One of the most crucial parts of any fantasy universe is its world. Fantasy isn’t very compelling if its world feels generic, wasteful, or just isn’t that interesting. Some of the greatest fantasy universes have even gone down in history for their established history and lore, or for how fascinating they are to the consumer. This happens across all forms of media, from books to movies, and even to television.

This is especially true as of late, since fantasy television has seen a massive surge in popularity thanks to the introduction of streaming services and on-demand viewing. With the endless sea of fantasy TV shows out there, some of the truly remarkable do stand out, especially when it comes to their world-building (the process in which it establishes and fleshes out its world). These are the fantasy TV shows with the best world-building.

1

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

The Witcher has been on a downward spiral since the introduction of its second season, but its world-building, at the very least, remains strong. Of course, it doesn’t deserve every ounce of credit—most of that belongs to original author Andrzej Sapkowski, who penned the book series on which the TV show is based. There are so many different creatures in this world, most of them pulled straight from folklore and mythology.

All of these creatures come from tons of different real-world cultures and mythologies, yet they comfortably meld together in this dark and violent world. They appear in their own ecosystems, and wreak havoc on local townships in their own ways. While this world is dark and unforgiving, there is no denying that it does inspire a sense of wonder at how many monsters exist within it, accompanied by beautiful landscapes, and, of course, magic.

2

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a prequel series to the original 1982 Jim Henson film, which also had fantastic world-building. The story is set on the planet Thra, a world full of strange creatures from Henson’s wild imagination. Thra is home to the magical Dark Crystal, but one day, it mysteriously cracks, beginning a new era in the world. The power that seeps out of the crystal creates two new life forms: the magical Mystics, and the villainous Skeksis, who begin to wreak havoc across the planet.

The story is told through intricate puppetry and stunning set design, detailing the events leading up to the film. It’s a shame this show was canceled by Netflix so abruptly, because it had no trouble throwing audiences right back into the world of Thra, and expanding upon its already fascinating universe. It’s unlike any other fantasy series ever seen before, due in part to its creative and colorful world.

3

‘Deltora Quest’ (2007–2008)

You’ve probably never heard of Deltora Quest, but you’d be forgiven for that. This YA anime series is based on eight books by Australian author Jennifer Rowe, under her pen name, Emily Rodda. The story follows Lief (Ryosuke Sakamaki), an adolescent boy from the city of Del who is tasked with finding the seven gems of the magical Belt of Deltora, which have been scattered across the land. If he reassembles the Belt, he will banish the evil Shadow Lord from the land of Deltora.

Rowe actually wrote a surprisingly vast universe when she wrote her books. Deltora is split up into seven territories represented by seven gems, with each territory having its own distinct geography, culture, flora, and fauna. The show does a really good job of bringing the magic of Deltora to life, featuring all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit the land. The series might be for kids, but it really creates a unique world like no other, and that is endlessly intriguing.

4

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

The Wheel of Timeactually takes place on Earth, albeit a different version of Earth thousands upon thousands of years in the future. Numerous apocalyptic events have reduced technology back to the Middle Ages though new things such as fantastical creatures and magic itself do exist. Much of the story takes place in the Westerlands,a continent which is home to over a dozen different cultures and nations.

To the West is the continent of Seanchan and to the East are Aiel Wastes an endless desert where nomadic Aiel people live. This TV show really fleshes out those cultures especially social hierarchy present in White Tower home sorceresses known as Aes Sedai. Apart from that various cultures actually feel distinct from each other have their own little quirks. This show actually does abetter job world-building than most movies.This definitely does a good job bringing late author Robert Jordan’s world small screen.

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BStaybythesideof whoever carriesit.Theyshouldn’tgoalone.
CStepforwardandlead.ThisisexactlywhatIwasmadefor.
DIt’sminenow.Iwon’tlet anyoneelsehaveit.

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02

Yourclosestcompanionisheadingintoterribledanger.You:
Trueloyaltyisrevealednotincomfort,butincrisis.