Our Finest 10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Television of This Year

How could you accomplish with infinite power? This is the core question posed by all best sci-fi and fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a life-altering substance? What about each and every single person was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use that power for the greater good, or would you give in to your own baser instincts?

These series listed below all grapple with that very concept in unique ways (with one notable exclusion). Presented here is a countdown of the 10 best seasons of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the hero's early days, cleverly blending essential source material elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being solo or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single viral song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season advances the main plot forward while delivering plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes from his history and present in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling fans loved from the original series. Although the subsequent episodes venture into certain new territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot explores bigger questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation of the iconic video game series returned with a second season of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore ideas of authority and freedom.

It skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on every side: preparing for a looming alien threat, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {