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How would you do if you had boundless control? That's a central question asked by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical narratives. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about every single person became dedicated to your happiness? Would you use such influence for good, or would you succumb to your own darker impulses?

The series ranked herein each explore this theme in various ways (with a single notable exception). Detailed below is our countdown of the ten best seasons of sci-fi and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. This series presents a refreshing look at the hero's early years, skillfully blending classic comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously new and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being alone or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic events of season 1, 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 show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching plot forward while providing plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced immense expectations. Despite significant development issues, the resulting show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies from his history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. Although the middle chapters explore some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation based on the popular gaming series returned with a second batch of stories that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to examine ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles several storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all fronts: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story also features some of the most intense fight sequences the series has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both count. While it effectively lays foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {