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How would you do if you had infinite control? This is a central question asked by all best science fiction and fantastical tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every single human became dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you use that influence for the greater good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

These television series ranked below all grapple with this concept in various ways (aside from a single key exception). Presented below is our list of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by new creative voices. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early years, skillfully combining essential source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both new and profoundly engaging.

Rather than operating solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully hit its stride in its second installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story expands considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and especially the music are all elevated. The story advances the main plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant development challenges, the final show demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes both past and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. While the middle chapters venture into some different territory, the season concludes on a strong note, setting fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the iconic gaming franchise came back with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich layered and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on that fronts. While it successfully lays foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {