Science fiction, that exquisite genre dancing on the precipice of imagination, unfortunately finds itself shackled by the finite offerings of HBO Max. The crux of the issue? A distinct absence of new sci-fi series, with the last month yielding nada.
In a rather sad evolution of content curation, we’ve been compelled to resurrect two canceled series from the depths of obscurity: Avenue 5 and Scavenger’s Reign— our only glimmers of sci-fi hope this month.
As a result, Watch With Us proudly includes both series in our essential guide to must-see sci-fi shows currently available on HBO Max. A comprehensive look at our recommendations follows below.
Craving more suggestions? Peruse our list of the Top New Movies Across Streaming Platforms, or check out the Best of Amazon Prime Video, Top Picks on Hulu, and the Must-Watch Films on Netflix.
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Avenue 5, a rare entry into HBO’s sci-fi domain blended with comedy, boasts the flair of Armando Iannucci, the mind behind Veep. The show features Hugh Laurie as Ryan Clark, captain of the luxurious spaceship Avenue 5. Along for the ride, Josh Gad plays the extravagant billionaire Herman Judd.
What starts as a typical interstellar cruise descends into chaos when an unexpected accident sees the ship lose its way—years away from Earth, and with a captain as useful as a lifebuoy in a desert. They’ll need to act quickly; supplies for a mere eight weeks hang in the balance.
Avenue 5 is now streaming on HBO Max.
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If the name of your starship invokes the ill-fated Bram Stoker classic Dracula, perhaps it’s time for a rethink. In this ambitious endeavor, Scavenger’s Reign dives deep into the realms of adult animation.
We follow the beleaguered crew of the Demeter 227, marooned on an alien world, Vesta—lush and stunning, yet not particularly friendly. Humanity’s arrival could bring about dire consequences, shaping the very world they hope to conquer.
Scavenger’s Reign is available for streaming on HBO Max.
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Peacemaker is one of those elusive DC treasures surviving the cinematic reboot waves; John Cena returns to his role as Chris Smith. In the midst of an alien invasion, our reluctant hero grapples with the ghosts of his past.
Season 2 sees familiar faces reunite, including Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), John Economos (Steve Agee), and Vigilante (Freddie Stroma). As threats loom large, Chris explores a multiverse where dreams might just come true—or utterly unravel.
Peacemaker is streaming on HBO Max.
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Originally branded as a kid-friendly spin-off, Batman Beyond boldly ventured into innovative narratives. Set in an advanced Gotham City, long after Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy) hung up his cape, it follows teenager Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle). Discovering Bruce’s hidden legacy, Terry takes on the mantle of Batman, tackling conspiracies rooted deeply within Wayne Industries.
As Bruce mentors this new hero, the dynamic of confrontations evolves, revealing generational foes along the way.
Batman Beyond is available for streaming on HBO Max.
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Dafne Keen delivers an enthralling performance in HBO’s adaptation of Philip Pullman‘s His Dark Materials, bridging the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Keen plays Lyra Belacqua, a pivotal character in a cosmic battle for existence.
Ward of her uncle, Lord Asriel (James McAvoy), her journey leads her to the enigmatic Mrs. Coulter (Ruth Wilson), whose intentions are cloaked in mystery. As Lyra’s destiny unfolds, she must escape and traverse alternate worlds.
His Dark Materials is streaming on HBO Max.
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From the renowned creator of Cowboy Bebop, ShinichirĹŤ Watanabe introduces Lazarus, a thrilling anime that explores a seemingly utopian future. Humanity revels in the benefits of Hapna, a miracle drug, until its enigmatic creator, Dr. Deniz Skinner (David Matranga), reveals a chilling twist: his creation comes with a fatal caveat.
As Axel Gilberto (Jack Stansbury) and a band of outlaws race against time to locate him, the stakes escalate dramatically, each step fraught with danger.
Lazarus is streaming on HBO Max.
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Fans of the contemporary Dune films will find a feast in Dune: Prophecy, a series set 10,000 years earlier, exploring the clandestine origins of the Bene Gesserit, a group wielding immense power across the galaxy.
Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams) endeavor to safeguard humanity while grappling with betrayals within their ranks. The drama echoes with the gravitas of Game of Thrones, focused on the intricacies of political warfare.
Dune: Prophecy is streaming on HBO Max.
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Revitalizing an overused trope, The Last of Us brilliantly resurrected the zombie genre earlier this year. The series, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, adeptly translates the sentiments of the iconic game into a haunting tale of survival across a desolate America.
The recently launched Season 2 dives into the darker realms of the sequel’s narrative, featuring Ellis’ maturation in her newfound teens, now faced with novel challenges and characters, paving the way for even more emotional depth.
The Last of Us is streaming on HBO Max.
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Noah Wyle, widely lauded for his roles over the years, finds himself in a peculiar setting in Falling Skies, where remnants of humanity struggle against an alien takeover.
As Tom Mason leads his motley crew against the Espheni invaders, he faces not just external foes but also stark internal conflicts, charting a complex narrative of survival and human resilience amidst absurdities.
Falling Skies is streaming on HBO Max.
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Mainstreaming the supernatural, Paradise tells the story of three missing girls against the nostalgia of early 90s Spain. With the narrative echoing shades of Stranger Things, it captivates viewers through its gripping mystery.
Javi (Pau Gimeno) and his friends venture into a chilling investigation, offering an exploration of friendship in the face of extraordinary circumstances. The series, spanning two seasons, kept audiences engaged with its unraveling threads of intrigue.
Paradise is streaming on HBO Max.
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Not your traditional superhero squad, Doom Patrol brings together a band of misfits led by Timothy Dalton as Niles Caulder. When he’s abducted, the team must navigate their own complexities while embarking on a mission to rescue him.
The show’s essence, filled with eccentricities—from a sentient street to apocalyptic threats—offers a wild, unpredictable journey that’s as humorous as it is absurd. It questions the definition of heroism, ensuring itself a unique spot on the TV landscape.
Doom Patrol is streaming on HBO Max.
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