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
Scary On-Air Incident During News Broadcast Finally Explained

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

Black Celebrity Siblings You Probably Didn't Know Were Related

Black Celebrity Siblings You Probably Didn’t Know Were Related

To commemorate National Siblings Day, lets take a look at some of our fave Black celeb siblings pairings! …
Shadiest Posts Trump's Made on Social Media

Shadiest Posts Trump’s Made on Social Media

From jabs towards Iran to questionable AI-generated images of himself as a king, Trump uses social media every… single… day …
Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Alleged Racial Bias that Led to a Black Man on Death Row

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Alleged Racial Bias that Led to a Black Man on Death Row

A now-retired Mississippi DA is at the center of the case before the Supreme Court alleging racial discrimination …
The Truth About the New Stage in Trump's Immigration Crackdown

The Truth About the New Stage in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Bombshell headlines surrounding DHS and ICE have quieted… But is that all a part of Trump’s greater plan? …
Professor: Why Jay-Z Is Wrong. Black People Need More Than Just A Seat At The Table.

Professor: Why Jay-Z Is Wrong. Black People Need More Than Just A Seat At The Table.

OPINION: Jay Z Says a business that Black people own 1% of should be called Black owned. That sounds good until you realize it buys you almost no power …
New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

According to a new report, promised funding for Black-led nonprofits ended sooner than expected, and the consequences are alarming …
Black Pastor Charged With Manslaughter After Deadly Backyard Baptism

Black Pastor Charged With Manslaughter After Deadly Backyard Baptism

British Pastor Cheryl Bartley was charged Wednesday after 61-year-old Robert Smith drowned during a backyard baptism …
EXCLUSIVE: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page Just Said the Quiet Part Out Loud About Love

EXCLUSIVE: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page Just Said the Quiet Part Out Loud About Love

The Root spoke with Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page ahead of the release of their new romcom, ‘You, Me & Tuscany,’ which is out in theaters on April 10! …
Chick-fil-A Worker Finds $10K ... And Then This Happened

Chick-fil-A Worker Finds $10K … And Then This Happened

A Chick-fil-A employee in North Carolina returned nearly $10,000 he found on Good Friday, saying his faith and values made keeping the money unthinkable …
How Dr. Dre Finally Became a Billionaire

How Dr. Dre Finally Became a Billionaire

Dr. Dre has officially reached billionaire status. Here’s exactly how he did it! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
New Black Bridgerton Cast Has the Internet Shook In the Best Way!

New Black Bridgerton Cast Has the Internet Shook In the Best Way!

There’s about to be a whole lot of Black excellence in ‘Bridgerton’ season 5 thanks to a handful of new faces. And folks online can’t get enough! …
New Developments in the Tiger Woods DUI Case

New Developments in the Tiger Woods DUI Case

The gold legend is facing two misdemeanor charges in Florida following a single-rollover car crash in March …
A VA Black Mega Church Donated $1 Million to Keep Local Residents in Their Homes

A VA Black Mega Church Donated $1 Million to Keep Local Residents in Their Homes

In a stunning partnership with the mayor of Alexandria, Alfred Street Baptist Church has stepped up and paid off debts for hundreds of public housing residents …
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! …