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What could you accomplish if you had boundless control? This is a core question posed by the greatest science fiction and fantastical stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every other person became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you use such power for good, or would you give in to your own baser impulses?

The shows featured below each explore that very dilemma in unique manners (with a single notable exclusion). Detailed below is our list of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel perspective at the hero's early years, skillfully combining classic source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the game-changing events of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant development challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both past and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty feeling fans cherished from the original series. Although the middle chapters explore some different narrative ground, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the iconic gaming series returned with a second season of episodes that expanded its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

It expertly balances multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and utterly engaging addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien threat, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series came back with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. Although it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also presents a powerful and focused {