You must watch these sci-fi shows while Apple TV+ is free this weekend

Apple TV+ is dropping a little gift in your lap this weekend: it’s free to stream from January 4-5. The social media announcement of the promotion came with a teaser of several popular series, but it’s no coincidence that the first clip is from Dismissal. The Emmy-winning show finally returns on January 17thand a weekend is absolutely enough time to binge first season of nine episodes.

See for yourself this weekend.

Stream for free January 4-5. pic.twitter.com/8p6PCUYpms

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) December 30, 2024

But Dismissal season one isn’t the only sci-fi show you should try and check out during the free period; as io9 previously noted, the Apple TV+ is an excellent destination for genre food. The list of original series continues to grow, but these are the five must be seen headlines, starting with what we’ve already hyped:

Dismissal

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro and Christopher Walken lead an outstanding ensemble in this dystopian office drama set in and around a mysterious company where workers volunteer to split their brains between work and home. The divide between “innies” and “outies” becomes exponentially worrisome once the “innies” start asking questions—and rebelling. Clever, poignant and equal parts sinister and wryly hilarious, Dismissal distinguished from top to bottom. The first season aired in 2022; season two returns on January 17.

Foundation

by Isaac Asimov Foundation stories inspire this far-future tale that explores the wonders of science and also its horrors, including the idea that a robot is secretly manipulating humanity’s future. Jared Harris plays multiple versions of the genius Harry Seldon, and Lee Pace plays multiple versions of the eternally cloned Emperor of the Galaxy. Exciting, visually dynamic and full of thrilling plot moments that range from explosive to intimate, Foundation is a sci-fi epic worth diving into, especially if you go in knowing that Season 2 is when it really kicks off. You can watch the first two seasons on Apple TV+; a third is on the way.

For all mankind

The space race between the US and Russia gets an alternate history twist in this gripping drama co-created by Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) which moves forward a decade in time with each new season, starting with the Soviet moon landing in 1969. There are now four seasons available to watch, with a fifth on the way, as well as a spin-off.

Silos

Maybe even more than Dismissali look Silos during the free trial may prompt you to immediately sign up for an Apple TV+ subscription. That’s because while the first season of the Hugh Howey-adapted series — starring Rebecca Ferguson, set in a dystopian future where people survive in underground silos — ended in 2023, the second season is currently making its way through its 10 the episode. If you get addicted to Silosthe second season finale isn’t until January 17th.

Monarch: Legacy of the Monsters

Kurt and Wyatt Russell and some guy named Godzilla share the screen in this series expanding Legendary’s cinematic Monsterverse. The action takes place at the beginning of 2014 Godzilla film, with flashbacks to the late 1950s, which is how the Russells manage to play the same character at different ages. Season two is on the way, with (as season one teased) King Kong joining the fun.

Honorable mention: the multiverse drama starring Joel Edgerton Dark matter (second season forthcoming); The great psychological thriller of M. Night Shyamalan Servant (ended in 2023 after four seasons); and sugarthe Colin Farrell-starring neo-noir with a shocking sci-fi twist (second season forthcoming).

There are also tons of buzzy, non-genre original shows on Apple TV+, including Ted Lasso, He is presumed innocent, Shrinkageand The after party— and movies, including Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon. If you decide to stick around after your free trial, a monthly Apple TV+ subscription is $9.99 and includes a free week. Learn more here.

Want more io9 news? See when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Warsand Star Trek releases, what’s next for DC Universe on film and televisionand everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.