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What would you do with unlimited power? This is a fundamental question asked by all best sci-fi and fantasy tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary substance? What about each and every other person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use that influence for good, or give in to your darker instincts?

These series listed herein each grapple with this theme in various ways (with one key exclusion). Presented here is a ranking of the 10 most outstanding seasons of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series offers a novel perspective at the character's formative years, skillfully merging essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than operating alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single breakout song quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The season advances the main storyline forward while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development challenges, the resulting show proves it was worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes both past and present in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty tone fans loved from the prior series. Although the middle episodes venture into certain new territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, 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 sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight adaptation of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and freedom.

The show expertly balances several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show continues its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutal action sequences the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {