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How could you accomplish with infinite control? That's a core inquiry explored by all best science fiction as well as fantastical tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a life-altering drug? What about every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for good, or would you give in to your baser instincts?

The television series listed below each explore this concept in unique ways (with one notable exception). Presented below is our countdown of the ten best installments of science fiction and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of history, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, cleverly blending essential comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching plot forward while delivering plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. While the middle chapters venture into some different territory, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside 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 Big Pharma CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's true effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the iconic video game series returned with a second season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.

It skillfully balances several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the series has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both fronts. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for future DCU projects, it also presents a powerful and focused {