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
Why Black-Owned Businesses Face Bigger Risks in a Global Trade War

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

Lamar Odom’s Fall: From NBA Champ to Khloé Kardashian’s Heartbreak

Lamar Odom’s Fall: From NBA Champ to Khloé Kardashian’s Heartbreak

The complicated marriage between Lamar Odom and Khloé Kardshian is back in the spotlight thanks to a new documentary. Let’s take a look at their rocky history …
Inside the Unnecessary Renovations Trump Is Making to the White House

Inside the Unnecessary Renovations Trump Is Making to the White House

Here’s all of the changes Trump’s made to the White House in his second term, including his controversial ballroom construction …
Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Victor Glover will be the first Black American astronaut to reach the moon… And he’s the pilot! …
Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

‘Scary Movie’ star Regina Hall is opening up about a particularly interesting time in her life and what led to her almost becoming a nun! …
Why Black Folks Should Participant in the Black Census Project

Why Black Folks Should Participant in the Black Census Project

With four years until the national census, leaders are urging Black folks to make their voices heard after the third launch of the Black Census Project …
Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

The shift isn’t about skill. It’s about how the game is being taught …
Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Norwood is finally opening up about the relationship she shared with Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris. And the details are as eye-opening as you’d expect! …
White Influencer's Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model's Photo

White Influencer’s Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model’s Photo

You’ll never guess what Lauren Blake Boultier, a white influencer, blamed after she allegedly stole a Black model’s photo in a bizarre Photoshop fail …
Olandria's New Sports Illustrated Feature & Red Carpet Slayings Prove She's Here to Stay!

Olandria’s New Sports Illustrated Feature & Red Carpet Slayings Prove She’s Here to Stay!

Olandria Carthen may have gained fame from ‘Love Island,’ but she’s clearly here to stay for a long time. Let’s talk about it! …
Legal Defense Fund Head: Trump's Birthright Citizenship Challenge Is a Danger to Black Americans

Legal Defense Fund Head: Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Challenge Is a Danger to Black Americans

The Root spoke with the president of the Legal Defense Fund on what Black Americans should brace for ahead of the Supreme Court’s case on birthright citizenship …
New Study Links 'Everywhere Chemicals' Found in Plastics to 2 Million Premature Births

New Study Links ‘Everywhere Chemicals’ Found in Plastics to 2 Million Premature Births

In a study covering more than 200 countries, researchers traced two plastic-based chemicals to approximately 2 million early births and 74,000 infant deaths in 2018 alone …
Black NJ Congresswoman Speaks On Facing 17 Years in Prison for Visiting ICE Detainees

Black NJ Congresswoman Speaks On Facing 17 Years in Prison for Visiting ICE Detainees

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. LaMonica McIver, who is facing up to 17 years behind bars stemming from a legally protected visit to an ICE detention facility”, speaks to The Root …
Inside FKA Twigs, Shia LaBeouf's Relationship Drama

Inside FKA Twigs, Shia LaBeouf’s Relationship Drama

From the beginning of their relationship in 2018 to now, FKA twigs and Shia LaBeouf have been embroiled in a legal and public back and forth. Let’s dig into the latest! …
Amber Rose Wants White People to Be Able to Say the N-Word Without Consequence...Here's Why

Amber Rose Wants White People to Be Able to Say the N-Word Without Consequence…Here’s Why

Amber Rose says she allows her kids to curse because they have free speech, AND that white people should say the N-word…and the backlash was swift …
Why 'Paradise' Season Two Finale Has Fans So Shook!

Why ‘Paradise’ Season Two Finale Has Fans So Shook!

The season two finale of Sterling K. Brown’s ‘Paradise’ has folks all over social media talking—and for good reason. Let’s get into it! …
NBA Player Fired Over Anti-LGBTQ Pride Month Comments Sparks Free Speech Debate

NBA Player Fired Over Anti-LGBTQ Pride Month Comments Sparks Free Speech Debate

In a heated debate over religion vs. policy, the Chicago Bulls just waived Jaden Ivey for speaking out about the NBA’s pride nights …
Why Every Black American Must Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight This Week

Why Every Black American Must Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight This Week

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on President Trump’s attempt to axe the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing citizenship for the descendants of slavery …
Tisha Campbell Explains Why She'll Always 'Protect' Martin Lawrence, But the Internet Has Questions

Tisha Campbell Explains Why She’ll Always ‘Protect’ Martin Lawrence, But the Internet Has Questions

Tisha Campbell may have more positive feelings for her former costar Martin Lawrence now, but some folks online aren’t buying it. Let’s get into why! …
House Democrat Seeks Reparations for Immigrants Impacted By Trump's Policies

House Democrat Seeks Reparations for Immigrants Impacted By Trump’s Policies

Rep. Pramila Jayapal calls for reparations for immigrant families tramatized by Trump’s mass deportation policy …
Black Virginia Family Finds Army Discharge Papers That Unlock a Mother's Secret WWII Legacy

Black Virginia Family Finds Army Discharge Papers That Unlock a Mother’s Secret WWII Legacy

Stacy Brown and her family had no idea that her mother was one of more than 800 women assigned to the only all-Black female battalion during World War II …