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What could you accomplish with unlimited power? This is the fundamental question asked by the greatest sci-fi and fantastical narratives. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a miraculous substance? Or if every single human was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use that power for good, or succumb to your own baser impulses?

These shows ranked below each grapple with this concept in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the 10 best seasons of science fiction & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh talent. This series delivers a refreshing look at the character's early years, cleverly combining classic source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox who takes command of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one breakout song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. After significant production challenges, the final product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to foes both past and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense tone fans cherished from the prior series. Although the subsequent episodes explore certain different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga with the humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of episodes that deepened its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous pressure on all side: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the series has yet produced.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU stories, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {