Though the fantasy genre has long been one of the most popular in pop culture, its stories are sometimes criminally overlooked. The small screen has seen many such examples over the years, with some incredible fantasy TV shows going unnoticed. The genre itself is incredibly versatile, with its outlandish and often magical stories facilitating a hugely varied range of stories. Fantasy creatures, magic users, and even whole magical realms are all staples of the fantasy genre, and while that makes for many immersive stories, some fantasy TV shows are sadly overlooked. Despite being great examples of the genre’s potential, not all fantasy TV gets the success it deserves.
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In fact, some of the best fantasy TV shows have passed into relative obscurity. Though many boasted reasonable success in their time, or have since been recognized as exceptional pieces of television, not all fantasy shows are remembered as broadly as they deserve. Simply put, the sad truth is that not all fantasy TV shows are talked about anywhere near as much as they should be.
7) Grimm (NBC, 2011-2017)
While there have been many dark fantasy TV shows, Grimm is one of the more unique examples of how the genre can be fused with other popular tropes. The show follows a homicide detective who discovers that he is destined to be a hunter of magical creatures named Wesen, immersing him in a previously hidden magical community. Despite being its six-season, 123-episode run earning the show critical success, Grimm is sadly not talked about much since it ended in 2017.
6) Carnival Row (Prime Video, 2019-2023)
In spite of a great premise and a famous cast, Carnival Row is perhaps best remembered for its iconic fantasy TV show opening. It stars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne as they investigate a string of unsolved murders in a fictional city named The Burgue, navigating a society packed with tension due to an influx of Fae refugees. While it struggled to find its audience, it’s an imaginative and interesting piece of fantasy TV that has already been unfairly forgotten.
5) The Shannara Chronicles (MTV & Spike, 2016-2017)
Based on Terry Brooks’ Sword of Shannara trilogy of novels, The Shannara Chronicles only ran for two seasons before it was axed. Starring Austin Butler, Ivana Baquero, and Poppy Drayton, the show follows three heroes as they protect an ancient and sacred tree from a demonic incursion. Though the source material is hugely popular, The Shannara Chronicles has become a hugely underrated fantasy TV show, and one that isn’t talked about nearly enough when compared to the quality of its story, production, and cast.
4) The Magicians (Syfy, 2015-2020)
Many fantasy TV shows are based on books, but few have the same level of potential as The Magicians. Based on Lev Grossman’s Magicians trilogy, the show of the same name follows a gifted young man named Quentin Coldwater as he is accepted into a magical college named Brakebills, where he discovers the near-endless potential of magic. Despite a story that borrows its cues from the likes of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia with a healthy dose of drama and more adult themes thrown in, The Magicians is a show that isn’t talked about anywhere near enough, especially since it ended in 2020.
3) The Outpost (The CW, 2018-2021)
When it comes to fantasy TV shows that you forgot existed, The Outpost almost certainly makes the list. Following Talon, the lone survivor of a fantasy race known as Blackbloods, as she embarks on a journey of revenge and self-discovery, The Outpost earned a four-season run which ended in 2021. Although it boasted an incredible premise and an exciting, action-heavy fantasy atmosphere, The Outpost faded swiftly into obscurity and has since been all but forgotten. Though it isn’t often talked about, it’s a fantasy show that has become something of a hidden gem, and remains one of the most underrated titles of the genre.
2) The Librarians (TNT, 2014-2018)
In comparison to some of the other entries on this list, The Librarians is not as forgotten as it could be. However, it isn’t talked about anywhere near as much as it should be, and that’s a genuine shame. A continuation of a trilogy of TV movies, The Librarians follows the eponymous ancient organization, who are dedicated to protecting the world from a hidden magical reality. Despite being part of an established franchise and having earned itself a spin-off, The Librarians: The Next Chapter, the show simply isn’t talked about as much as it deserves.
1) Galavant (ABC, 2015-2016)
Though many great fantasy TV shows are based on books, there are many that are completely original. Galavant certainly was that, combining its fantasy premise with musical and comedy elements to provide a truly unique TV show. While its general story follows many established fantasy tropes, Galavant‘s singular delivery of its narrative is exceptional and thoroughly spellbinding. As it struggled to land a consistent audience, it was cancelled after just two seasons, and has since become criminally overlooked, and is rarely talked about in spite of its one-of-a-kind nature.
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