A tech journalist and cultural critic with over a decade of experience covering digital transformation and societal impacts.
What would you do with boundless control? That's a core inquiry posed by all finest sci-fi and fantasy tales. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or discovered a life-altering drug? Or if each and every single human was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you use that power for the greater good, or give in to your darker impulses?
These series featured below each confront that very theme in distinct ways (with a single notable exception). Detailed below is our countdown of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from 2025.
Even after more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by new creative voices. This series presents a refreshing perspective at the character's formative days, cleverly blending classic source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels both new and profoundly compelling.
Rather than operating alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the story expands significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally end in show-stopping song.
Although it might not have a one viral hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly complex. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching plot forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.
Following the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After significant production issues, the final product proves to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.
The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original series. Although the subsequent episodes explore some different territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly anticipating a second season.
A surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.
Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.
The acclaimed adaptation based on the popular gaming series came back with a new batch of stories that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.
It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.
The visceral and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero faces immense pressure on all side: training for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the series has yet produced.
Mark's physical and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with increased significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. While it effectively lays groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {
A tech journalist and cultural critic with over a decade of experience covering digital transformation and societal impacts.