🔗 Share this article

How could you accomplish with unlimited control? This is the core inquiry asked by all finest science fiction and fantastical stories. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if every single human became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use such power for good, or give in to your own baser impulses?

The television series listed below each explore that very dilemma in unique manners (aside from one key exception). Outlined below is a ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by fresh talent. This series offers a novel look at the character's formative years, cleverly blending essential comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly interwoven. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of weird, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense expectations. After significant development issues, the final show proves it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and present in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes explore some different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad with the humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic gaming series returned with a second season of episodes that deepened its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to examine themes of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged adult animation show continues its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The season also features some of the most brutally intense fight sequences the show has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {