After five seasons spanning nearly a decade, the Duffer Brothers' genre-bending sci-fi series Stranger Things finally concluded in 2025. The show amassed a massive global fanbase and spawned a successful franchise. Yet, for all its influence and popularity, the writing wasn't always top-notch. If you're ready to venture beyond Hawkins, the multiverse of TV science fiction offers plenty of high-concept, brilliantly written series that reach far greater storytelling heights. Here's our curated list of eight phenomenal sci-fi shows with writing that leaves Stranger Things in the dust.
1. 'Dark' (2017–2020)
Netflix's first German-language original, Dark is a sci-fi mystery thriller from creators Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. Set in the small town of Winden, the story follows four families unraveling a child's disappearance, exposing fractured relationships and dark secrets that spiral into a complex time-travel mystery spanning four generations. The ensemble cast includes Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, and Moritz Jahn.
With a non-linear, puzzle-like narrative, Dark blends philosophical horror, sci-fi mystery, and character drama to explore existentialism, free will versus fate, and time-travel paradoxes. Every aspect—from production to performances—is intense and intricate, making it a modern sci-fi gem that rewards attentive viewers.
2. 'Westworld' (2016–2022)
Created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Westworld is a dystopian sci-fi Western based on Michael Crichton's 1973 film. It centers on a Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android “hosts” who cater to wealthy guests. When the hosts malfunction, Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood) leads a rebellion. The cast also features Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Angela Sarafyan, and Ed Harris.
Blending classic Western and cyberpunk aesthetics, Westworld tackles existentialism, morality, artificial consciousness, and free will versus programming. Its narrative defies traditional sci-fi conventions, shifting focus from humans to AI protagonists. With nine Emmy Awards for its visual style, score, and effects, it's a highly ambitious series that may become a TV classic.
3. 'Arcane' (2021–2024)
An adult-animated adaptation of League of Legends, Arcane was created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee. It reimagines the stories of sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) as they navigate conflicting loyalties amid the conflict between utopian Piltover and its seedy underbelly, Zaun. The voice cast also includes Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, and Jason Spisak.
Arcane is a masterpiece of refined animation, blending steampunk aesthetics with intricate character stories. Its visual-first approach—featuring well-designed characters, thrilling action, rich color schemes, and surrealist art—makes every episode feel like a cinematic triumph. The series earned multiple Primetime Emmy and Annie Awards.
4. 'Scavengers Reign' (2023)
Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner, Scavengers Reign is an adult-animated sci-fi series based on their Adult Swim short. It follows survivors of a wrecked interstellar cargo ship stranded on an alien planet where the lush environment is both beautiful and deceptively dangerous. The voice cast includes Sunita Mani, Wunmi Mosaku, Alia Shawkat, Bob Stephenson, and Ted Travelstead.
Unlike most sci-fi, Scavengers Reign uses its visual atmosphere as an active storytelling device, employing art, movement, and sound effects as effectively as dialogue. The planet itself becomes a character, exploring the interconnectedness of its inhabitants. This hypnotic, bizarre adventure has been hailed as a cinematic triumph.
5. 'The Expanse' (2015–2022)
Based on James S.A. Corey's novels, The Expanse is a space opera set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. The series follows a disparate group of characters—including a detective, a ship's captain, and a politician—as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace between Earth, Mars, and the Belt. The cast stars Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, and Shohreh Aghdashloo.
With its grounded science, political intrigue, and complex characters, The Expanse delivers some of the best writing in modern sci-fi. It explores themes of colonialism, class struggle, and human nature, earning critical acclaim for its depth and realism.
6. 'Black Mirror' (2011–present)
Created by Charlie Brooker, Black Mirror is an anthology series that examines modern society and the unintended consequences of new technologies. Each standalone episode presents a dark, often satirical take on issues like social media, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. The show features a rotating cast including Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Miley Cyrus.
Black Mirror is renowned for its sharp, thought-provoking writing that holds a mirror to our tech-obsessed world. Episodes like “San Junipero” and “Nosedive” have become cultural touchstones, showcasing the series' ability to blend emotional depth with speculative fiction.
7. 'The Leftovers' (2014–2017)
Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, The Leftovers is a sci-fi drama set three years after a global event called the Sudden Departure, where 2% of the world's population mysteriously vanishes. The series follows the residents of Mapleton, New York, as they grapple with grief, faith, and the search for meaning. The cast includes Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Ann Dowd.
While not traditional sci-fi, The Leftovers uses its supernatural premise to explore profound existential questions. Its writing is deeply emotional and philosophical, earning praise for its character-driven storytelling and haunting atmosphere.
8. 'Devs' (2020)
Created by Alex Garland, Devs is a limited series about a young software engineer, Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno), who investigates the secretive development division of her employer, a quantum computing company. She uncovers a project that can predict the future with absolute certainty, raising questions about free will and determinism. The cast also features Nick Offerman, Jin Ha, and Alison Pill.
Devs is a visually stunning and intellectually ambitious series that blends sci-fi with philosophical thriller elements. Its writing is tight and thought-provoking, exploring themes of fate, technology, and the nature of reality. The series received critical acclaim for its originality and depth.
For more on exceptional storytelling, check out our piece on romance series that outshine Bridgerton's writing or explore vintage horror series that age like fine wine. And if you're still craving more from the Upside Down, read our review of Stranger Things: Tales From '85.
