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How could you accomplish if you had boundless ability? This is a fundamental question posed by the best sci-fi and fantastical narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield such power for good, or would you give in to your baser impulses?

The shows listed below each explore this dilemma in unique manners (with a single key exception). Detailed here is a list of the ten most outstanding seasons of science fiction and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the character's early days, cleverly blending essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second season. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a one breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the overarching plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development issues, the final show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes from his history and present in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes explore some different narrative ground, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially a Breaking Bad with the sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation based on the popular gaming franchise returned with a new season of stories that expanded its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that game; rather, it continues to examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on every fronts: training for a coming alien threat, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero series returned with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {