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What could you accomplish if you had infinite ability? That's the central question posed by the greatest sci-fi and fantasy narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or would you give in to your darker instincts?

These series featured herein each explore this theme in distinct ways (with one key exclusion). Outlined below is a ranking of the 10 most outstanding installments of science fiction and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the character's early days, cleverly combining essential comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the story broadens significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably culminate in elaborate song.

While it may lack a one viral hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in season 2 being more complex. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the main storyline dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented production challenges, the final show proves it was worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the original series. While the middle episodes explore certain new narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga with the humor of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the popular video game series returned with a new batch of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to examine themes of control and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous pressure on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series returned with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and it executes on that count. While it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {