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What could you accomplish with unlimited power? This is the central inquiry posed by the greatest science fiction and fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about every other human was wholly committed to your happiness? Would you wield such influence for good, or succumb to your own baser impulses?

These shows featured below each explore that very concept in distinct ways (with one key exclusion). Outlined below is a list of the ten most outstanding seasons of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the character's early days, cleverly blending essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply engaging.

Rather than operating alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly hit its stride in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in season 2 being increasingly complex. The action, character development, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, this series had immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting product demonstrates to be worth the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both past and new threats in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences loved from the prior series. While the subsequent chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation of the popular gaming series returned with a second season of episodes that deepened its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further explore ideas of authority and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles several storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The season once again features some of the most intense action scenes the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on that count. Although it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {