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What would you do with infinite ability? This is a fundamental question asked by the greatest sci-fi and fantasy tales. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary substance? What about every single human was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you use such power for good, or give in to your darker instincts?

These series featured below each grapple with this concept in various manners (with a single key exclusion). Detailed below is a list of the ten most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the character's formative days, skillfully combining classic source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than operating alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single breakout song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the main storyline forward while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense expectations. After well-documented development challenges, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both history and present in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain new territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the popular gaming series returned with a second season of stories that deepened its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged adult animation show continues its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero series came back with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both count. While it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {