Our Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Television of This Year

What would you do if you had unlimited control? That's the fundamental inquiry posed by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary drug? What about every single human was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield that power for good, or would you give in to your darker impulses?

These series ranked below all grapple with this dilemma in unique manners (aside from one notable exclusion). Presented below is our countdown of the 10 top seasons of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

An innovative take on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel Animation

Despite over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing look at the character's formative years, skillfully merging essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical chaos in Hell
Visual: Animation Studio

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the main plot dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Photo: Marvel

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense expectations. After well-documented development issues, the resulting show demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense feeling fans loved from the original incarnation. Although the middle episodes explore some new narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated characters in a tense scene
Image: Adult Swim

A surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland vista from the series
Image: Streaming Service

The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a second season of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further explore themes of authority and freedom.

It skillfully juggles several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for answers to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a intense battle
Image: Prime Video

The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most brutal fight scenes the series has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker in costume
Photo: HBO Max

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both fronts. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {

Corey Hartman
Corey Hartman

A digital artist and graphic designer specializing in vector illustration, with over a decade of experience in the creative industry.