The biggest names in fantasy TV shows, like Game of Thrones or Supernatural, have had no trouble retaining their popularity, but fans of fiction shouldn’t be afraid to branch out and discover the underrated hits of the genre. Whether they were cut short and only had one season to cultivate a following, or simply never broke through to the mainstream, these works deserve to have a resurgence in popularity today.
Many of these fantasy shows have no bad episodes, weaving a tightly packed and thrilling narrative that will leave audiences speechless by the final episode. By bringing many facets of multiple genres into the fabric of their stories and crafting engaging characters that audiences love watching evolve onscreen, these series are just as fresh today as when they first started airing.
Key Insights
- Underrated Series: Many fantasy shows deserve more recognition despite being overlooked.
- Engaging Narratives: These series often feature tightly woven plots that captivate viewers.
- Diverse Genres: They blend elements from various genres, enhancing their appeal.
- Character Development: Audiences enjoy watching the evolution of well-crafted characters.
The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022)
Based on the fantasy book series Half Bad by Sally Green, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is a canceled fantasy show still worth watching. A large part of this is thanks to the world crafted by Green, as well as the work of the actors in the series. Jay Lycurgo leads the cast as Nathan, the young witch being persecuted by the rival magical factions because of the brutal acts of his father.
Joined by Nadia Parkes and Emilien Vekemans as Annalise and Gabriel, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself relies on the chemistry between the central trio as they attempt to bring Nathan to safety in time for his 17th birthday. It will always be disappointing that the series was cut short before it could complete Nathan’s story, but it’s still satisfying to see him develop over the course of season 1.
Kingdom (2019–2020)
The South Korean TV series Kingdom tackles a variety of genres. From horror and fantasy to political thriller, Kingdom finds a way to blend them all perfectly, making the show impossible to turn off. Led by a fantastic ensemble cast featuring Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, and Ryu Seung-ryong, Kingdom sees its characters beat back a deadly virus and attempt to maintain power in a fictionalized version of the Joseon period.
Audiences looking for some blood and guts with their fantasy will fall in love with the high-stakes and thrilling action sequences in Kingdom. Though Kingdom did find a dedicated fanbase fairly quickly, the series should receive more recognition on an international scale, being discussed in conversations about the best fantasy projects of the past ten years. Kingdom captures the attention of everyone who turns on this epic adventure story.
Galvant (2015–2016)
Fantasy and musical comedy are two of the most divisive genres. Though they’re not for everyone, those who love these narratives and their aesthetics will adore Galavant, the short-lived but eternally memorable satirical fantasy musical series. The show finds a way to poke fun at the pitfalls of its many genres while still paying tribute to them, as it clearly has a lot of love for these types of stories.
Starring Joshua Sasse and Timothy Omundson as Galavant and King Richard, the unlikely companions who bumble their way through the magical adventures of the story, Galavant is a romp that even the harshest critics can get behind. Revisiting the series today proves how ahead of its time Galavant was, and that if it had premiered today, it might have exploded in popularity thanks to its biting writing style.
Lost Girl (2010–2016)
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