Underrated Fantasy Shows You Need to Watch Now
Fantasy remains the dominant genre on television, and for good reason. Prestige television shows like Game of Thrones and The Witcher prove that the large-scale battles, mythological creatures, and medieval flair of the genre are at their very best when played out over multiple seasons. But beyond the blockbusters, a wealth of fantastic series often head unnoticed. These shows, sometimes cancelled prematurely or simply overlooked, deserve a spot on your watchlist – and you’ll likely wonder why you didn’t discover them sooner.
A Musical Take on Fantasy: *Galavant*
There’s truly nothing quite like Galavant. The underrated ABC series, which ran for two seasons, satirizes the fantasy genre with a musical twist, featuring new songs by the legendary Alan Menken, composer of many Disney Renaissance classics. The present follows Sir Gareth “Galavant” (Joshua Sasse) on a quest to reclaim his true love, Madalena (Mallory Jansen), from the wicked King Richard (Timothy Omundson).
Galavant is consistently lauded as one of the funniest fantasy series ever made, elevating its comedic timing with surprisingly catchy songs. As CBR notes, the show’s endearing characters and subversion of fantasy tropes create a uniquely enjoyable viewing experience. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a refreshing change of pace within the often-grim landscape of the genre.
Magic and Maturity: *The Magicians*
Based on Lev Grossman’s novel trilogy, The Magicians, a Syfy original, offers a darker, more mature take on the magical boarding school trope. The series follows Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) and his classmates at Brakebills University as they learn to harness their magical abilities and navigate a hidden world of fantasy, and peril.
Unlike the whimsical tone of some fantasy series, The Magicians delves into complex themes of mental health, trauma, and the consequences of power. CBR highlights that it’s a perfect binge-watch for those seeking a more grounded and emotionally resonant fantasy experience. The show ran for five seasons, allowing for substantial character development and a compelling overarching narrative.
Revitalizing a Beloved Franchise: *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*
The Game of Thrones universe continues to expand with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel series that’s quickly gaining traction. This installment, set roughly 90 years before the events of the original show, follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), a humble Hedge Knight, and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who is secretly Prince Aegon Targaryen.
Even as some viewers may have been hesitant after the controversial finale of Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been praised for its refreshing approach. CBR argues that the series is everything the original show wasn’t – witty, heartfelt, and endearing. The focus on smaller-scale stories and character-driven narratives offers a welcome change of pace, exploring what it truly means to be a knight.
Victorian Gothic Fantasy: *Penny Dreadful*
For those who enjoy a blend of fantasy and historical drama, Penny Dreadful is a must-watch. Set in Victorian-era London, the series brings together iconic characters from gothic literature – including Dorian Gray, Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, and Jekyll and Hyde – in a dark and atmospheric world. The story centers on Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) and her allies as they confront supernatural forces and grapple with their own inner demons.
Penny Dreadful stands out for its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and intelligent storytelling. It’s a unique mashup of classic literary figures, executed with a level of sophistication rarely seen in genre television. Though the series only ran for three seasons, it left a lasting impact on fans and spawned a spin-off, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. As CBR points out, the show’s short run makes it an effortless binge for those looking to dive into a captivating and atmospheric fantasy world.
Modern Mythology: *Percy Jackson & the Olympians*
Based on Rick Riordan’s popular book series, Percy Jackson & the Olympians brings a fresh take on Greek mythology to the small screen. The Disney+ series follows Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), a young demigod who discovers he is the son of Poseidon. He embarks on a dangerous quest to prevent a war among the gods, alongside his friends Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri).
The series has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material and its engaging storytelling. It’s a fun and adventurous series that appeals to both longtime fans of the books and newcomers to the world of Percy Jackson. With the first season adapting the first book in the series, The Lightning Thief, and subsequent seasons planned to cover the remaining books, Percy Jackson & the Olympians has the potential to become a major fantasy event.
These five shows represent just a fraction of the hidden gems within the fantasy television landscape. Each offers a unique perspective on the genre, from the satirical humor of Galavant to the dark maturity of The Magicians. Whether you’re a longtime fantasy fan or simply looking for something new to watch, these series are well worth your time.