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What could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? This is a fundamental inquiry posed by all greatest science fiction as well as fantasy stories. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a miraculous substance? What about every other person was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your baser impulses?

The television series ranked herein each explore that very theme in distinct ways (with one notable exclusion). Presented here is a countdown of the ten top seasons of science fiction and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, cleverly blending classic source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero forges a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story broadens significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced immense shoes to fill. Despite significant development issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes both past and present in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some new narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, setting viewers keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming franchise returned with a new season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it continues to examine themes of authority and freedom.

It expertly balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on all side: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on that fronts. Although it effectively lays foundations for future DCU stories, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {