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What could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? That's a fundamental question posed by the best science fiction as well as fantastical narratives. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? What about each and every single person became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you use such power for the greater good, or would you succumb to your darker impulses?

The shows featured herein all confront this theme in distinct ways (with a single notable exception). Detailed here is our ranking of the 10 best seasons of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel perspective at the character's formative days, skillfully combining classic comic elements with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both new and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating alone or Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker 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 his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly found its footing in its second season. Following the climactic events of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes command of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in elaborate song.

Although it might not have a one viral hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, character development, and especially the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had enormous expectations. After well-documented development issues, the resulting product proves it was worth the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and present in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some new narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's highlight, this series is essentially a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's true effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the iconic gaming series came back with a second batch of stories that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further explore themes of control and freedom.

It skillfully balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt animated series continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every fronts: training for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with his secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most intense fight scenes the show has yet delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series came back with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it executes on both count. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {