🔗 Share this article

What would you do if you had boundless power? That's the core inquiry posed by the finest sci-fi as well as fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about each and every other person was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you use that power for good, or succumb to your baser impulses?

The television series ranked below all explore that very concept in unique ways (aside from one notable exclusion). Detailed below is a countdown of the 10 top installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of history, Spider-Man continues to be reinterpreted by new creative voices. This series delivers a novel perspective at the hero's formative years, cleverly merging essential comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and deeply engaging.

Rather than operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic events of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a single breakout song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being more complex. The action, personal development, and especially the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching storyline forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented production issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and present in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the gritty tone audiences loved from the original series. Although the middle episodes explore certain different narrative ground, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic gaming franchise came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it further examine ideas of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces tremendous pressure on all side: training for a coming alien threat, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most intense action sequences the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also tells a powerful and focused {