Your February 2026 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Watchlist: 4 Shows You Can't Miss

February might be the shortest month of the year, but when it comes to science fiction and fantasy television, it's packing some serious heat. Whether you're into giant monsters, medieval knights, post-apocalyptic mysteries, or space adventures, this month has something special waiting for you on your streaming queue.

Let's dive into the four must-watch shows that should be on your radar this February.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Streaming Now on Paramount+)

The Star Trek universe continues to expand with Starfleet Academy, a fresh spinoff that takes us back to where it all begins—the prestigious training ground for future officers. Born from Star Trek: Discovery, this series finds a sweet spot between classic Trek sensibilities and modern character-driven storytelling.

What makes Starfleet Academy particularly compelling is how it balances familiar formula with coming-of-age drama. The academy has just reopened after a lengthy closure, and the show follows new cadets navigating both their studies and the challenges of becoming the next generation of Starfleet officers. Recent episodes have been especially strong, with Klingon-focused installments bringing depth and excitement to the series.

With new episodes dropping every Thursday on Paramount+ and the season finale not arriving until early March, you've got plenty of time to catch up and join the weekly viewing experience. This is Trek that honors its roots while boldly going in new directions.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max - Season Finale February 22)

If you thought every Game of Thrones spinoff would be all doom, gloom, and political backstabbing, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is here to prove you wrong. This delightful series takes a completely different approach to Westeros, trading the throne room for the open road.

Following the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a down-on-his-luck hedge knight, and his squire Egg, the show is lighter and funnier than anything else in the franchise. Season 1 centers on their journey to the tourney at Ashford Meadow, and it's been an absolute joy to watch these characters navigate a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.

Don't let the lighter tone fool you, though. As the show speeds toward its February 22 season finale, expect the shadows of Westeros to creep back in. This is still Game of Thrones, after all, and the final episodes are likely to remind us that danger lurks everywhere—even in the most charming of stories.

New episodes air Sundays at 10:00 PM EST on HBO and HBO Max.

Paradise Season 2 (Hulu - Premieres February 23)

If you're a fan of twisty thrillers set in dystopian futures, Paradise deserves a spot on your watchlist. This murder mystery series combines post-apocalyptic survival with political intrigue in ways that will keep you guessing.

The premise is gripping: after the apparent destruction of the world, a group of privileged elites retreated to an underground bunker where they remained for three years. Season 1 saw Sterling K. Brown's secret service agent Xavier Collins framed for the president's assassination, forcing him to unravel the bunker's dark secrets to clear his name.

Season 2 takes the story in a bold new direction as Xavier ventures to the surface in search of his wife, whom he believed was dead. What he discovers challenges everything he thought he knew about the apocalypse—the world isn't quite as destroyed as it seemed, and the surface holds more surprises than anyone imagined.

If you've enjoyed shows like Apple TV's Silo, Paradise scratches a similar itch with its layered mysteries and compelling world-building. The first three episodes premiere February 23 on Hulu, with new episodes following every Monday through the eight-episode season.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 (Apple TV - Premieres February 27)

Save the best for last? February's biggest sci-fi premiere is undoubtedly the return of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Apple TV's kaiju spectacle that brilliantly blends human drama with giant monster mayhem.

The genius casting of Kurt and Wyatt Russell as the same character in different time periods is worth the price of admission alone. But beyond that inspired choice, the show delivers everything you could want from a Monsterverse entry: Godzilla, King Kong, epic kaiju battles, and compelling human stories woven through it all.

Season 1 explored the origins of Monarch, the organization tasked with monitoring giant creatures around the globe, splitting its narrative between the 1950s and 2010s. The result was a show that worked both as a standalone story and as a rich addition to Legendary Pictures' broader Monsterverse franchise.

For those who love the wider universe of kaiju movies, Monarch offers deeper connections to that world. For everyone else, it's simply a well-crafted show about families, secrets, and very, very large monsters.

Season 2 premieres February 27 on Apple TV, with new episodes dropping every Friday until the May 1 season finale.

Make Your February Count

While February might be short on days, it's long on quality sci-fi and fantasy content. From the optimistic future of Star Trek to the medieval world of Westeros, from underground bunkers to kaiju battles, this month offers incredible variety for genre fans.

Whether you're looking for weekly appointment viewing or a binge-worthy thriller, these four shows prove that winter doesn't have to be all about waiting for spring. Sometimes it's about settling in with great television and letting these fantastic worlds transport you somewhere new.

So grab your remote, queue up your streaming apps, and get ready for a February filled with adventure, mystery, and maybe a giant monster or two. Your watchlist just got a whole lot more interesting.