The best time travel series in years just dropped on Netflix

Time travel stories usually take themselves very seriously — all those paradoxes, alternate timelines, and universe-breaking mistakes. But every once in a while, a show comes along that dares to have some fun with the concept. That’s exactly what this hilarious sci-fi gem does, now streaming in full on Netflix.

A new spin on a classic sci-fi theme

The idea of time travel has fascinated storytellers for decades. From blockbusters like Looper and Tenet to cult series such as 12 Monkeys and Dark, the concept has usually been explored with a mix of mystery and dread. Mess with time, and disaster follows — that’s the usual rule.

But this show flips the script. Instead of a grim, philosophical take on destiny and causality, it gives us an adventure that’s equal parts sci-fi parody and sharp comedy. The result? Something that feels fresh in a genre often weighed down by its own complexity.

Meet the gamer who accidentally becomes humanity’s last hope

The series, titled Future Man, was created by Kyle Hunter, Howard Overman, and Ariel Shaffir, and first premiered in 2017. Now that all three seasons are available on Netflix, new viewers are finally discovering its charm.

The story follows Josh Futturman, played by Josh Hutcherson (yes, from The Hunger Games), a janitor in a research lab who spends most of his free time glued to video games. His obsession? A notoriously difficult game called Biotic Wars — a title no one on Earth has managed to beat.

That is, until Josh finally does. Just as he’s celebrating his digital victory, two futuristic warriors, Tiger (Eliza Coupe) and Wolf (Derek Wilson), materialise in his bedroom. Turns out, the game wasn’t just a game — it was a recruitment test designed by real soldiers from a dystopian future. Their mission? To find someone capable of helping them save humanity before a catastrophic war even begins.

Why this time travel story stands out

Where most time travel tales warn against altering the past, Future Man gleefully charges straight into chaos. It’s packed with over-the-top action scenes, absurd humour, and tongue-in-cheek references to everything from Terminator to Back to the Future.

The show doesn’t just poke fun at sci-fi tropes — it embraces them completely. One episode sees the characters messing up the timeline so severely that they have to fix their own mistakes twice. Another finds them trapped in a loop that’s both tragic and hilarious. It’s ridiculous in the best possible way.

Behind the laughs, though, there’s some genuinely clever storytelling. The writing explores how our choices — even the smallest ones — ripple through time, and what it really means to be a “hero” when you’d rather play video games.

Three seasons of glorious mayhem

Future Man ran for three seasons and wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion — something you don’t always get with shows in this genre. Across 34 fast-paced episodes, it blends humour, action, and heartfelt moments without ever losing its absurd energy.

If you’re in the mood for something that feels like Rick and Morty meets The Terminator, this is your next binge. Whether you love time travel or need a laugh, this series proves you can save the world — and still make a few jokes along the way.