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What would you do if you had unlimited control? That's the central question posed by all greatest sci-fi and fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if every single person was dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you use that power for the greater good, or would you succumb to your darker impulses?

The series listed below each confront this concept in unique manners (with one notable exclusion). Presented below is our list of the ten most outstanding seasons of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the character's formative days, skillfully combining classic source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its second installment. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single viral song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season advances the main plot forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series faced enormous expectations. After significant production issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies both past and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense feeling audiences loved from the prior series. While the middle chapters venture into some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the popular video game series came back with a second batch of stories that deepened its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that game; instead, it further examine themes of control and autonomy.

It skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation show continues its winning momentum in season 3. The hero faces tremendous pressure on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the show has ever produced.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {