a future where humanity has populated a new star system and tensions are rising between the wealthy core worlds and the poorer outer planets.
Captain Mal Reynolds and his crew inhabit the spaceship Serenity, taking odd jobs and heists to make ends meet, all while avoiding the controlling Alliance government. The ensemble cast of nine main characters provides lots of humour and heart. From the charming con man Jayne to the prim and proper companion Inara, the crew comes together despite their differences.

Battlestar Galactica – Humanity’s Fight for Survival
Battlestar Galactica follows the crew of the Galactica, a spaceship acting as the last refuge for humanity after the Cylons destroyed the Twelve Colonies. Led by Commander William Adama and President Laura Roslin, the fleet is on a desperate search for the fabled lost colony of Earth.
This sci-fi series is a reimagining of the 1978 show of the same name. It features realistic space travel, political intrigue, and complex characters. The Cylons, humanity’s greatest threat, come in two forms: the human-looking “skinjobs” and the robotic Centurions. Both are nearly indistinguishable from humans, creating constant paranoia and suspense.

Doctor Who – Traveling Into Space and Time
The BBC’s Doctor Who is a legendary science fiction series that originally aired from 1963 to 1989, then was revived in 2005. It chronicles the adventures of an alien Time Lord called “the Doctor” who travels through space and time in his TARDIS.
In this whimsical show, the Doctor zips around the universe with various companions, fighting evil and righting wrongs. The TARDIS – which stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space – is his trusty spaceship shaped like a blue British police box. Though it looks small, its inside is immense. The Doctor is able to travel anywhere in space and time, which leads to escapades in alien worlds, different time periods of Earth’s history, and more.

Resident Alien – An Alien in Plain Sight
Resident Alien follows Harry, an alien who crash lands on Earth and assumes the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor. While hiding in plain sight, he begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of humans and their strange ways.
This quirky science fiction show originally aired in 2021 and has already gained a cult following. Alan Tudyk plays the role of Harry Vanderspeigle, the alien in disguise. His comedic timing and witty observations about human behaviour make the show both heartwarming and hilarious.

Roswell – Aliens in High School
Roswell follows the residents of Roswell, New Mexico, as they cover up the existence of aliens who live among them. The show is based on the Roswell High book series, which in turn was inspired by the supposed 1947 Roswell UFO incident.
In Roswell, aliens crash-landed in 1947 and were taken in by humans. The aliens now appear human and attend high school, where they struggle to keep their true identities secret. The show follows teens Liz Parker and Max Evans, two of the aliens in human form. Max must use his alien powers to save Liz’s life after she is shot in a café, which reveals the truth about the aliens to her. Liz and her friends then work to protect the aliens’ secret.

Mork & Mindy – Hilarious Alien Comedy
Mork & Mindy was a zany late ‘70s sitcom starring Robin Williams as Mork, an alien from the planet Ork, and Pam Dawber as Mindy, his human friend. Mork is sent to observe human behaviour and report back to Orson, his grumpy superior.
Mork dresses in a red suit, lives in a giant egg-shaped spaceship and comes to Earth in a smaller egg-shaped spaceship. His greeting is “Na-Nu Na-Nu” and he often ends conversations with “Shazbot!” Mork has difficulty understanding human customs and metaphors, leading to comedic misunderstandings and situations. Despite the cultural clashes, Mork and Mindy become close friends.
Star-Crossed – An Alien Love Story
The CW’s Star-Crossed follows a familiar Romeo and Juliet-inspired storyline of forbidden love but gives it an extraterrestrial twist. Set in the small town of Edendale, the series chronicles the brewing romance between Emery, a human teen girl, and Roman, an alien boy. Though their two races have been integrated for 10 years, tensions still run high.
Roman is among a group of Atrians, an advanced alien civilization, who were brought to Earth as refugees. They now live segregated in a militarized sector. Emery first met Roman when she was 6 years old and helped rescue him after he escaped from the sector. Now, as teenagers in high school together, those old sparks reignite into a star-crossed love. But prejudices and politics threaten to keep them apart.

Lightning Point – Family-Friendly Sci-fi Show
Another must-watch intergalactic show is Lightning Point, an Australian science fiction TV series aimed at tweens and teens. Set in the coastal town of Lightning Point, the show follows the adventures of two teenage aliens named Zoey and Kiki who are stranded on Earth. They disguise themselves as human high school students while trying to repair their spaceship to return home.
Lightning Point has a great premise with lots of comedic moments as Zoey and Kiki struggle to adapt to human culture and hide their alien identities. The show tackles issues around friendship, relationships and finding your identity as a teen – all while featuring an exciting sci-fi twist. Although mainly aimed at kids and families, Lightning Point is still highly entertaining for all ages.
There we have it, our list of 10 best sci-fi shows. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below:
Hey Linda, there are many to choose from. Great suggestions!
You left out Farscape. One of my favorites, Lost Girl too.