Oftentimes, we end up loving shows only to discover that the critics hate them. But to be honest, entertainment was never supposed to be about ‘critics’ and ratings, but the joy it brings to oneself. If you liked the sci-fi gem La Brea, you’ll certainly relate to this.
Currently, the most watched sci-fi on Netflix in the US this week (via Netflix), its reviews were no less than a ‘sinkhole’ of its own when it first dropped. However, over the years, it has built up a steady fan base, for not every show needs to be perfect to be entertaining.
So, if you are looking for more sci-fi series like La Brea that critics did not fully embrace, look no further. Here are seven shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist that you might end up loving!
1. Terra Nova is Pure Nostalgia But With Time Travel
Credits: Fox
Credits: Fox
Credits: Fox
If La Brea is a love letter to accidental time travel, Terra Nova is the expensive, glossy original draft. Produced by Steven Spielberg, this 2011 show had a massive budget and even bigger dinosaurs.
The premise is that the Earth in 2149 is dying due to population growth. So humans are sent back 85 million years to the Cretaceous period to restart. However, only a chosen few can go. But when sent back, the dinosaurs are the least of the problem, as the main issue is humans and human greed.
It was rejected by critics for being too family-friendly, blending survival with family drama. Yet, there is a sincerity that is hard to resist. It is a weirdly comforting and adventurous set in a high-budget prehistoric world. The downside? It was canceled after a single season.
You can stream it on Tubi for free.
2. Threshold: A Hyper-Violent Alien Invasion
Threshold | Credits: CBS
A CBS science fiction drama, the series follows a massive, fractal-based alien signal in the Atlantic Ocean. Anyone who hears it turns into a hyper-violent infected human with altered DNA. A secret government team is established to stop the spread before humanity is rewritten.
Critics, however, felt that it was too mechanical and focused too much on science fiction theories rather than a layered narrative and character depth. However, it is one of the best shows on this list.
The cast is arguably the best on this list, including Peter Dinklage. Treating alien invasion like a CDC outbreak, it is not exactly like La Brea, but they share the same survival DNA that keeps the tension alive. Fast and smart, it has the perfect government conspiracy vibe like La Brea, and that is why it made it on this list, and a reason why you should watch it!
Threshold is available for streaming on Plex.
3. Manifest: The Mystery that Refused to Land
Manifest | Credits: NBC
While not exactly a science fiction show, Manifest is frequently cited as a direct parallel to La Brea. It follows a plane and its passengers who mysteriously disappear for five years and land as if nothing had happened. The passengers have not aged, but the world has long moved on.
Critics did not appreciate the supernatural elements of the show, often comparing it to Lost. However, it is the ultimate binge-watching show. The soap opera drama is turned to eleven, and the mystery is genuinely engaging.
It might not always work, but the mystery elements, complete with their supernatural vibe, keep the fun alive. It is a wild ride, and against all odds, Netflix saved it so it could have an ending.
Manifest is streaming on Netflix.
4. Roswell, New Mexico: Aliens with Heart
Roswell, New Mexico | Credits: The CW
Named after the city of Roswell, New Mexico, famous for its UFO accident, it is an adaptation of the Roswell High book series written by Melinda Metz. Unlike the WB series Roswell (also an adaptation of the books), this series is about Liz Ortecho returning to her hometown, only to find out that her high school crush is an extraterrestrial.
Critics did not like its melodramatic premise, feeling the romance took the driver’s seat in this sci-fi epic. Unlike the usual dark, gritty shows characteristic of the genre, it is emotional and dramatic, with an extraterrestrial element.
However, sometimes you want the sci-fi to be a backdrop for a really good pining session. The outsider vibes mirror La Brea survivors trying to find their place in a world that does not want them. At the same time, the alien elements add intrigue, but the heart of the story is human, and that is why it works.
Roswell, New Mexico is available for streaming on Netflix.
5. Into the Night is a Race Against the Literal Sun!
Into the Night | Credits: Netflix
This Belgian apocalyptic science fiction drama will keep you on your toes at all times. Inspired by Jacek Dukaj’s 2016 novel, The Old Axolotl, it has one of the most interesting yet stressful premises ever.
The story follows a group of passengers aboard a red-eye flight who are hijacked, but they survive a catastrophe caused by the sun. The sun starts killing everything it touches. Now, they must manage fuel and food shortages and internal conflicts to avoid the sun and reach a safe military bunker.
The ticking-clock tension never lets up, yet critics questioned its ‘questionable’ scientific premise. Its first season was well received, but the second failed to live up to expectations. However, the show is claustrophobic in the best way. It is fast, bizarre, and urgent.
Into the Night is a Netflix exclusive.
6. Under the Dome: Small Town with Big Alien Mystery
Under the Dome | Credits: CBS
Loosely based on the 2009 novel by Stephen King, Under the Dome starts with a rather simple idea: a town suddenly gets trapped under an invisible dome. No one can get in, and no one can get out, and the mystery remains unsolvable until later seasons.
Critics did not like how the show seemed to have lost its plot by Season 3. It went from a survival thriller to an alien-invasion drama. Yet, even then, the show is pretty fascinating with its mini-alien dictatorship.
A bottle show, its setting is its main character. You would eventually love to hate the villain, even if you might not like the convoluted twists of the later seasons. It is an interesting watch if you loved La Brea.
Under the Dome can be streamed on Paramount+.
7. Wayward Pines is a Town Full of Secrets
Wayward Pines | Credits: Fox
Based on the Wayward Pines trilogy by Blake Crouch, it takes place in the mysterious small town of the same name in Idaho. If you particularly enjoy layered sci-fi stories with elements like morality and duty, then this show is a must-try.
Executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, it is about a secret service agent who finds himself in Wayward Pines while chasing the disappearance of his colleagues and finding out that he cannot escape the town. The second season carries the story, but critics were not too fond of it.
They felt the big twist was revealed too early, and the show lost its purpose very early when it could have gone on a lot longer. Yet, just like La Brea, the show will grow on you, and even when logic fails, the creepy mystery keeps you hooked. Eerie, unpredictable, and bold, it will keep you hooked.
Wayward Pines can be streamed on Hulu.
ShowPlatformSeasonsEpisodesRatings (As of May 2026)Critic FlawTerra Nova (2011)Tubi (free)1 Season13 Episodes6.7 IMDb62% | 67% RTToo family-friendlyThreshold (2005-2006)Plex1 Season13 Episodes7.2 IMDb47% | NA RTToo mechanicalManifest (2018-2023)Netflix4 Seasons62 Episodes7.0 IMDb72% | 69% RTLost rip-off mysteriesRoswell, New Mexico (2019-2022)Netflix4 Seasons52 Episodes6.4 IMDb77% | 64% RTMelodramatic romanceInto the Night (2020-2021)Netflix2 Seasons12 Episodes7.0 IMDb88% | 68% RTQuestionable scienceUnder the Dome (2013-2015)Paramount+3 Seasons39 Episodes6.5 IMDb67% | 44% RTThe plot loses steamWayward Pines (2015-2016)Hulu2 Seasons20 Episodes7.3 IMDb60% | 68% RTEarly twist reveal
While critics go for perfection, what these shows and La Brea have in common is the ‘audacity,’ and that is exactly why they work. So grab your snacks and turn off the ‘logic’ and enjoy these critically failed sci-fi shows.
Which one will you be watching first? Let us know in the comments below.
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