M STARWORTH DAILY
// Television

Top 10 Time-Travel TV Shows to Binge After Hitting the Streaming Jackpot

By Marcus Reynolds

Published on May 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM Eastern Time, this roundup explores the best time-travel television shows that keep viewers glued to their seats, questioning reality with every twist.

Zach Moser, a prolific writer for ScreenRant since 2026, delves into genres ranging from horror to drama, offering insightful commentary on both new releases and ongoing series.

Beyond his reviews, Moser contributes humor pieces to publications like McSweeney's Internet Tendency and crafts short stories, including work on his forthcoming novel.

Featured below are ten standout time-travel series that blend suspense, history, and speculative fiction into unforgettable viewing experiences.

Lost

2004–2010

Locke Holding Backgammon Pieces in Lost

Locke (Terry O'Quinn) Holding Backgammon Pieces in Lost

Since its 2004 debut, Lost has enthralled audiences with its enigmatic island setting, supernatural elements, and layered storytelling. The show’s blend of survival drama and metaphysical intrigue continues to inspire passionate fan theories.

Primeval

2007–2011

Douglas Henshall as Nick Cutter running from a pterodactyl in Primeval

Douglas Henshall as Nick Cutter running from a pterodactyl in Primeval.

This five-season adventure follows a team investigating temporal anomalies that unleash prehistoric creatures into modern Britain. Its mix of science fiction and character-driven drama remains a benchmark for the genre.

Steins;Gate

2011

Rintaro Okabe smiling into the camera in Steins;Gate

Rintaro Okabe smiling into the camera in Steins;Gate.

Adapted from a visual novel, Steins;Gate chronicles a group’s attempts to invent time travel, leading to unintended consequences and moral dilemmas. Its emotional depth and clever plotting resonate strongly with viewers.

Outlander

2014–2026

Jamie and Claire looking at one another in Outlander season 1

Jamie (Sam Heugan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) looking at one another in Outlander season 1.

Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, is swept into 18th-century Scotland, forging a timeless romance amid political turmoil and personal transformation. The series balances historical detail with heartfelt drama.

12 Monkeys

2015–2018

James Cole in a dark, shady room talking to someone in 12 Monkeys

Cole (Aaron Stanford) in a dark, shady room talking to someone in 12 Monkeys

Set in a future ravaged by a virus, this gripping narrative follows a team sending agents back to prevent catastrophe. Despite occasional plot holes, its emotional stakes and tension keep viewers invested.

11.22.63

2016

Jake and Sadie talking to one another in 11.22.63

Jake (James Franco) and Sadie (Sarah Gadon) talking to one another in 11.22.63

Jack Epping’s journey to 1963 to stop JFK’s assassination spirals into a complex exploration of cause and effect, identity, and sacrifice. The show excels at weaving personal drama with historical weight.

Timeless

2016–2018

Lucy, Wyatt, and Rufus emerge from a time machine in Timeless

Lucy (Abigail Spencer), Wyatt (Matt Lanter), and Rufus (Malcolm Barrett) come out of a time machine in Timeless.

This action-packed series blends science fiction with historical adventure, featuring a team racing against time to thwart global threats. Its fast pace and strong performances make it a standout.

Travelers

2016–2018

A group of people in the woods in Travelers season 3

A group of people in the woods in Travelers season 3.

Survivors from a post-apocalyptic future are sent back to save humanity by integrating into present-day society. The show balances suspense with rich character arcs and inventive storytelling.

The Lazarus Project

2026–2026

George (Paapa Essiedu) looks over his shoulder in The Lazarus Project

Paapa Essiedu as George Addo looking over his shoulder in The Lazarus Project.

Despite cancellation after two seasons, The Lazarus Project delivers a compelling tale of individuals aware of recurring time loops, striving to prevent disaster through courage and ingenuity.

Dark

2017–2026

Jonas (Louis Hofmann) in his yellow slicker on Netflix's Dark

Jonas (Louis Hofmann) in his yellow slicker on Netflix's Dark

This German masterpiece intricately weaves multiple timelines, exploring causality and familial bonds across generations. Its meticulous plotting and atmospheric tension have earned critical acclaim.

The Lazarus Project

2026–2026

Subscribe to the newsletter for top time-travel picks

Subscribe to the newsletter for top time-travel picks

Fans of speculative fiction will find endless intrigue in these series, each offering unique perspectives on the possibilities—and perils—of traversing time.

Don’t forget to subscribe for curated recommendations and updates on upcoming releases.

Follow us for news and exclusive content.

Unsubscribe at any time via the links provided.