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How would you do with unlimited power? That's the central inquiry posed by all greatest science fiction and fantastical narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary substance? Or if each and every single person was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you use that influence for good, or succumb to your own baser impulses?

The television series featured below all explore that very concept in various manners (with a single notable exception). Detailed here is our countdown of the ten best seasons of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by new talent. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the character's formative days, cleverly merging essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both new and deeply compelling.

Rather than being alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single viral song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the music are collectively elevated. The story advances the main plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development issues, the resulting show proves to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling audiences loved from the original series. Although the subsequent episodes explore certain new narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further examine themes of control and freedom.

It expertly balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. 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 show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on all side: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story also features some of the most intense action sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on that count. While it effectively lays foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {