Must-Watch Sci-Fi Thrillers Similar to Extant

Description: A reimagined space opera dealing with AI rebellion, survival of humanity, and profound questions about what makes us human, with strong religious and philosophical undertones.

Fact: The miniseries that launched the reboot was originally meant as a one-off event but was so successful it spawned four seasons. It popularized the 'fracking' substitute swear word.

Description: A high-concept sci-fi series examining artificial consciousness, free will, and the nature of reality through the lens of a futuristic theme park.

Fact: The show's title sequence changes subtly each episode to reflect the evolving narrative. It holds the record for HBO's most-watched first season of any original series.

Description: A sci-fi procedural blending parallel universes, fringe science, and government conspiracies, with an overarching mystery about the nature of reality.

Fact: The show featured subtle changes in its opening credits and color palette to signify which universe a scene was taking place in. It pioneered the 'mythology episode' format later used by many shows.

Description: An alternate history exploring a world where the Axis powers won WWII, delving into resistance movements, the nature of reality, and the power of media.

Fact: Based on Philip K. Dick's novel, the series features authentic period details and languages. The opening credits sequence won an Emmy for its haunting imagery.

Description: A thriller exploring human cloning, identity, and corporate conspiracy, with a strong female lead navigating a web of secrets and ethical dilemmas.

Fact: Tatiana Maslany played over a dozen clones throughout the series, often acting opposite herself in complex scenes. The show won a Peabody Award for its innovative storytelling.

Description: A post-apocalyptic sci-fi series exploring survival, human morality, and the consequences of technological advancements, with a strong focus on character-driven drama.

Fact: Originally based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The show was praised for its diverse cast and complex female characters.

Description: A profound exploration of grief and meaning in the aftermath of a global disappearance event, blending supernatural elements with deep psychological drama.

Fact: Based on Tom Perrotta's novel, the series famously never explained its central mystery. The haunting theme song was composed by Max Richter.

Description: A hard sci-fi series delving into political intrigue, human colonization of space, and mysterious alien technology, blending detective noir with grand-scale space opera.

Fact: The series was saved from cancellation by fan campaigns, leading Amazon to pick it up for additional seasons. It's known for its realistic physics in space scenes.

Description: A near-future drama about occupation and resistance, examining collaboration versus rebellion under oppressive rule, with mysterious alien overlords pulling strings.

Fact: Created by Carlton Cuse, who also worked on Lost. The show was noted for its timely themes about occupation and resistance in an era of political upheaval.

Description: A time-travel series focusing on consciousness transfer and the ethical dilemmas of changing the past to save the future, with a strong ensemble cast.

Fact: The show was created by Brad Wright, co-creator of Stargate SG-It features a unique approach to time travel where characters take over bodies of people about to die.