I’ve always enjoyed time travel stories, which is no surprise considering Back to the Future is one of my favorite movies. The idea of traveling between different time periods and the possibilities it brings are incredibly intriguing and somewhat mysterious.
Time travel movies are great, but shows are even more fascinating when they span multiple episodes. But with so many shows currently available, it can be hard to know what to watch. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 time travel shows you should check out on the best streaming services.
Whether you like mind-bending sci-fi dramas or light-hearted time-travel adventures, these shows are sure to fascinate and entertain you.
‘Doctor Who’
Doctor Who – Series 1 Launch Trailer – Watch on YouTube
What kind of list would this be if I didn’t include Doctor Who as my first choice? It’s an iconic and well-known show so most people probably don’t need an explanation, but for those of you who, for some reason, have never seen (or even heard of) Doctor Who, I’m happy to provide a quick synopsis.
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that began in 1963 and features the Doctor, an enigmatic Time Lord who travels through space and time in a spaceship called the TARDIS, which resembles a British police box. The Doctor has regenerative abilities, allowing multiple actors to play the character. For example, the show was restarted in 2005, continuing the “rule” of having a new Doctor every season. Christopher Eccleston took over the role in season one, and David Tennant took over the role the following season.
Together with his human companions, the Doctor goes on various adventures, solves problems, and battles iconic villains such as the Daleks, Cybermen, and the Master. Doctor Who remains an important and beloved part of global pop culture and is arguably the greatest time travel show of all time.
View in Max
‘Life on Mars’
Life on Mars cleverly combines science fiction, crime drama and mystery, and introduces a new element of time travel. The show follows Detective Chief Inspector Sam Tyler (John Simm), who wakes up in 1973 after being hit by a car in 2006. Confused and disoriented, Tyler finds himself working for Manchester Salford Police and living in a world completely different to the one he knows.
In 1973, Tyler must adapt to outdated police methods, a more patriarchal workplace, and a society with different social norms. His new boss, Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), embodies the rough-and-tumble policing style of the era, which often clashes with Tyler’s more modern sensibilities. As Tyler works to solve the crime, he also tries to make sense of his predicament – is he traveling back in time, in a coma, or experiencing some kind of mental breakdown? All he knows, though, is that he must find a way back to his time.
Watch on BritBox
‘Russian Doll’
Russian Doll: Season 1 | Official Trailer #2 [HD] | Netflix – Watch on YouTube
In fact, one of my colleagues recommended Russian Doll as a “sharp, wickedly funny, time-bending series.” It tells the story of Nadia Vrvokov (Natasha Lyonne), a cynical New Yorker who is trapped in a time loop and relives her 36th birthday party over and over again. Each time she dies, she somehow returns to the party and starts the night anew.
Experiencing multiple deaths and nighttime resets, Nadia embarks on a journey to understand what is happening to her. Along the way, she meets Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett), who is also trapped in a time loop. Together, the two try to find a way to break the cycle and unravel the mystery behind their predicament.
Watch on Netflix
‘dark’
DARK Season 1 Official Trailer #2 (2017) Netflix Mystery TV Series HD – Watch on YouTube
Dark is a German thriller series with a complex mix of time travel, family secrets, and ontological questions that will probably shake your mind. Set in the small town of Winden, the story begins with the mysterious disappearance of two children and uncovers the hidden connections and dark past of four interconnected families: the Nielsens, the Dopplers, the Tiedemanns, and the Kahnwalds.
As the series progresses, a complex story is revealed that involves time travel across several generations, from 1888 to 2053. The discovery of a wormhole in a cave in the town allows people to travel between different eras, setting off a chain of events that will affect the town’s history and future.
Watch on Netflix
“Timeless”
Timeless | Official Trailer (2016) NBC SDCC – Watch on YouTube
“Timeless” is a popular show that centers around time travel, in which history professor Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer), soldier Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter) and scientist Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett) are called upon to travel back in time to stop a mysterious organization called Rittenhouse from altering history for their own gain.
Using a stolen time machine, the team travels through different historical eras and tries to prevent changes that could have devastating effects on the present and the future. It’s a very intriguing time travel show that combines action and historical drama.
Buy or rent on Amazon
Outlander
Outlander – Season 1 Trailer – Watch on YouTube
Next up is a slightly more romantic drama, Outlander, which is based on a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. The story centers on Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a World War II nurse who mysteriously finds herself transported back in time from 1945 to 1743 in Scotland.
There she becomes embroiled in the Jacobite Rebellion and meets the brave Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). The series follows Claire as she struggles to understand and navigate the dangers of the 18th century, while also finding herself torn between her life in the 20th century and her love for Jamie. If you like your time-travel dramas with a dash of romance, Outlander is definitely for you.
Watch on Netflix
“Time Bandit”
Time Bandits – Official Trailer | Apple TV+ – Watch on YouTube
Rebooted in 2024, Time Bandits is a comedy-adventure series based on the 1981 cult classic film. The show follows 11-year-old history buff Kevin (Kal-El Tuck) as he joins a band of time-traveling thieves on thrilling and humorous adventures. Led by Penelope (Lisa Kudrow), the ragtag team goes on crazy adventures through different historical eras in an attempt to save Kevin’s parents and thwart the plot of villain Pure Evil (Jemaine Clement).
With a talented cast led by Taika Waititi as the Supreme Being, and a blend of fantasy, history and comedy, “Time Bandits” will delight new audiences and fans of the original film alike, showcasing not only the chaos and fun of time travel, but also the power of friendship and courage in the face of danger.
Watch on Apple TV Plus
