The Top 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy TV Shows of This Year

What could you accomplish if you had boundless control? This is a central inquiry explored by the finest sci-fi and fantasy narratives. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous drug? Or if every other person was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or succumb to your own darker instincts?

The shows ranked below all grapple with this theme in distinct ways (with a single key exclusion). Detailed here is our countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing look at the hero's early years, cleverly combining essential comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly found its footing in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the story expands significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a one breakout hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more complex. The action, personal arcs, and above all the music are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced immense shoes to fill. Despite significant development issues, the final product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to foes from his past and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. While the middle chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new batch of episodes that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts immense pressure on all side: training for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with his secretive GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on that count. While it effectively lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {