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How would you do if you had infinite control? That's the core inquiry explored by all finest science fiction and fantasy stories. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? What about every other human was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for good, or succumb to your baser instincts?

These shows listed below all confront this theme in various manners (with one notable exclusion). Outlined below is a countdown of the ten most outstanding installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series delivers a novel perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly merging essential source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its sophomore installment. Following the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes command of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a single viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. After significant development issues, the final show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the prior series. While the subsequent episodes explore some different territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a crime saga with a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the popular video game franchise came back with a second batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has yet produced.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {