🔗 Share this article

How could you accomplish with unlimited power? That's the central inquiry asked by the greatest science fiction as well as fantastical narratives. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about each and every single human was dedicated to your happiness? Would you use such power for the greater good, or give in to your darker instincts?

These shows ranked below all explore this dilemma in unique manners (with one notable exception). Detailed below is our ranking of the ten top seasons of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing look at the hero's early years, cleverly combining classic source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he takes command of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a single breakout song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more interwoven. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching plot forward while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. After well-documented development issues, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense feeling audiences loved from the original series. Although the subsequent episodes venture into certain new narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the iconic gaming series returned with a second batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine themes of control and freedom.

The show skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt animated series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous pressure on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young sibling, and battling with the secretive GDA. The season also includes some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the series has yet delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU stories, it also presents a resonant and focused {