Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect time to swap your sunglasses for a starship viewport. Whether you’re craving high-stakes drama or futuristic thrills, these shows promise a binge-worthy escape.
Murderbot (Apple TV+ – available now)
If you haven’t befriended everyone’s favourite reluctant security android, now’s your moment. Based on Martha Wells’s acclaimed novels, Murderbot combines razor-sharp wit with existential musings as our antihero finds itself torn between programmed duties and a secret craving for freedom. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an impressive 92% “fresh” score—no wonder I found myself glued to the screen past midnight during my first marathon.
Ironheart (Disney+ – available now)
Following in Tony Stark’s formidable footsteps, Riri Williams blasts onto the scene in Ironheart. This six-episode run sees the teenage MIT dropout turn scraps into armour, with Marvel-level action and heart to spare. Praised by IGN as “a dazzling new hero origin,” the show’s tight pacing and fresh perspective make it perfect for a fast-paced summer thrill.
Foundation – Season 3 (Apple TV+ – from July 11)
Apple TV+’s epic adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s seminal saga returns on July 11. Season three propels us 152 years into the future as the crumbling Cleon Empire faces the mysterious rise of the Mule. With grandiose sets and weighty political intrigue, Foundation remains a galactic spectacle—yet I admit I shed a tear when a single planet’s fate hung in cosmic balance.
The Institute (MGM+ – from July 13)
For those who like their sci-fi with a side of chills, The Institute arrives July 13 on MGM+. Inspired by Stephen King’s darker visions, this series thrusts superpowered children into a world far more sinister than any classroom. As Variety reports, the show “redefines paranormal terror”—perfect for fans who prefer their future with a dash of dread.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 3 (Paramount+ – from July 17)
Captain Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise warp back into our lives on July 17. Now in its third season, Strange New Worlds promises genre-hopping adventures—from tender romances in alien gardens to laugh-out-loud comedic detours. It’s no surprise Paramount+ teases that each episode will feel like its very own mini-film, making this a must-watch for classic Trek enthusiasts.
Alien: Earth (Hulu/FX – from August 12)
Mark your calendars for August 12, when Alien: Earth lands exclusively on Hulu/FX. This prequel digs into the terrifying first contact on our home planet—long before Ellen Ripley’s fateful journey. With FX’s reputation for boundary-pushing horror and The Hollywood Reporter hailing it “a masterclass in suspense,” this series is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
No matter which universe suits your summer mood—be it android angst or outer-space odysseys—these six series guarantee your evenings will never be dull again. So grab your favourite snack, dim the lights, and prepare for a cosmic adventure.