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What could you accomplish with boundless power? That's a central question asked by the finest sci-fi as well as fantastical tales. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a miraculous drug? Or if every other person became wholly committed to your happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or succumb to your own darker impulses?

The series featured herein each confront that very theme in various ways (with a single notable exclusion). Detailed below is a list of the ten most outstanding installments of science fiction & 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. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the hero's early days, skillfully merging essential comic story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating solo or Iron Man 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 dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the climactic revelations of the first season, the story broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single viral hit quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. After well-documented production challenges, the final show proves to be worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies from his past and present in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the prior incarnation. While the middle episodes explore certain different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show could be described as a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the plot explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the iconic gaming franchise returned with a new batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show continues its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero faces tremendous challenges on every side: training for a coming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on that count. While it effectively lays groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {