Sci-Fi Web Series List: Explore New Worlds and Realities

Instead, launch straight into the list.

Sci-Fi Web Series List: Explore New Worlds and Realities

This list curates compelling science fiction web series, offering diverse narratives, innovative concepts, and engaging characters. Each entry provides a brief synopsis, highlights key features, and explains why it’s worth watching. Explore these independent creations and discover new corners of the sci-fi universe.

1. Continuum (2012-2015): A Time-Traveling Cop Drama

Synopsis: Kiera Cameron, a cop from 2077, is accidentally transported to 2012 alongside a group of dangerous terrorists. Stranded in the past, she teams up with a local detective, Carlos Fonnegra, to track down the terrorists and prevent them from altering the timeline while trying to find a way back to her own time.

Key Features: Continuum blends police procedural elements with complex time travel paradoxes. The series explores themes of corporate power, social responsibility, and the potential consequences of technological advancement. Rachel Nichols delivers a strong performance as Kiera, a conflicted character torn between her loyalty to the future and her growing connection to the present. The show’s visual effects, especially considering its budget, are impressive, and the intricate plot keeps viewers guessing.

Why Watch: Continuum offers a thought-provoking take on time travel with compelling characters and a well-developed storyline. Its exploration of political and social issues adds depth to the sci-fi elements, making it more than just a typical action series. The dynamic between Kiera and Carlos provides a compelling human element amidst the futuristic technology and temporal anomalies.

2. Star Trek Continues (2013-2017): A Fan-Made Tribute to Classic Trek

Synopsis: Star Trek Continues is a fan-produced web series that aims to continue the original Star Trek series after its third season, picking up where it left off. Using meticulous attention to detail, the series replicates the visual style, tone, and storytelling of the original show.

Key Features: This series is a love letter to the original Star Trek. The production values are remarkably high for a fan-made project, with impressive set design, costumes, and visual effects that closely mimic the look and feel of the classic series. The cast delivers convincing performances, capturing the essence of the original characters. The stories are well-written and explore themes that are consistent with the original series, such as exploration, diplomacy, and the human condition.

Why Watch: Star Trek Continues is a must-watch for fans of the original Star Trek. It provides a satisfying continuation of the beloved series, offering new adventures and exploring familiar themes in a compelling way. The dedication and passion of the creators are evident in every episode, making it a truly remarkable fan-made production. It satisfies the craving for more classic Trek adventures with a surprising level of authenticity.

3. Carmilla (2014-2016): A Modern Vampire Romance

Synopsis: When her roommate mysteriously disappears, freshman student Laura Hollis investigates and discovers a dark secret hidden within Silas University. She encounters Carmilla Karnstein, a sarcastic and alluring vampire who becomes her reluctant partner in uncovering the truth.

Key Features: Carmilla is a modern adaptation of the classic vampire novella of the same name. The series is known for its witty dialogue, strong female characters, and compelling romance between Laura and Carmilla. The series tackles themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle against oppressive forces. The format, originally presented as vlogs, adds a unique and intimate perspective to the story.

Why Watch: Carmilla is a fun and engaging web series that offers a fresh take on the vampire genre. The chemistry between the lead actresses is undeniable, and the series is full of humor and heart. Its focus on LGBTQ+ representation and strong female characters makes it a refreshing and empowering watch. The short episodes make it easy to binge-watch, and the engaging storyline will keep you hooked.

4. Sanctuary (2007-2011): Cryptozoology Meets Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Dr. Helen Magnus, a brilliant scientist who is over 150 years old, runs the Sanctuary, a network of safe havens for abnormal creatures, known as Abnormals. She and her team, including forensic psychiatrist Dr. Will Zimmerman, travel the world to find, protect, and study these creatures.

Key Features: Sanctuary stands out for its innovative use of green screen technology, creating visually stunning and imaginative environments. The series explores themes of evolution, prejudice, and the responsibility of humanity towards the unknown. Amanda Tapping delivers a captivating performance as Dr. Magnus, a strong and enigmatic character with a hidden past. The show blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, creating a unique and engaging world.

Why Watch: Sanctuary offers a unique blend of cryptozoology and science fiction, with intriguing creatures and a compelling storyline. The visual effects are impressive, especially considering the show’s budget, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The series explores important themes about tolerance and acceptance, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Originally a web series, its success led to a television adaptation.

5. Brown Girls (2017): A Slice-of-Life Drama with Sci-Fi Elements

Synopsis: Brown Girls follows the lives of two young women of color, Leila and Patricia, as they navigate love, friendship, and identity in Chicago. While primarily a slice-of-life drama, the series incorporates subtle science fiction elements, exploring themes of technology, social media, and the future of human connection.

Key Features: Brown Girls is praised for its authentic portrayal of the experiences of young women of color. The series tackles important social issues, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, with sensitivity and nuance. The writing is sharp and witty, and the characters are relatable and complex. The subtle sci-fi elements add a layer of depth to the story, prompting viewers to consider the impact of technology on their lives.

Why Watch: Brown Girls is a groundbreaking web series that offers a fresh and honest perspective on the lives of young women of color. The series is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and its focus on representation and social justice makes it a must-watch. The short episodes are perfect for binge-watching, and the engaging storyline will leave you wanting more.

6. Husbands (2011-2013): A Superhero Marriage Comedy

Synopsis: After accidentally getting married in Vegas, comic book writer Brady and professional baseball player Cheeks must navigate the complexities of their newfound relationship while dealing with the pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Cheeks also happens to be a superhero, adding another layer of complication.

Key Features: Husbands is a witty and irreverent comedy that tackles themes of marriage equality and celebrity culture. The series is known for its fast-paced dialogue, quirky characters, and clever pop culture references. The superhero element adds a fun and unexpected twist to the story. The show features guest appearances from a variety of well-known actors and comedians.

Why Watch: Husbands is a hilarious and heartwarming web series that offers a unique perspective on marriage and relationships. The characters are endearing, and the writing is sharp and insightful. The superhero element adds a fun and unexpected layer to the story, making it a refreshing and entertaining watch. It cleverly uses humor to address serious social issues.

7. High Maintenance (2012-2015 Web Series, later adapted for HBO): A Weed Delivery Anthology

Synopsis: High Maintenance follows “The Guy,” a nameless weed deliveryman, as he makes his rounds in New York City, encountering a diverse cast of characters and offering a glimpse into their lives. While the series is primarily a dramedy, it often incorporates subtle sci-fi elements, exploring themes of technology, isolation, and the search for connection in a hyper-connected world.

Key Features: High Maintenance is known for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of urban life. The series features a diverse cast of characters and explores a wide range of themes, from addiction and mental health to love and loss. The writing is sharp and insightful, and the performances are uniformly excellent. The subtle sci-fi elements add a layer of depth to the story, prompting viewers to consider the impact of technology on their lives.

Why Watch: High Maintenance is a critically acclaimed web series that offers a unique and compelling perspective on urban life. The series is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and its focus on character development and social commentary makes it a must-watch. The short episodes are perfect for binge-watching, and the engaging storyline will leave you wanting more. Its success led to a longer-form adaptation on HBO.

8. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-2013): A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice

Synopsis: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern web series adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, told through the vlog of Lizzie Bennet, a graduate student. The series reimagines the classic story in a contemporary setting, exploring themes of love, family, and social class in the age of social media.

Key Features: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is known for its clever adaptation of the classic novel and its engaging use of social media. The series features strong performances from the cast, particularly Ashley Clements as Lizzie Bennet. The series explores themes of identity, independence, and the challenges of navigating relationships in the digital age