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How could you accomplish if you had boundless control? This is a central inquiry explored by all greatest sci-fi and fantasy narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous substance? Or if every other human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use such influence for good, or would you give in to your own darker instincts?

These shows ranked below each confront that very theme in distinct manners (with one notable exclusion). Presented here is our list of the ten top seasons of sci-fi and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reinvented by fresh talent. This series presents a novel perspective at the character's early days, skillfully merging classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of being alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its second installment. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one viral hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. Despite well-documented development challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes both history and present in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore some different narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation of the iconic gaming franchise returned with a new season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

It expertly balances several storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated show continues its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces immense challenges on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally intense action sequences the series has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero series came back with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. While it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {