The 10 Best Sci-Fi Shows, 10 Things to Learn ASAP, A New Web3 Course, & More
Future Essentials - Edition 45
According to Yuval Noah Harari, “Science fiction is the most important artistic genre. It shapes the understanding of the public on things like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which are likely to change our lives and society more than anything else in the coming decades.”
This week, I’ve curated a list of the 10 best sci-fi shows for your summer entertainment and enlightenment.
Enjoy!
Misha
What you’re getting in this edition:
10 things you need to learn (starting today)
A new web3 course that could change your game
The 10 best sci-fi shows to watch
A poll.
10 things you need to learn (starting today)
Read it here: 10 things you need learn (starting today)
A new web3 course that could change your game & your life.
This 3-day course for the more sophisticated web3/crypto user will up your game and position you as key player in the ecosystem.
You will:
Gain a deeper understanding of the overarching concepts and underlying technologies
Network with top thought leaders
Build powerful new connections
Become a core part of creating the new internet.
Learn more and enroll here: Become a Web3 Master
The 10 Best Sci-Fi Shows to Watch Right Now
1. SILO (2023)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 10 | Average Run Time: 55 minutes
Creators: Graham Yost, Morten Tyldum, Hugh Howey, and Rebecca Ferguson
Cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Common, Rashida Jones, Avi Nash, Tim Robbins
In a desolate and contaminated future, a vast subterranean silo becomes the refuge for thousands of inhabitants. This underground haven houses the remnants of humanity, struggling to survive amidst ruins and toxicity. However, the delicate balance is shattered when the silo's sheriff, breaking a cardinal rule, triggers a series of mysterious deaths.
Enter Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson), a skilled engineer within the silo. As the unsettling events unfold, she finds herself drawn into a dark web of secrets that shroud the silo's history. What sets this series apart is its unique blend of dystopian elements and a captivating noir narrative, reminiscent of Hitchcock's thrillers. WATCH
2. SEVERANCE (2022-Present)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 9 | Average Run Time: 48 minutes
Creator/s: Dan Erickson
Cast: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Christopher Walken
Severance delves into the lives of a tightly-knit team of office workers who undergo a groundbreaking medical procedure, one that effectively severs their personal memories from their professional ones. As they grapple with this radical change, a series of peculiar and unsettling events start to unfold within the workplace. Fueled by curiosity and a sense of foreboding, they embark on an investigation that leads them to the shocking revelation of a dark and sinister truth lurking behind the facade of the seemingly ordinary company they work for.
The premise alone is intriguing, capturing your attention from the start. But what truly sets this show apart is its masterful ability to craft gripping suspense, leaving you absolutely glued to your screen. Each episode unfurls new layers of mystery, driving you to immerse yourself deeper into the characters' unraveling journey. WATCH
3. FOUNDATION (2021-Present)
Seasons: 2 Episode Count: 13 (and counting) | Average Run Time: 50 minutes
Creator/s: Davids S.Goyer and Josh Friedman
Cast: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Laura Birn
Foundation draws loose inspiration from a remarkable series of books penned by the legendary Isaac Asimov. Set against the backdrop of a disintegrating galactic empire, the show chronicles the plight of a civilization teetering on the edge of annihilation. Within this turbulent cosmos, a group of exiles emerges, bound together by a shared purpose – to safeguard and perpetuate their culture, holding onto the glimmer of hope for a future where they can rebuild what has been lost.
Central to the show's allure are the compelling and richly developed character arcs that unfold, immersing viewers in their struggles, triumphs, and inner conflicts. Each character contributes to the intricate tapestry of the narrative, making it an enthralling experience to follow their journeys. WATCH
4. FOR ALL MANKIND (2019-Present)
Seasons: 3 | Episode Count: 30 | Average Run Time: 55 minutes
Creator/s: Ronald D.Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi
Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Sarah Jones, Shantel VanSanten, Jodi Balfour
In the backdrop of the renowned Space Race that gripped the Soviet Union and the United States, For All Mankind ventures into an alternate reality, speculating on how history could have unfolded differently. While the race to land on the moon was ultimately won by the US in our reality, this captivating show dares to explore an intriguing twist, presenting an alternative outcome to one of the most iconic events of the 20th century.
