Our Top 10 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Television of This Year

What could you accomplish with infinite power? This is a core inquiry asked by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical narratives. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if every single human was dedicated to your happiness? Could you use such power for good, or would you give in to your own darker impulses?

The television series ranked herein each confront that very dilemma in unique ways (aside from one notable exclusion). Detailed here is our list of the ten best installments of science fiction and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by new creative voices. This series delivers a refreshing look at the character's early days, skillfully blending classic comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously new and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which sprang from a fan-funded short, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic events of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being increasingly interwoven. The action, character arcs, and above all the music are collectively elevated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone fans cherished from the original series. While the middle chapters explore some new narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated crime saga with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic video game series came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation show continues its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with his secretive GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutally brutal fight sequences the series has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with increased importance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it effectively establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU stories, it also presents a resonant and focused {