Our Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Television of This Year

What could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? That's a central question asked by the best sci-fi and fantastical stories. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? What about every single person became dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for good, or would you give in to your baser impulses?

These shows ranked herein all explore that very theme in unique ways (with one notable exception). Detailed here is a list of the 10 top seasons of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over six decades of history, Spider-Man remains reinvented by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the hero's formative years, skillfully combining classic source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of being solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a one breakout song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The season advances the main storyline dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense expectations. Despite significant development issues, the resulting product proves it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling fans loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes explore some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to government agents.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the popular video game series returned with a new season of episodes that expanded its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most brutally intense fight sequences the series has yet produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series came back with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {