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How would you do if you had boundless control? That's a fundamental inquiry explored by all best sci-fi and fantasy tales. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a life-altering drug? What about every other person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield that influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your baser instincts?

These series listed herein each grapple with this theme in unique ways (with a single key exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten most outstanding seasons of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reinvented by new talent. This series delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly merging classic source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single viral song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story advances the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the resulting show proves to be worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty feeling audiences loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes explore certain new territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new batch of stories that deepened its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

It expertly balances multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged adult animation show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show came back with increased significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on that count. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {