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How would you do with infinite control? This is a central inquiry posed by all best sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a life-altering substance? Or if every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you use such influence for good, or would you give in to your own baser impulses?

The television series listed below each confront this concept in various manners (with a single key exception). Outlined below is a ranking of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel look at the hero's early days, cleverly merging essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels both fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who seizes command of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single breakout song quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being more ambitious. The action, character arcs, and above all the music are all elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development issues, the final show proves to be worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies from his past and present in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences loved from the prior series. While the subsequent episodes explore some new territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, setting fans keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the popular video game franchise came back with a new season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of authority and autonomy.

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

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on all side: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most intense action scenes the show has yet delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on that count. Although it effectively lays foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it also tells a resonant and focused {