Our Best 10 Science Fiction and Fantastical Series of This Year

How could you accomplish with unlimited power? That's the central question asked by the finest science fiction as well as fantasy stories. Imagine if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? What about each and every other human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use such power for good, or give in to your darker instincts?

The series featured herein all explore this theme in unique manners (aside from one key exception). Detailed here is our countdown of the ten most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

A fresh take on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel

Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. This series presents a novel perspective at the character's early years, cleverly merging classic source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than operating alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Theatrical chaos in the underworld
Visual: SpindleHorse

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the story broadens considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes command of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more 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 everything in this season being more ambitious. The action, character development, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching storyline forward while delivering plenty of weird, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Daredevil in action
Photo: Marvel Studios

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented production issues, the final product proves to be worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both past and present in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore some different territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated figures in a dramatic moment
Visual: Adult Swim

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Post-apocalyptic landscape from the series
Screenshot: Prime Video

This hit adaptation of the popular gaming franchise came back with a new batch of stories that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that game; rather, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Mark Grayson in a brutal battle
Image: Prime Video

This visceral and heartfelt animated series continues its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on all fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young brother, and battling with the secretive GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutal action sequences the series has ever produced.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in costume
Image: HBO Max

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. Although it successfully lays groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {

Eric Mitchell
Eric Mitchell

A former casino dealer turned gaming analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player psychology.