The Best 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy TV Shows of This Year
What would you do if you had infinite power? This is a fundamental inquiry explored by the greatest science fiction as well as fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? Or if each and every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield that power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker instincts?
These television series ranked below each explore this theme in unique ways (aside from one notable exception). Presented below is a list of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man continues to be reimagined by new creative voices. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, cleverly blending classic source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and profoundly compelling.
Rather than operating alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which sprang from a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second installment. Following the climactic events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.
Although it may lack a single breakout hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot dramatically while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. After significant production challenges, the resulting show proves to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known setting.
The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising 2025 gem, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.
Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming franchise came back with a new season of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it continues to examine themes of authority and autonomy.
The show expertly balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
This bloody and heartfelt animated series continues its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming alien threat, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally intense fight sequences the series has ever delivered.
Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series came back with increased significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {