Noah Wyle fans will doubtless be looking forward to "The Pitt" season 2's imminent return to HBO Max, but if you'd like to see the star back in action a little sooner (or you'd like to get stuck into a dramatic sci-fi saga), then Netflix just welcomed the perfect series for you.
The streaming service kicked off 2026 by adding a bunch of new shows and movies to the platform, but the series we're talking about here is "Falling Skies," a post-apocalyptic science fiction show that's set in the aftermath of a terrifying alien attack that leaves most of the world in disarray. Oh, and it was and executive-produced by a certain Steven Spielberg.
"Falling Skies" originally ran for five seasons between 2011 and 2015 on TNT, but came to Netflix on January 1, and, given its decent reputation — its 79% on Rotten Tomatoes — I'd wager the series is primed for rediscovery now that you can stream "Falling Skies" on Netflix.
What is 'Falling Skies' about?
As mentioned, "Falling Skies" takes place in the aftermath of a devastating alien attack that ruins planet Earth and its people. The few survivors who remain end up fighting back
Leading the charge is Boston history professor, Tom Mason (Noah Wyle), whose wife is killed and son is kidnapped in the attack. Tom joins up with the 2nd Massachusetts, a regiment formed to protect the survivors. As the group's second-in-command, he utilizes his knowledge of military history to counter the alien invaders in the ongoing struggle. But what led those extra-terrestrial forces to Earth in the first place?
In addition to Wyle, the "Falling Skies" cast also includes Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight, Seychelle Gabriel, Mpho Koaho, Connor Jessup, Sarah Carter, Colin Cunningham, and Doug Jones, among others.
Should you stream 'Falling Skies' on Netflix?
I wouldn't want to give a definitive verdict on "Falling Skies" myself, as I hadn't come across it prior to the series' arrival on Netflix, but I can at the very least say that what I have streamed thus far has at the very least piqued my interest and that I'm for sure interested in seeing where the show goes. And, if the general verdict that I've seen from critics and fans is to be believed, "Falling Skies" is worth persevering with.
As I mentioned above, the series has a decent reputation among critics. All five seasons are certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and the show's score peaks at 88%, which is earned in season 4.
Back in 2011, THR's Tim Goodman called the show a "superb and entertaining sci-fi series [...] that may ultimately be a stronger series than anyone expected," adding that "you want to devour the next episode immediately."
Reviewing the premiere for EW, Ken Tucker gave the show a B+, calling it "an engaging, if derivative, chunk of dystopian sci-fi," writing: "it's the spectacle of humans versus aliens that draws you in. Call it old-fashioned, but sometimes, old-fashioned works."
And, as a vote of confidence for later installments, The Guardian's Phelim O'Neill proclaimed "Falling Skies" one of the very best science-fiction shows on TV as the third season arrived. Even though they felt parts (plotting, acting) were "clumsy," O'Neill said, "it's hard not to get involved in the drama when the future of the planet is at stake."
With all that said, then, if you want to kickstart your streaming this year with a new sci-fi story, it sure sounds like you won't be disappointed if you stream "Falling Skies" on Netflix.
Not interested? We can still help you find something new to stream. Be sure to check out our round-up of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix and our definitive breakdown of the best Netflix shows for tons more streaming suggestions.
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