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How would you do with infinite control? This is the fundamental question explored by all best sci-fi and fantastical stories. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if each and every other human was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you use that power for the greater good, or give in to your darker instincts?

The shows featured below each explore this dilemma in distinct ways (with one key exclusion). Outlined below is a ranking of the 10 most outstanding seasons of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reinvented by new creative voices. This series presents a novel perspective at the character's formative years, cleverly combining essential source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded short, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the story expands considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the final product proves to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and present in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle episodes venture into certain new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation based on the iconic gaming series came back with a new season of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; rather, it continues to explore themes of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again features some of the most brutal action sequences the series has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated importance within the new DC universe, and it executes on that count. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for future DCU stories, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {