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What would you do with boundless control? This is a central inquiry explored by all best science fiction as well as fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if every other human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your own darker impulses?

The series ranked herein each explore that very theme in various manners (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined below is our ranking of the 10 most outstanding seasons of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel look at the character's early years, skillfully blending classic source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

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

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully hit its stride in its sophomore season. Following the climactic events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a single breakout song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The action, character development, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented production challenges, the resulting product proves it was 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 both past and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the original incarnation. Although the middle chapters venture into some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the iconic gaming series came back with a second batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

It skillfully balances several narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts immense challenges on all side: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutal action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated importance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {