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How would you do with boundless control? This is the fundamental question explored by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical narratives. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield that power for the greater good, or succumb to your own baser impulses?

The series ranked herein all explore this theme in distinct ways (aside from a single key exclusion). Detailed below is a list of the ten top seasons of science fiction and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reimagined by new talent. This series delivers a novel look at the hero's formative days, cleverly combining essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both new and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a one breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly interwoven. The action, personal development, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. Despite well-documented production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both history and present in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone fans cherished from the original series. Although the subsequent chapters explore certain different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the popular video game franchise came back with a second batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; rather, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts immense pressure on all side: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with his secretive GDA. The season also features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on that count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {