10 TV Shows To Watch If You Like Project Hail Mary

“Project Hail Mary” is one of the most beloved movies of 2026, and it has science fiction fans yearning for more projects filled with creativity, striking visuals, and heart and humor. While there are plenty of films that meet those requirements, some people want to be immersed in other worlds for much longer than two hours and 36 minutes. Thankfully, there are plenty of television shows that can scratch that “Project Hail Mary” itch.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, “Project Hail Mary” is based on the book of the same name by Andy Weir. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school teacher and former molecular biologist who is given the unlikely task of saving Earth. While alone in space, he encounters and befriends an alien named Rocky. Their friendship is, at its core, what makes “Project Hail Mary” so special — and there are plenty of sci-fi shows with relationships that are equally compelling. 

The technical aspects are also a standout part of “Project Hail Mary.” There was a time when TV budgets could not match the spectacle provided by feature films, but that has changed thanks to the streaming era. While many television fans miss the days when genre shows had 22-episode seasons, the trade-off is getting quality visuals. This list provides recommendations that span decades, and the recent shows are a feast for the eyes. Whether you are searching for sci-fi that focuses on world-ending threats, uses complicated science, has emotional beats, laughs, or even incredibly designed puppets, here are ten TV recommendations.

For All Mankind

“For All Mankind” is an alternate history series that begins with the Soviet Union landing on the moon before the United States, kickstarting a lengthy space race. Fans of “Project Hail Mary” will enjoy the series due to its science-forward storytelling. Despite being completely fictional, both tales are very much rooted in real-world science with a focus on relatable human drama. “For All Mankind” also spans across decades, allowing viewers to become even more engrossed in an alternate reality than “Project Hail Mary.”

The series was first released on Apple TV+ in 2019 and begins in a modified version of 1969. The project was created by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi. At the time of this writing, “For All Mankind” has run for five seasons with a sixth and final season expected to debut in 2027. It also spawned a spin-off series, “Star City,” which debuted on Apple in 2026 and focuses on the Soviet Union.

“For All Mankind” might also appeal to “Project Hail Mary” fans seeking an even more immersive sci-fi experience. In fact, it stands apart from other shows on this list for having Emmy-winning companion experiences. In 2021, it won Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Programming for For All Mankind: Time Capsule, an interactive augmented reality experience and narrative companion app. It also won Outstanding Emerging Media Program for Season 3 Experience, a companion multimedia project by Apple. You may not actually make it to space, but you can still pretend to be like Ryland Grace!

Farscape

“Farscape” debuted in 1999 and ran for four seasons on the Nine Network in Australia and the Sci-Fi Channel (now SYFY) in the United States. The series was created by Rockne S. O’Bannon and starred Ben Browder as John Crichton, an International Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut who accidentally gets sucked through a wormhole and taken across the universe. While he gets lost in space like Ryland Grace, the best thing “Farscape” has in common with “Project Hail Mary” is its puppets.

“Farscape” was co-produced by The Jim Henson Company, with Brian Henson serving as an executive producer and directing a handful of episodes. This collaboration led to some of the coolest practical creature designs in TV history, which is partly why the ’90s sci-fi show still holds up today. Two of the main characters, Rygel (voiced by Jonathan Hardy) and Pilot (voiced by Lani Tupu), were animatronic puppets created by the Henson Creature Shop. Like Rocky in “Project Hail Mary,” it took a team to bring these aliens to life via practical methods.

In addition to Crichton, the show followed many memorable characters who embarked on bizarre quests as they attempted to locate their respective homes. Everything about “Farscape” is creative and unique, just like “Project Hail Mary.” The series was meant to run for five seasons, but was abruptly canceled. Thankfully, the story was able to conclude in the two-part miniseries “Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars.”

Foundation

Like “Project Hail Mary,” “Foundation” is adapted from the page — in this case, Isaac Asimov’s novel series “Foundation.” The show is a complex sci-fi story set in a distant future where clones known as the Genetic Dynasty rule the galaxy. Fans of “Project Hail Mary” will appreciate the show’s use of intricate science and math, particularly those who have read Andy Weir’s book. The “Foundation” TV show veers from Asimov’s books in many ways, especially when it comes to character focus and action, but many agree it helps the series be more compelling. “Project Hail Mary” readers made similar observations about the film adaptation.

