A Groundbreaking Year for Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Television

Sci-fi has experienced a fair share of highs and lows in the last couple of decades, but 2026 will seemingly mark a major high for the genre, especially on the small screen. Fans of the genre should look forward to the year because it will seemingly mark the release of some of the most anticipated shows in the genre.

Many would recall 1982 as one of the peak years for science fiction because many iconic movies, like Blade Runner, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Thing, and Tron, came out that year. 2013 was also a memorable year for sci-fi because it marked the release of Gravity, Her, and Snowpiercer.

Similarly, there have been many landmark years that shaped the genre’s identity. From the looks of it, 2026 will soon join the ranks of some of the best years for sci-fi because many exciting small-screen additions from the genre are expected to come out throughout the year.

Two Of The Most Anticipated Cyberpunk Shows Will Likely Release In 2026

Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner movie and William Gibson’s Neuromancer came around the same time in the early 80s. Although both gradually took their time to find their feet and build a cult audience, they eventually became two of the most influential works in sci-fi that set the foundation for many key concepts and ideas that defined cyberpunk.

Decades after their release, both Blade Runner and Neuromancer are finally getting television treatments in 2026. Blade Runner 2099, which serves as the sequel to both Blade Runner films, has confirmed a 2026 release window. Although Neuromancer‘s release window is yet to be announced, its filming schedule suggests it will be eyeing a 2026 premiere as well.

Given how it is no easy feat to capture gritty cyberpunk storytelling on the screen, both adaptations could also fall flat and struggle to please the fans of their respective source materials. However, from the looks of it, the two shows seem incredibly promising. Prime Video’s success with shows like Fallout raises hope that its take on Blade Runner will not leave viewers disappointed.

Apple TV+’s long line of hits in the sci-fi genre also makes it hard not to believe that it will do justice to the original William Gibson novel with its Neuromancer adaptation. Even from a casting standpoint, both shows have seemingly made some intriguing choices, which set them on the right path towards success.

2026 Will Have Other Incredible Sci-Fi Shows Lined Up For Fans Of The Genre

Although 2026’s sci-fi roster still remains a little ambiguous, many incredible sci-fi shows will likely be released in the next year. Silo season 3’s filming was recently wrapped up, and the commencement of its final season’s filming was also announced. Based on its filming schedule, it has a good chance of returning sometime in early 2026.

Other highly anticipated sci-fi shows like Apple TV+’s Dark Matter and Netflix’s 3 Body Problem will also likely be eyeing a 2026 release with their second installments. With so many new and returning sci-fi series lined up for 2026, it would be fair to say that it will be one of the best (if not the best) years for the genre.