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What would you do if you had infinite control? This is the central inquiry explored by all greatest sci-fi and fantasy tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if each and every single human became wholly committed to your happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or give in to your baser impulses?

The shows ranked below each explore that very concept in unique ways (with one notable exclusion). Detailed below is our countdown of the ten most outstanding seasons of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's formative days, skillfully merging essential source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story moves the overarching plot forward while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. After significant development issues, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences loved from the original incarnation. Although the middle chapters venture into certain new narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially a crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of stories that expanded its epic mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it further explore themes of authority and autonomy.

It expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on every side: training for a coming alien threat, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally brutal fight sequences the series has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout arcs for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both fronts. While it effectively lays foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it also tells a powerful and focused {