🔗 Share this article

How could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? That's the central inquiry posed by all finest sci-fi and fantastical stories. Imagine if you possessed superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a miraculous substance? Or if each and every other person became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you use that power for good, or would you give in to your own darker impulses?

The television series featured below each confront this concept in distinct manners (with one key exclusion). Outlined here is our ranking of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully combining classic comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both new and deeply compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded short, truly hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic events of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season moves the main plot forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development issues, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies from his history and present in a slightly version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. While the middle episodes explore certain different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting fans keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the iconic video game series came back with a second season of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore themes of authority and freedom.

It skillfully balances multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation show continues its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on both fronts. Although it successfully lays foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {