Our Finest 10 Science Fiction and Fantastical TV Shows of This Year

What would you do if you had unlimited ability? That's a core question explored by all greatest science fiction as well as fantastical tales. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? What about each and every single person was dedicated to your personal happiness? Could you wield such power for good, or would you succumb to your baser impulses?

The series featured herein all confront this concept in distinct manners (aside from a single notable exception). Detailed here is our countdown of the 10 top installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

A fresh take on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel

Despite more than six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinterpreted by new talent. This series offers a novel perspective at the hero's formative years, skillfully blending essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Rather than operating solo or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical mayhem in the underworld
IMAGE: Animation Studio

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly found its footing in its second installment. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a single breakout song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Image: Marvel Studios

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense shoes to fill. Despite significant development challenges, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters venture into certain new narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

Stylized characters in a tense moment
Visual: Network

A unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland vista from the series
Screenshot: Streaming Service

This acclaimed series of the iconic gaming series returned with a second season of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that title; rather, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a intense battle
Art: Prime Video

This visceral and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien threat, guiding his young brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutally intense action sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in gear
Photo: HBO Max

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on that count. While it successfully lays foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {

Chelsea Kennedy
Chelsea Kennedy

A software engineer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in cloud computing and AI applications.