🔗 Share this article

How would you do with unlimited power? That's the fundamental inquiry explored by the best sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. Imagine if you possessed superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if each and every other person was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Could you use such influence for good, or would you succumb to your darker impulses?

The television series featured below each grapple with this theme in distinct manners (with a single notable exclusion). Detailed here is our countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing perspective at the character's early days, skillfully combining classic source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is both new and deeply engaging.

Rather than operating solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its second installment. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single viral song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season advances the main storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix series, this series faced immense expectations. Despite significant production challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty tone fans cherished from the prior series. Although the middle episodes venture into certain new narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the popular video game franchise returned with a second season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that title; instead, it further explore ideas of authority and freedom.

It skillfully balances several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on every side: preparing for a coming alien threat, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on that fronts. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for future DCU stories, it also presents a resonant and focused {