The Finest 10 Science Fiction & Fantastical Television of This Year
How could you accomplish if you had infinite power? That's the fundamental inquiry explored by the greatest sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every other human became dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you use such power for good, or give in to your own baser instincts?
The series featured herein all confront this concept in unique manners (aside from a single key exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten most outstanding installments of science fiction and fantastical TV from the past year.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reimagined by new talent. This series offers a novel perspective at the character's early days, skillfully blending essential comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both new and deeply compelling.
Rather than operating solo or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.
While it may lack a one breakout song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being more ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes both history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known world.
The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense feeling audiences cherished from the prior series. Although the middle episodes venture into some different territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to federal agents.
Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This acclaimed series based on the popular gaming franchise returned with a new batch of stories that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further examine themes of authority and freedom.
It skillfully balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces tremendous pressure on all fronts: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight scenes the series has ever delivered.
The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on that count. While it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {