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What would you do if you had unlimited power? This is a fundamental question asked by the best science fiction and fantastical stories. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? What about each and every other person was dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you use that influence for good, or succumb to your own baser instincts?

The television series featured below all confront this concept in distinct manners (aside from one key exception). Outlined here is a ranking of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing look at the character's formative years, cleverly combining essential comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate song.

Although it might not have a one breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while providing plenty of weird, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, this series had enormous expectations. Despite well-documented production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both past and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense feeling audiences cherished from the prior series. While the subsequent episodes explore certain different narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot explores bigger questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the iconic video game franchise came back with a second batch of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a coming alien threat, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on that fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {