If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Torchwood is available in the UK on BBC iPlayer right now. The 4-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. 572 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. John Barrowman anchors it with a performance that grounds the bigger ideas in something human. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on BBC iPlayer.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Torchwood earns its spot. Torchwood uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. The exploits of a team of people whose job is to investigate the unusual, the strange and the extraterrestrial. The human element stays intact thanks to John Barrowman and Eve Myles, who anchor every scene. Across 4 seasons (2006–2011), it never lost the thread that made it worth starting. What separates Torchwood from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Torchwood is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. If you have already watched The Outer Limits, Torchwood is a natural next step. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. John Barrowman grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Once you are in, you will want to talk about it.

Torchwood wrapped up in 2011, created by Russell T Davies — and 4 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.