🔗 Share this article

What would you do if you had infinite power? That's a fundamental question explored by the best science fiction and fantastical stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you use that power for good, or succumb to your own darker instincts?

These television series ranked below each confront this concept in distinct manners (with one key exclusion). Outlined below is a countdown of the 10 top seasons of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the character's formative years, cleverly combining essential comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and especially the music are all elevated. The story moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced immense expectations. After well-documented development issues, the final show proves it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty tone fans loved from the original series. Although the middle episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie score, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the popular video game series returned with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on every side: training for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his young brother, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on both fronts. While it effectively lays foundations for upcoming DCU projects, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {