Apple TV's Neuromancer is just around the corner, and sci-fi fans are buzzing. But with nearly three months to go, there's plenty of time to dive into other great series that will get you in the mood. The small screen has become a haven for ambitious sci-fi, thanks to streaming budgets and a love for adapting beloved books. If you're counting down the days until Case and Molly's heist, these five shows are perfect companions.
William Gibson's 1984 novel Neuromancer practically invented cyberpunk, introducing terms like "cyberspace" and shaping everything from The Matrix to Altered Carbon. But this list goes beyond cyberpunk to find shows that share its gritty, thought-provoking DNA—stories that don't shy away from dark truths but also find hope in the chaos.
Foundation
While Foundation is space opera, not cyberpunk, it's a spiritual cousin to Neuromancer. Adapted from Isaac Asimov's seminal novels, it's one of Apple TV's biggest productions, and its success hints at how the streamer might handle Neuromancer. Showrunners David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman have taken bold liberties with the source material, and it's paid off—expect a similar approach with Gibson's work.
The series unfolds in a distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy, but the empire is crumbling. A brilliant scientist devises a way to foresee the collapse and shorten the coming dark age. It's a sprawling tale that spans centuries and planets, perfect for fans of epic, intelligent sci-fi.
3 Body Problem
Netflix's 3 Body Problem is a genre-blending adaptation of Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy. It's a brutal look at first contact with an alien civilization, exploring the terrifying implications of interstellar communication. The show premiered in 2024, and while Season 2 is expected in 2026, it's already filmed—so you can binge this now and have new episodes waiting after Neuromancer wraps.
Silo
Apple TV's Silo is a dystopian mystery that shares Neuromancer's love for secrets and survival. Humanity lives in a massive underground silo, but the truth about why they're there and what's outside is carefully hidden. The show excels at teasing out these mysteries, making it a must-watch for fans of conspiracies and near-future sci-fi. It may not be cyberpunk, but its tech and set design have a gritty, tactile feel that will resonate.
Cowboy Bebop
For pure style, nothing beats Cowboy Bebop. The anime is a cyberpunk-infused space western following bounty hunters across the solar system. It's only 26 episodes, so it's a perfect binge before Neuromancer. The live-action adaptation on Netflix is also worth a look, but the original anime remains the definitive version.
Westworld
Finally, HBO's Westworld is the closest thing to Neuromancer on TV. It reimagines a dystopian theme park where AI hosts rebel against their creators, exploring themes of consciousness, free will, and the nature of reality. It's a mind-bending, visually stunning series that will leave you questioning everything—just like Gibson's work.
These five shows offer a perfect primer for Neuromancer. Whether you're into epic space operas or gritty cyberpunk, there's something here to keep you occupied until January. And if you're looking for more sci-fi, check out our list of top Netflix thrillers or HBO's best mystery series.