Created for television by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman, “Foundation” is the prime example of what sci-fi television is capable of with a massive budget. The show was greenlit thanks to a one-sentence pitch. “It’s a 1,000-year chess game between Hari Seldon and the Empire,” Goyer told Apple . Seldon is a mathematician who devises an algorithmic science that predicts the future, most notably the collapse of the Empire

“Foundation” debuted on Apple TV+ in 2021 and has had three seasons on the streamer. The series was renewed for a fourth season, but at the time of writing, it does not yet have a release date. The show features a stacked cast, which includes fan-favorites such as Jared Harris and Lee Pace as well as fresh faces like Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey, who earned a BAFTA nomination for their role. The show has also earned three Emmy nominations, including one for Visual Effects in 2026.

Firefly

“Firefly” is arguably the most beloved series ever to run for only one season. Created by Joss Whedon and showrun by Tim Minear, the sci-fi western reinvented how the genre could be perceived on television. “Firefly” followed a group of nine outcasts living together on a spaceship, doing their best to avoid the authoritarian regime known as the Alliance, all while having fun misadventures. Just like “Project Hail Mary,” the show mixed the space genre with lots of humor and gave us characters to cherish forever.

There’s a heavy emphasis on close friendships in “Firefly,” similar to how “Project Hail Mary” focuses on the dynamic between Ryland Grace and Rocky, as well as great romances, hilarious frenemy relationships, a special sibling bond, and some complicated and intricate partnerships based on mutual respect. The series first aired on Fox in 2002, but the network never gave the show a fighting chance. It was scrapped before they had even finished filming, but the cast and crew still had to complete the season.

After its cancellation, “Firefly” won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for the episode “Serenity” in 2003. Its acclaim ultimately meant viewers weren’t left totally unsatisfied. In 2005, Whedon directed a follow-up film, “Serenity,” which gave fans some closure. There were also “Serenity” comics released by Dark Horse between 2005 and 2017, with more comics set in the universe released by BOOM! Studios from 2018 onwards. As of 2026, the cast is also trying to revive the series in animated form.

The Expanse

Often described as “Game of Thrones” in space, “The Expanse” is arguably the best sci-fi show to come out of the 2010s. The series is set in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System, and the balance between the main factions begins to unravel after the discovery of an ancient, alien technology known as the “protomolecule,” which threatens all human life. Like “Project Hail Mary,” the series uses realistic science to combat the world-ending threat. Even though the show takes place roughly 300 years after “Project Hail Mary” is set, there’s a similar sense of realism in both projects.

Fans love “The Expanse” for its world-building as well as its complicated characters, who often operate in morally ambiguous ways. You may not root for all of them in quite the same way you root for the affable Ryland Grace, but you will certainly be equally invested in their journeys. 

Like many shows on this list, “The Expanse” was based on a book series of the same name. Originally Corey (the pen name of writing duo Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), “The Expanse” was adapted for television by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby. The series first aired on SYFY in 2015 and ran for three seasons before being canceled by the network. It was later saved by Amazon, where it received three more seasons before coming to an end in 2022

Battlestar Galactica

“Battlestar Galactica” is set in a distant star system facing extinction due to Cylons, sentient cybernetic beings who have evolved far beyond their human creators. Much like “Project Hail Mary,” the series is about saving humanity from this disastrous fate. While Ryland Grace is trying to rescue Earth, the people in “Battlestar Galactica” are trying to find it. The show’s episodes are full of intrigue and excitement, featuring many lovable characters you cannot help but root for despite their faults. The cast included big names such as Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, and more.

“Battlestar Galactica” was developed by Ronald D. Moore and debuted on the Sci-Fi Channel (now SYFY) in 2003. The series was a reimagining of the media franchise created by Glen A. Larson, which began with the original series of the same name in 1978 on ABC. The 2000s version marked the rare occasion in which a remake was better received than the original. The new version of “Battlestar Galactica” began with a miniseries, which launched four successful seasons of television.

Just like “Project Hail Mary,” the show proved that cerebral sci-fi could appeal to the masses. During its run, the 2000s version of “Battlestar Galactica” was nominated for 22 Emmys, winning three. It earned Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series in 2007 and 2008. Another “Battlestar Galactica” reboot was announced in 2019, but sadly, it was revealed to no longer be in development at Peacock as of 2024.

Futurama

“Futurama” is the perfect show for “Project Hail Mary” fans for multiple reasons. The animated sci-fi series is filled with humor, but also has a surprising amount of heart. If you were laughing along at Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, you will surely laugh along with Fry (voiced by Billy West) and the show’s entire crew of misfits. And if you were getting emotional over Ryland’s bond with Rocky, then there are some tearjerker moments you will not want to miss in “Futurama.” In fact, one of the best episodes is guaranteed to make you cry.

