Recommended Sci Fi TV: Science fiction and fantasy shows from the past couple of years or so that we believe are worth checking out.
What Is It?
Moonhaven takes place 100 years in the future when civilization on Earth is on the verge of collapse.
A utopian community had been established on the Moon years prior to that called Moonhaven to develop the technology and cultural changes to revive the Earth. But as they are set to make their historic trip to the planet, a murder occurs and the fate of the mission is put in jeopardy.
Starring: Emma McDonald, Dominic Monaghan, Joe Manganiello, Amara Karan, Kadeem Hardison, Ayelet Zurer
Created By: Peter Ocko
Bottom Line: Moonhaven is a very unique series that blends some interesting science fiction concepts with an excellent cast and it is a breath of fresh air for the genre.
Why Is It Worth Watching:
With so many spaced-based shows, fantasy epics, and supernatural dramas out there in Peak TV, it is hard to find a genre entry that is truly unique. And there are probably not too many venues willing to take the chance on something that diverges to far from expectations for a sci fi/fantasy show. But AMC’s streaming arm AMC+ has given us Moonhaven which definitely stands out among genre entries. It presents what at first looks like a utopian community on the Moon, a Garden of Eden of sorts separated from the ravaged Earth it is expected to one day rejuvenate. But a murder is committed on Moonhaven, and as two unprepared “‘tectives” start investigating the crime along with the envoy that has arrived from Earth, a conspiracy starts to unfold revealing the dark side of this Lunar utopia.
The first episode of this show is a little tough to get through, as a lot of information is thrown at the viewers with little explanation and the show seems to veer into psychedelic weirdness. But it settles down pretty quickly with the second episode, so be sure to stick it out. And first impressions of characters will change as the show progresses, particularly with Dominic Monaghan’s Paul Serno and Kadeem Hardison’s Arlo who become central to the story (and you will find yourself routing for them) along with Emma McDonald’s Bella Sway. It does have elements that may seem more fantasy than science fiction, so I wouldn’t count this as a hard sci fi show. But it is still a good representation of the genre that travels its own path and you will find yourself invested in if you stick with it.
The first season consisted of six episodes, so it is a quick watch. Sadly, AMC+ reversed its Season 2 renewal decision, though the show could get shopped to a different venue. You can sign up for AMC+ for only $8.99 (more about that streamer at this link) and you can also check out the animated sci fi series Pantheon which just started. Moonhaven is certainly worth a look, just give it an episode or two to pull you in. (Rate this show and all the current sci fi can fantasy entries at this link.)
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Didn’t expect much, because some of the reviews made it sound like a disaster, but I was surprised by the quality. Proper balance between hard scifi and the esoteric/fantasy aspects, and overall positively weird & different, sometimes even deliberately a bit silly, but in a charming way. Good writing, building up a mystery, never losing sight of the plot and the characters. Solid casting & performances, and the FX were good enough for such a low-budget streaming series. Glad they’re doing a second season.