Imagine a world where the Soviets achieve the historic feat of being the first to reach the moon, shifting the balance of the Space Race. The series ingeniously crafts a narrative around this hypothetical scenario, delving into the intricate consequences and ripple effects that would follow such a momentous achievement. WATCH
5. DR. BRAIN (2021-Present)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 6 | Average Run Time: 60 minutes
Creator/s: Kim Jee-woon
Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Yoo-young, Park Hee-soon, Seo Ji-hye, Lee Jae-won
In the mind-bending series, Dr. Brain, a brilliant brain scientist faces a devastating loss when his family perishes under suspicious circumstances. Driven by a desperate need to uncover the truth, he takes extraordinary measures, syncing his mind with the deceased to tap into their memories for crucial clues. However, as he delves deeper into the enigma, the lines blur between his own recollections and those he extracts, leading to perilous consequences. With its gripping plotline and captivating premise, Dr. Brain takes viewers on a trippy and thrilling journey that is simply unmissable! WATCH
6. HELLO TOMORROW! (2023-)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 10 | Average Run Time: 30 minutes
Creators: Amit Bhalla and Lucas Jansen
Cast: Billy Crudup, Hank Azaria, Haneefah Wood, Alison Pill, Nicholas Podany
Hello Tomorrow presents a unique blend, reminiscent of Fallout, Death of a Salesman, and Mad Men, within a retro-futuristic setting. Following the charismatic traveling salesman, Jack Billings (Billy Crudup), who operates a business offering moon timeshares, the series takes unexpected turns as secrets unravel. Nothing is as it appears, and when Jack attempts to mend his fractured relationship with his estranged son, Joey (Nicholas Podany), he risks everything he has built. Crudup's impeccable portrayal perfectly suits the role, complemented by a dedicated supporting cast. With its nostalgic production design, gripping family drama, and an enticing sense of mystery, Hello Tomorrow is an underrated gem, deserving of greater recognition. WATCH
7. AMAZING STORIES (2020)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 5 | Average Run Time: 52 minutes
Creator/s: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, Hailey Kilgore, Robert Forster, Josh Holloway
Amazing Stories, an anthology series based on the 1985 original, serves as a treasure trove of wonderfully imaginative tales, inviting the audience on a captivating adventure. With its five distinct episodes, each story holds its own charm and allure, ranging from heartwarming time-traveling romances to enigmatic paranormal mysteries. The show boasts a brilliant assembly of characters and intricately woven plotlines that cater to a diverse range of tastes, making it a captivating and inclusive experience for all viewers. WATCH
8. EXTRAPOLATIONS (2023-Present)
Seasons: 1 Episode Count: 8 | Average Run Time: 51 minutes
Creator/s: Scott Z. Burns
Cast: Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Kit Harington, Edward Norton, Diane Lane
Extrapolations, an anthology series, expertly weaves narratives of the future, projected from the present, emphasizing the profound impact of climate change on our ecosystem and the world we inhabit. As a thought-provoking work of science fiction, it delivers a crucial social message, urging us to contemplate the potential consequences of our actions. Amidst its ambitious storytelling, the show artfully captures intimate and heartfelt moments of humanity, reminding us of our shared vulnerabilities and strengths. Garnering praise from critics and boasting a star-studded cast, Extrapolations stands as an important and timely production, offering a powerful voice with meaningful insights to share. WATCH
9. CALLS (2021)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 9 | Average Run Time: 20 minutes
Creator/s: Fede Álvarez
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Rosario Dawson, Lily Collins, Nick Jonas
Calls is a gripping series of short stories that delves into the lives of diverse individuals leading up to an apocalyptic event. Each character is haunted by a disturbing and enigmatic phone call, leaving them bewildered and unable to fathom its origins. In this unique audio drama, the absence of visual scenes is replaced by powerful audio visualizations, immersing the audience in an intense narrative that straddles the line between psychological thriller and science fiction. Prepare to be enthralled by this audio experience. WATCH
10. INVASION (2021-Present)
Seasons: 1 | Episode Count: 10 | Average Run Time: 55 minutes
Creator/s: Simon Kinberg and David Weil
Cast: Sam Neill, Golshifteh Farahani, Shamier Anderson, Shioli Kutsuna, Firas Nassar
Co-created by Simon Kinberg (Dark Phoenix) and David Weil (Hunters), Invasion introduces a riveting narrative that centers around five individuals facing the daunting challenge of surviving an alien assault on Earth. As the invasion disrupts their lives, each character must grapple with the unfathomable reality thrust upon them and swiftly adapt to ensure their survival. From a steadfast small-town sheriff to a resilient Navy SEAL and a fiercely protective mother, the series compellingly portrays the lengths to which people will go to endure the unimaginable.
Amidst the harrowing circumstances, Invasion also underscores the profound significance of hope, revealing how it can become an indispensable force in the struggle for survival. Prepare to be immersed in a gripping tale of human resilience and determination in the face of an extraterrestrial threat. WATCH
TLDR:
Silo
Severance
Foundation
For All Mankind
Dr. Brain
Hello Tomorrow!
Amazing Stories
Extrapolations
Calls
Invasion
Which of these have you already watched? Share your thoughts in the comments.
I’d put foundation as Number One.
There’s also a podcast that provides additional background information. Worthwhile!
https://overcast.fm/+zqqt_rBpI