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How would you do with boundless control? This is the fundamental inquiry asked by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if every other person was dedicated to your happiness? Could you use such power for good, or give in to your own darker impulses?

These series listed herein each grapple with that very theme in unique ways (aside from a single key exclusion). Outlined below is a countdown of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the hero's formative years, skillfully merging essential comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second season. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story broadens significantly, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one breakout song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The season advances the main plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. After well-documented production challenges, the final show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his history and present in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the original series. Although the middle chapters explore certain new territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's highlight, this series is essentially a crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation based on the popular video game franchise returned with a new season of stories that deepened its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest 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 ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on every fronts: training for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most intense action scenes the show has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series came back with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. While it successfully establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {