🔗 Share this article

What could you accomplish if you had boundless ability? This is a central inquiry explored by all greatest science fiction as well as fantastical stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about each and every other person became wholly committed to your happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or would you give in to your own darker instincts?

The series featured below all confront that very concept in various ways (with one key exclusion). Presented here is a list of the ten best installments of science fiction & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. This series presents a novel look at the character's early days, skillfully blending classic source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both new and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully came into its own in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story expands significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single viral song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the final show proves it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and present in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series based on the iconic gaming franchise returned with a new season of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that title; rather, it continues to examine themes of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated show keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every side: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with his shadowy GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {