Our Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy TV Shows of This Year

What would you do if you had infinite ability? This is a core inquiry posed by the finest sci-fi as well as fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a life-altering substance? Or if each and every other human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you use that power for the greater good, or give in to your baser impulses?

The series ranked below all grapple with this theme in distinct manners (aside from a single notable exclusion). Presented here is a ranking of the 10 most outstanding seasons of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

A fresh interpretation on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel Animation

Despite more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the character's formative days, cleverly merging essential source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical chaos in the underworld
Visual: Animation Studio

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story expands significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being more complex. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Image: Marvel

Following the legendary Netflix show, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates to be worth the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes from his history and present in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the middle episodes venture into some new narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated characters in a tense scene
Image: Network

A surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with a humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland vista from Fallout
Screenshot: Prime Video

This acclaimed series of the popular video game franchise returned with a new season of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a intense fight
Image: Streaming Service

This bloody and emotionally charged adult animation show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on all side: preparing for a coming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with the secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the series has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in gear
Photo: HBO Max

The director's offbeat anti-hero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on both count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {

Katherine Herring
Katherine Herring

Elara is a linguist and writer with a passion for exploring how words shape our world and connect cultures.