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

What could you accomplish with infinite control? This is the fundamental question asked by the finest science fiction and fantastical tales. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous substance? Or if each and every other human became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use that influence for the greater good, or succumb to your own darker instincts?

These series listed herein all grapple with this dilemma in distinct ways (with one key exception). Detailed below is a countdown of the ten top seasons of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

A fresh interpretation on Spider-Man
Image: Marvel

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series offers a refreshing look at the character's early years, skillfully combining essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical mayhem in the underworld
IMAGE: SpindleHorse

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully came into its own in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single breakout hit quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The story moves the main plot dramatically while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Daredevil fighting
Photo: Marvel

Following the legendary Netflix show, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant development issues, the resulting product proves it was worthy of the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense feeling fans loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into some new narrative ground, the first season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated characters in a tense moment
Visual: Network

An unexpected 2025 gem, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Post-apocalyptic landscape from Fallout
Image: Streaming Service

This acclaimed series based on the popular gaming franchise came back with a second batch of stories that deepened its epic 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 game; instead, it further explore themes of control and autonomy.

The show expertly balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

Mark Grayson in a brutal fight
Art: Streaming Service

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutal fight sequences the series has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker in gear
Image: HBO Max

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on that fronts. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for future DCU stories, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {

Brittany Davis
Brittany Davis

A gaming technology analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine design and regulatory compliance.