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How would you do with unlimited power? This is a central inquiry explored by all finest science fiction as well as fantasy stories. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous drug? Or if every other person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or would you succumb to your darker impulses?

These series ranked herein each explore that very concept in various manners (with one key exception). Detailed here is our countdown of the ten most outstanding seasons of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the character's early years, cleverly blending essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic events of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a single viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After significant development challenges, the final show proves to be worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes both past and present in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain new territory, the season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the popular gaming franchise came back with a new batch of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it further explore themes of control and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt animated show keeps its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all side: training for a looming alien threat, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. Although it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {