While the first season of "Halo" was somewhat poorly received, season two of the sci-fi game adaptation was a marked improvement as it delved deeper into the battle between Master Chief John-117 and the alien Covenant

With thrilling action set pieces, a winding storyline, and surprisingly deep character development, the series finally felt like it was in its element in Season 2 Most critics agree that this is thanks to new showrunner David Weiner, who has given the series a darker, more mature tone

A new season three has yet to be decided, but if the go-ahead is given, fans can look forward to a possible 2026 premiere after a gap of the first two seasons In the meantime, those looking to satisfy their cravings for high-concept science fiction can check out these shows like "Halo"

If you enjoy some of the political elements of "Halo," Amazon's "The Expanse" may be right up your alley; like "Halo," the series is set in the distant future when humans have settled on the stars Some humans remain on Earth, colonies thrive on Mars, and a few brave souls live in habitable areas of the asteroid belt known as the "Belt" [Unfortunately, mankind's entry into the solar system is not going smoothly, and tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt are quickly rising Each faction has its own interests and agendas, and the program explores the conflicts that arise as they vie for resources and power in space

"The Expanse" was first planned by Syfy, but Prime Video decided to air three additional seasons after the home network cancelled it after the third season finale All six seasons of the completed series are easily available for streaming

Watch on Prime Video

Based on Isaac Asimov's novel series, "Foundation" is set in a distant future where humanity has harnessed the power of psychohistory Scientists on this world discover that the universe is about to enter an age of darkness that will last 30,000 years, and they establish the titular Foundation on the remote planet Terminus to serve as a repository of knowledge during this predicted dark age

Like "Halo," the series focuses on the decline of empires, but instead of battles between rival factions, it looks at the challenges of preserving knowledge in turbulent times and imagines a world where individuals use science and reason to shape the future

Currently, two seasons have already been distributed, and a third season is in the works

Watch on Apple TV Plus

The 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica is hailed as the first great science fiction show of the 21st century, and with good reason It is set in the distant future, when humans have colonized a group of planets called the Twelve Colonies of Kobol and coexist with the Cylons

Unfortunately, after the Cylons exterminate most of humanity in a devastating surprise attack, the remnants of humanity are forced to go on the run across the universe in search of the rumored lost Earth colony

Like the "Halo" series, "Battlestar Galactica" tackles themes of war, leadership, and the human condition in the face of unimaginable destruction The series will air for four seasons and is available for streaming in its entirety

Rent/Buy on Amazon or Apple

For "Halo" fans, "Mandalorian" may seem like the most obvious series to check out from the "Star Wars" universe thanks to its helmeted hero, but the " Rogue One" prequel series "Andor" may actually be a better fit, especially for those who find the character base and political elements of "Halo" appealing

While "Halo" depicts an epic battle between humanity and the Covenant, it also depicts an ideological clash between the UN Security Council and the religious fanaticism of the Covenant Similarly, "Andor" places a strong focus on the political turmoil within the Star Wars galaxy that preceded the events of the original trilogy The film follows the protagonist, Cassian Andor, as he witnesses the seeds of rebellion begin to take root against the Galactic Empire, which is oppressive throughout the galaxy

"Andor" is slated to be a two-season limited series The first season is currently streaming, and the second and final season will appear in 2025

Watch on Disney Plus

Looking for a more upbeat sci-fi series Created by Seth MacFarlane, "The Orville" is a tribute to classic sci-fi shows like "Star Trek" that follows the crew of the USS Orville as they encounter new aliens and explore the mysteries of the universe

"The Orville" begins with a lighthearted episodic format similar to the "Star Trek" series, but later seasons delve deeper into thought-provoking topics such as the moral complexities of war, technological advances, and humanity's place in the universe, which fans of the "Halo" series will find it fascinating

Currently, "The Orville" is available for three seasons on Disney Plus A fourth season is rumored to be in development, but has not yet been confirmed

Watch it on Disney Plus