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What could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? This is a core question explored by all greatest science fiction and fantasy narratives. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about every single person became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your own baser impulses?

The shows featured herein each grapple with this concept in various manners (with a single key exclusion). Detailed here is our countdown of the ten most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by fresh creative voices. This series offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, skillfully merging essential comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic events of season 1, the story expands significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the music are all elevated. The season moves the main plot forward while delivering plenty of weird, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced immense expectations. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore certain different territory, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the iconic gaming series returned with a new season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; instead, it continues to examine ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its winning momentum in season 3. The hero faces immense pressure on every side: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered brother, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The story also includes some of the most intense action sequences the series has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero series came back with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on both count. Although it effectively lays foundations for future DCU projects, it also presents a powerful and focused {