Best Science Fiction TV Shows With Black Characters That You Should Be Watching Now

‘Doctor Who,’ ‘Batwoman,’ ‘Timeless’ and ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ are some of the sci-fi/fantasy series you need to add to your watchlist.

Photo: Getty Images Justin Lubin/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

If you’re looking for new and interesting shows to binge, you can’t go wrong with something in the sci-fi/fantasy category. If you jump in on a series that’s a few years old, you can avoid the frustrating wait fans experienced during the original airing and just binge the entire show in one sitting. To help you narrow down the watchlist we’ve got a cool list of the sci-fi/fantasy series you’ve missed and need to check out.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
5 Best Men’s and 5 Best Women’s Looks from the Met Gala 2025

Doctor Who – Max/Disney+

All you need is one episode of this long-running British staple to become hooked. While every actor puts their own spin on The Doctor, the Timelord always has a mischievous twinkle in their eye that lets you know the bad guys/aliens/monsters never stood a chance. Clear your schedule because this is a surefire binge. Seasons 1-13 of the modern series are available on Max, while the 60th anniversary specials and Season 14 featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the first Black Doctor are on Disney+.

Timeless – Hulu

If you look up the term “underrated gem” in the dictionary there will be a video of the NBC time travel drama “Timeless.” The mythology gets a little out of hand here, but the chemistry among lead actors Abigail Spencer, Matt Lanter and Malcolm Barrett is endlessly fun. Plus the individual time travel episodes provide a fascinating, alternate glimpse at history.

Batwoman – Max

After star Ruby Rose exited the series, “Batwoman” started fresh in Season 2 with new character, Ryan Wilder. Adding a Black woman to the well-known Bat canon gave writers a chance to explore stories and areas of Gotham City that we’d never seen before. Ryan added a captivating new element to the Bat-Family.

‘Krypton’ – Prime Video

There have been a million Superman stories. “Krypton” took things in a different direction by focusing on Kal-El’s grandfather and rewriting the hero’s history to make General Zod a Black man. It’s a shame we didn’t get more than two seasons of this series, because it would’ve been great to see where the drama took the Man of Steel.

‘Misfits’ – Prime Video

In this wacky British drama, five teenage delinquents are struck by lightning while serving community service and wake up with superpowers. The series uses drama, comedy, horror, action and romance to highlight the characters’ growth and their bond. This is a really fun binge, and also extremely British, so you might need subtitles.

Anne Rice’s ‘Interview With the Vampire’ – AMC+

The popular vampire universe takes a fresh turn in the AMC series starring Jacob Anderson as Louis. His Blackness is just as important as his vampire life, creating a new world for the franchise.

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ – Paramount+

The entire “Star Trek” franchise is available on Paramount+, but one of the most interesting entries is the prequel series “Strange New Worlds.” It takes place before “The Original Series,” showing how the Enterprise crew came together before Captain Kirk commanded the ship.

‘Being Human’ – Prime Video

A vampire, werewolf and ghost make unlikely roommates in this addictive British drama. Once you start it, you will be completely engrossed in the mythology. Go ahead and block out a whole weekend.

‘Jericho’ – Paramount+

Considering the current political climate this post-apocalyptic drama may hit a little too close to home, but it’s so good. After nuclear bombs explode, regular Americans are forced to start over in a new world that doesn’t run on the same rules it used to.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ – Disney+

The newest show on the list follows young Percy Jackson and his friends as they go up against a star-studded roster of Greek gods. This is an entertaining, cool show for the whole family to binge together, something we don’t see a lot of these days.

‘Stargate Atlantis’ – Hulu

If you want to see Jason Momoa before he was Aquaman, and check out a fascinating series about an international team of heroes fighting aliens, this is the one for you.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ – Hulu

Obviously, you probably haven’t missed “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” It’s one of the most popular shows of all-time. However, we weren’t about to make a list of sci-fi/fantasy series without including it.

‘Angel’ – Hulu

When you’re done binging “Buffy” you can get started on the spinoff “Angel.” The vampires and monsters follow the same rules, but it is a little weirder than the original. Probably because it’s set in LA.

‘Lucifer’ – Netflix

The devil decides to leave Hell for the more interesting pastures of Los Angeles and ends up solving crimes with a detective. That’s the short version of “Lucifer.” The long version features an ever-changing mythology that keeps viewers guessing right up until the final scene. This is the Lay’s Potato Chips of TV shows. You can’t watch just one.

‘Grimm’ – Peacock

It’s well known that the Grimm Fairy Tales are much darker than more kid-friendly adaptations. “Grimm” takes it a step further with some of literature most famous stories including monsters that have to be killed.

‘Raising Dion’ – Netflix

When a young Black boy develops superpowers, it’s up to his mother to keep him safe and show him the right path. This is another fresh take on the genre that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ – Netflix

The “Power Rangers” franchise has had countless teams of teenagers fighting giant monsters and robots, but none will ever be as fun as the OG “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” Plus, if you kids want to binge the series, you don’t have to be home in front of your TV every day like we did in the ‘90s.

‘Black Lightning’ – Netflix

What makes “Black Lightning” so entertaining is that Jefferson Pierce, his family, friends and enemies are so unapologetically Black. His dedication to the culture is key to his heroics.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Usher and Bieber Oscar Fight, Druski's White Grandad: How to Spot These Deepfake News Stories

Usher and Bieber Oscar Fight, Druski’s White Grandad: How to Spot These Deepfake News Stories

To help you sharpen your digital defenses and separate fact from fiction, we are debunking viral “news” stories that were entirely fake …
6 Dangerous Health Conditions Affecting Black America and What To Do

6 Dangerous Health Conditions Affecting Black America and What To Do

Health issues in Black communities are influenced by social, environmental, and genetic factors. Understanding and managing these conditions is key to staying healthy …
How Economics is Pushing Some Black Celebrities to Take Refuge in the MAGA Movement

How Economics is Pushing Some Black Celebrities to Take Refuge in the MAGA Movement

A growing number of Black celebrities are aligning themselves with the MAGA movement, but it’s more about economics and staying relevant than politics …
Folks Online Are Losing Their Minds Seeing Blue Ivy and Tina Knowles At The New Cécred Launch

Folks Online Are Losing Their Minds Seeing Blue Ivy and Tina Knowles At The New Cécred Launch

Fans online are going crazy after seeing Blue Ivy at Cécred’s latest launch event …
K. Michelle Makes Shocking Revelation About Her Relationship With R. Kelly

K. Michelle Makes Shocking Revelation About Her Relationship With R. Kelly

K. Michelle is sharing new details about the nature of her relationship with disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly, and what she has to say might surprise you! …
Could Trump Be Removed Under the 25th Amendment?  5 Things You Should Know

Could Trump Be Removed Under the 25th Amendment? 5 Things You Should Know

With questions swirling about President Trump’s recent behavior, people are wondering if the 25th Amendment could play a role in addressing concerns about presidential fitness and stability …
Lil' Rel Reacts to Katt Williams Calling Him Out in Netflix Special, His Clapback Has Fans Crying

Lil’ Rel Reacts to Katt Williams Calling Him Out in Netflix Special, His Clapback Has Fans Crying

Lil’ Rel addresses being called out in Katt Williams’ ‘The Last Report’ comedy special and delivers a hilarious, viral clapback on stage …
Why Marvin Sapp's New Wife's Comments About Their Wedding Are Sparking Internet Backlash

Why Marvin Sapp’s New Wife’s Comments About Their Wedding Are Sparking Internet Backlash

While gospel singer Marvin Sapp may be in good spirits about his recent marriage, folks online aren’t feeling the love, thanks to his new wife’s latest comments! …
Professor: Black Man, Before You Sip That White Wine in Public, Know You Annoy Us

Professor: Black Man, Before You Sip That White Wine in Public, Know You Annoy Us

This Black professor has sparked a spirited debate with a theory about a specific—and, in his view, irritating —social phenomenon: the Black man who exclusively or prominently opts for white wine …
These Black Leaders Call for Trump’s Removal Amid US-Iran Ceasefire Backlash

These Black Leaders Call for Trump’s Removal Amid US-Iran Ceasefire Backlash

Black political leaders are responding to Trump’s abrupt Iran ceasefire with sharp criticism and urgent calls for his removal, including invoking the 25th Amendment …
New Development in Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty Kidnapping Case

New Development in Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty Kidnapping Case

Lawyers for Pooh Shiesty and the other alleged suspects in the Gucci Mane kidnapping and robbery are now speaking out about what transpired right before the rapper’s arrest …
Shannon Sharpe’s “18 and Out” Rule Sparks Heated Debate: Tough Love or Unrealistic Standard?

Shannon Sharpe’s “18 and Out” Rule Sparks Heated Debate: Tough Love or Unrealistic Standard?

While Shannon Sharpe said kids should be out 30 days after turning 18, folks feel rising costs and financial pressures make this tough-love approach unrealistic—and a recipe for disaster …
Tokyo Toni's Shocking Statement That Brought the FBI to Her Door

Tokyo Toni’s Shocking Statement That Brought the FBI to Her Door

A viral video captures the moment federal agents confront Tokyo Toni over alarming comments about Blac Chyna, adding another layer to their ongoing family drama …
Rapper Monaleo Updates Fans on Her Health After Losing Ovary, Fallopian Tube

Rapper Monaleo Updates Fans on Her Health After Losing Ovary, Fallopian Tube

Monaleo is finally speaking to her fans and letting folks know how she’s been faring since her shocking health emergency in March 2026 …
Why Chicago Inmates Are Dying Over Scraps of Paper

Why Chicago Inmates Are Dying Over Scraps of Paper

After lethal drug-laced paper claimed multiple lives in a Chicago jail, authorities say the invisible threat could be more lethal than the crack epidemic …
Inside the Olympic Love Story of Newlyweds Noah Lyles, Junelle Bromfield

Inside the Olympic Love Story of Newlyweds Noah Lyles, Junelle Bromfield

Congratulations are in order for Olympians Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield, who have just tied the knot! …
Stop Giving Women a Bad Rap for Leaving Toxic Relationships!

Stop Giving Women a Bad Rap for Leaving Toxic Relationships!

Khloé Kardashian opens up in Netflix’s ‘Untold: The Death and Life of Lamar Odom’ about the toll of staying in a toxic marriage, sparking a discussion on why women are shamed for leaving harmful relationships …
Lamar Odom's New Comments About Khloé Kardashian That Have the Internet Dragging Him

Lamar Odom’s New Comments About Khloé Kardashian That Have the Internet Dragging Him

Lamar Odom is back in the hot seat online and this time, it all revolves around his comments about his ex-wife Khloé Kardashian and his own father …
Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win

Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win

Professor: Black men face higher risk, earlier diagnoses, and deadlier outcomes. The truth is clear and the solution is simple …
Why a Forth Worth Man Trying to Protect the Kids in His Neighborhood is Now Facing Prison Time

Why a Forth Worth Man Trying to Protect the Kids in His Neighborhood is Now Facing Prison Time

While a Fort Worth community is calling Marckus Renfro a hero, prosecutors are deeming him a criminal after he allegedly shot an accused pedophile …