🔗 Share this article The Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantastical TV Shows of This Year What could you accomplish with unlimited ability? This is the fundamental inquiry explored by the greatest sci-fi and fantastical narratives. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if every single person was dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield such power for good, or would you succumb to your darker impulses? These television series ranked below each explore this concept in unique manners (with one notable exception). Outlined below is a ranking of the ten top installments of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year. 10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood Image: Marvel Animation Despite over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, cleverly merging essential comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and deeply engaging. Rather than being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility. 9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2 IMAGE: Animation Studio Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers. While it might not have a single viral hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy. 8. Daredevil: Born Again Image: Marvel Following the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. After significant development issues, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes both history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world. The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences loved from the original series. While the subsequent chapters venture into some different narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment. 7. Common Side Effects Image: Adult Swim An unexpected this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to government agents. Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the plot explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season. 6. Fallout Season 2 Screenshot: Prime Video The hit series based on the iconic gaming franchise returned with a second season of stories that deepened its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of authority and freedom. It expertly juggles multiple storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland saga. 5. Invincible Season 3 Art: Prime Video The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has yet produced. Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment. 4. Peacemaker Season 2 Image: HBO Max James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with elevated importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both count. Although it successfully establishes foundations for future DCU projects, it primarily tells a resonant and focused {