The Finest 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy Series of This Year

How would you do if you had boundless control? This is a fundamental question posed by the greatest science fiction and fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering substance? Or if each and every single human was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Could you wield that power for good, or give in to your own baser instincts?

The television series ranked herein all confront this dilemma in various ways (aside from one notable exception). Detailed below is a list of the ten most outstanding seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

An innovative interpretation on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel

Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel look at the hero's formative years, skillfully combining essential source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical mayhem in the underworld
IMAGE: Animation Studio

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic events of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the situation, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a one breakout hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season advances the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Daredevil fighting
Image: Marvel Studios

Following the legendary Netflix series, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense tone audiences cherished from the original series. While the middle episodes explore certain different narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Stylized figures in a tense scene
Image: Adult Swim

A surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Post-apocalyptic landscape from Fallout
Image: Streaming Service

This acclaimed series of the popular gaming series came back with a second season of episodes that deepened its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a intense battle
Image: Streaming Service

The visceral and heartfelt adult animation series continues its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has yet delivered.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker in gear
Photo: Streamer

The director's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both fronts. Although it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {

Seth Tucker
Seth Tucker

A passionate mobile gamer and strategy guide writer with years of experience in competitive gaming communities.