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

How could you accomplish with boundless control? That's the central question explored by the greatest science fiction as well as fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? Or if each and every single person was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you use such influence for good, or would you succumb to your own baser instincts?

The series featured herein each confront this dilemma in various manners (with a single notable exception). Detailed below is our ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

A fresh interpretation on Spider-Man
Image: Marvel Animation

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new creative voices. This series presents a refreshing perspective at the character's early days, skillfully blending classic source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both new and profoundly engaging.

Rather than operating solo or having Iron Man 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. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Theatrical mayhem in Hell
IMAGE: Animation Studio

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a single breakout song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Photo: Marvel Studios

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. Despite significant production issues, the final show proves it was worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his past and present in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty tone audiences loved from the original series. Although the subsequent chapters venture into certain new territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated characters in a dramatic scene
Image: Network

A unexpected this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga with the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland vista from the series
Screenshot: Prime Video

This hit adaptation based on the popular video game franchise came back with a second batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

It skillfully juggles multiple storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a brutal fight
Art: Streaming Service

The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on all fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young brother, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in costume
Photo: Streamer

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show returned with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and it executes on both count. Although it successfully establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {

Matthew Stone
Matthew Stone

A cultural anthropologist and travel writer specializing in Nordic regions, with over a decade of experience documenting Scandinavian traditions.