Created by Matt Groening, “Futurama” first debuted on Fox in 1999. The original show ran until 2003 and was revived by Comedy Central between 2008 and 2013 before getting a third life on Hulu starting in 2023. The series follows Fry, a pizza delivery boy who falls into a cryogenic pod in the year 2000, only to wake up in the year 2999. He then goes on adventures with his eccentric friends, which include the beautiful and tough, one-eyed captain Leela (voiced by Katey Sagal), a depraved robot named Bender (voiced by John DiMaggio), and a squid/lobster-hybrid alien doctor named Zoidberg (also voiced by Billy West).

Beyond its similarities to “Project Hail Mary,” there’s plenty of critical acclaim that makes “Futurama” worth a watch. During its many years on television, “Futurama” has been nominated for 14 Emmys, winning six. That includes Outstanding Animated Program in 2002 and 2011.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Years before Disney+ was created, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” became the first Marvel Cinematic Universe television series. The show’s similarities to “Project Hail Mary” might surprise first-time viewers. The more obvious connections include multiple stranded-in-space arcs, but the show is also incredibly well-written. If you love the friendship at the core of “Project Hail Mary,” you won’t be disappointed by the duos in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” who consistently remind viewers about the power of found family. The S.H.I.E.L.D. team also comes face-to-face with many world-ending threats, and like Ryland Grace, must fight these dangers against all odds.

“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” was created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. The “Buffy” creator took a back seat after directing the pilot, while his brother and sister-in-law went on to be the showrunners alongside Jeffrey Bell. The series debuted in 2013 on ABC and followed Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) after he was killed by Loki in “The Avengers.” The show ran for seven seasons, and initially tied into the MCU with great ease. As it progressed, it became more difficult for the writers to follow the bigger universe.

Years later, it’s still debated whether or not “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is MCU canon (even though anything can technically be canon in the Multiverse). Due to this dispute, the show doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. In fact, Gregg called out Disney CEO Bob Iger for slighting the show in 2023. Whether or not it fits seamlessly into the MCU, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” was one of the last great genre shows to air on network television. It did not have the budget of “Project Hail Mary,” but its appeal comes from a similarly creative approach to sci-fi.

3 Body Problem

While “3 Body Problem” has a lot in common with “Project Hail Mary” and many of the other shows on this list, it may also be the most complicated entry. The Netflix series released its first season in 2024 and deals with unsolved questions in physics and advanced alien technology. The show’s characters uncover mysteries that challenge their understanding of science, humanity, and the future. While some book-to-screen adaptations simplify such concepts for audiences, “3 Body Problem” does not shy away from its science.

The show is based on the “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” book series by Liu Cixin, but it is not the first attempt at an adaptation. A Chinese live-action series titled “Three-Body” ran for 30 episodes in 2023. That version is a more faithful adaptation that mostly takes place in China, whereas Netflix’s version condenses the story and makes it global. The Netflix adaptation was created for television by David Benioff, D. B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo. In the show, the characters must decipher a cosmic puzzle to unlock the truth about a future alien invasion. The scientific methods of discovery are similar to those used by the characters in “Project Hail Mary.”

“3 Body Problem” was renewed for a second and third season, with Season 2 expected to release sometime in 2026. The first season was nominated for six Emmys, including a nod for Outstanding Drama Series.

Star Trek

You can’t talk about science fiction TV shows set in space without shouting out “Star Trek.” Created by Gene Roddenberry, the original series first aired on NBC in 1966 and lasted three seasons. While the show may have only had 79 episodes, its legacy continues today. The original series is perfect for “Project Hail Mary” fans because it is full of optimism and features a never-ending parade of alien encounters. 

“Star Trek” is unquestionably iconic and has always been a step ahead when it comes to bringing space travel stories to life on the small screen. The original outing was innovative and filled with effects that still manage to look cool today, despite being relatively outdated. Anyone who loved the puppetry used in “Project Hail Mary” will be happy to hear that there is no shortage of practical effects in the original “Star Trek.” Film and TV sets were obviously less advanced in the 1960s, but there is an immense charm to what they got away with. For example, putting a dog in a costume and calling it an alien. 

As “Star Trek” continued to grow, so did behind-the-scenes technology. Shows like “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” are still being made today, and while the effects have changed, the heart behind the franchise remains. In fact, every “Star Trek” entry will feature something that appeals to “Project Hail Mary” fans. If you do not want to watch the franchise in order and instead want to start with the highlights, here is a ranking of “Star Trek” shows.