7 Most Underrated Fantasy Shows That Deserve Another Look

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For every fantasy show as successful as Game of Thrones, there are many more that pass into relative obscurity. It’s a shame, too, as many of them are thoroughly deserving of audiences’ attention and praise, the lack of which occasionally leads to premature cancellation. As the scope of the genre allows for a wide range of stories, there’s almost certainly a fantasy show out there for everyone, just waiting for another look after being underrated the first time around.

7) Shadow and Bone (Netflix, 2021-2023)

Though it’s best known as being a prime example of Netflix’s ruthless streak when it comes to cancelling TV shows, Shadow and Bone is also a great dark fantasy series in its own right. Based on Leigh Bardugo’s novel of the same name, the show takes place in the fantasy setting known as the Grishaverse, and follows orphan Alina Starkov as she discovers that her newfound magical abilities could be the key to saving her world. Shadow and Bone ran for two seasons before cancellation, and while its abrupt end is frustrating, it’s still an excellent fantasy series to get lost in.

6) Once Upon a Time (ABC, 2011-2018)

Once Upon a Time may have earned some recognition upon its initial airing, but its popularity swiftly waned as its run went on. Its story alternates between the fictional Maine town of Storybrooke and a fantasy world which is the home to numerous fairy tale characters. Once Upon a Time‘s impressive cast of actors and unique premise made it a great piece of fantasy television, though it’s often criminally overlooked, particularly in the years since it ended in 2018.

5) Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+, 2023-Present)

There have been many perfect castings in fantasy TV shows, and Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson is often mentioned as a prominent example. Appearing as the title character in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Scobell steals the show as the demigod teen in the show based on Rick Riordan’s books. The show itself is a brilliant adaptation, and while it has been successful in the early stages of its run, it’s a series that thoroughly deserves more attention.

4) The Shannara Chronicles (MTV, 2016 & Spike, 2017)

First airing in 2016, The Shannara Chronicles adapts the Sword of Shannara trilogy of books by writer Terry Brooks. Starring a young Austin Butler, the series follows three heroes as they protect an ancient tree in the hopes of preventing the escape of banished demons. The Shannara Chronicles ran for two seasons before being cancelled in 2017, and while its run was short-lived, it’s a show well worth another look. Its use of various fantasy tropes makes it an easy-to-watch entry into the genre, and despite its short run, it deserves far more attention that it has so far received.

3) Merlin (BBC, 2008-2012)

Though it isn’t often mentioned among the greats of the genre, the BBC show Merlin is an underrated fantasy series. First airing in 2008, it ran for 65 episodes over five seasons before ending in 2012. It loosely adapts the Arthurian legends involving Merlin and King Arthur, and stars Colin Morgan as the eponymous young warlock as he shares adventures with the future king of England. The reimagining of the well-known legends makes for deeply engaging and exceptional fantasy TV, making Merlin a show thoroughly deserving of a little extra attention even more than a decade after its ending.

2) Grimm (NBC, 2011-2017)

Instead of the high fantasy concepts of many other shows on this list, Grimm inserts its fantasy elements into the real world, allowing it to subtly blend genres. Following a Portland homicide detective who discovers he is a guardian of humanity known as a Grimm, it concerns the balance between humankind and the mythological creatures known as Wesen. Though Grimm earned considerable popularity during its initial run, it has been all but forgotten in the years since, and is well worth revisiting for fans of police shows with a twist.

1) The Magicians (Syfy, 2015-2020)

There are many fantasy shows that have been forgotten about, but few are as imaginative as The Magicians. Based on Lev Grossman’s book trilogy of the same name, the show follows budding magician Quentin Coldwater as he is offered a place at a magical college known as Brakebills. The show takes its cues from the likes of Harry Potter and the Narnia series, while also touching on elements of quantum theory from a magical perspective. It’s a show that blends fantasy with human drama in a way that few other shows have, and it’s a criminally overlooked piece of fantasy TV history.