🔗 Share this article

What would you do with unlimited ability? That's the central question asked by all best sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every single person was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you use such power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker instincts?

The television series featured below all explore that very concept in unique ways (with a single key exclusion). Detailed here is a countdown of the ten best seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinvented by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early years, skillfully blending essential source material elements with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being solo or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully hit its stride in its sophomore season. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the music are all elevated. The story moves the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense expectations. Despite well-documented production challenges, the final product proves it was worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies both history and present in a refreshed take of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense feeling fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as a crime saga filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the popular video game franchise came back with a new season of stories that deepened its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that game; instead, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

It expertly balances several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt animated show continues its winning streak in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on every fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally intense action sequences the show has yet delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero show came back with elevated importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on that count. While it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {