10 Almost Perfect Fantasy TV Shows

THE fantasy The genre shines on television, as the episodic nature of TV shows allows plenty of time to focus on world-building and magic systems while also providing character development. However, all the moving parts and expectations surrounding fantasy TV series make it difficult for a show to hit the mark in every aspect of the story. Common problems arise with fantasy TV shows that go on too long, running out of ideas and getting repetitive before the end. In a perfect show, there can be no big problems or many moments that make viewers give up on the series.

Many of the best fantasy TV shows of the 2020s are nearly perfect and could prove to be the best of the 21st century before their stories are over. Most of the time, big fantasy shows are based on books, giving structure to the seasons and providing a strong plot for the script. However, if the source material runs out before the end of the show, the writers must develop original plots. This can often get in the way of the series’ familiar themes and tone. Many elements impact a show’s legacy, but a series doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun and memorable.

10

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

The last season of GOT changed the character development seasons

It’s no secret that Game of Thrones season 8 was a huge disappointment for critics and viewers who stayed with the show from the beginning. For a long time after Season 5, when the series overtook the story of George R.R. Martin’s source material, Game of Thrones remained strong and included some of the show’s best battles and character development. However, season 8 failed to maintain the momentum and excitement of the previous episodes.

Fortunately, this didn’t destroy the show’s legacy, as most Game of Thrones revolutionized what fantasy television could be. It’s a great fantasy TV show for beginners because its drama makes the story a crossover hit, but it also appeals to high fantasy fans thanks to the intricate world-building and political intrigue. However, the series’ many spinoffs help us remember the best parts of the first seasons. As time progresses, Game of Thrones will continue to be well remembered, but the final season will not be.

9

The Magicians (2015–2020)

Lev Grossman’s book series becomes even more magical on TV

Like many of his contemporaries, The magicians is based on a series of books by Lev Grossman and had to create an original story after the conclusion of season 3. However, even without the story of Grossman’s trilogy, The magicians managed to continue telling its story for two well-received seasons. The biggest problem with The magicians throughout its execution is that Delicate materials and subjects are not always handled with the greatest grace, and the multiple universes and plots can get confusing.

However The magicians the season 4 finale was polarizing, the final season was a stunning return to form and allowed the series to end on a high note. One of the most consistently praised aspects The magicians it’s how well the series incorporates modern humor and references into the script. This makes characters feel natural in the world, even when they’re performing spells. While the scattered pacing and many intersecting stories can be difficult to follow, the characters are what keep audiences coming back for more.

8

Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)

This short-lived series could have been amazing if it had more time

The 2007-2008 WGA strike played a role in the abrupt cancellation of the Pushing Daisieswhich incorporated a unique style and whimsical magical realism into a show with a perfectly executed tonal balance. The series stars Lee Pace as Ned and Anna Friel as Chuck, the characters with explosive chemistry and a love story that can never happen. However, romance is far from the only part Pushing Daisies this makes the show so iconic, as the fantasy elements fit perfectly into the story’s colorful and whimsical world.

Unfortunately, because it was interrupted, Pushing Daisies ends very quickly and doesn’t see all of its characters getting the endings and development they deserve. If Pushing Daisies had been going on for many years, it is not known what its legacy could have been. Instead, it’s an underrated gem that many audiences recognize as the influential piece of programming that it was. While some of the visual effects are dated, that’s nothing compared to the strength of the storytelling.

7

Good Omens (2019–present)

David Tennant and Michael Sheen make an iconic pair in this offbeat comedy series

The chemistry between Crowley (David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) is by far the best part of Good omens, a series that already has a lot to offer. In the first season, the devil and the angel must unite to prevent the end of the world, and the series has a lot of fun imagining what different parts of heaven, hell, and everything in between would be like. Consistency of visual and writing style is a strong part of Good omenswhich immerses the viewer in its unexpected story.

Good omens season 2 is a little slower and less elaborate than season 1, but that was to be expected since the show was based on a standalone book. Season 2 focuses more specifically on Crowley and Aziraphale and their personal relationship, while Season 1’s stakes are much higher, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. While there are fewer moving parts in Season 2, it’s still compelling, if a little more traditional than the subversive first outing.

6

His Dark Materials (2019–2022)

Philip Pullman’s seminal book series comes faithfully to life

Your dark materials does a much better job adapting Philip Pullman’s fantasy series than the 2007 film The Golden Compass, but the many twists and turns of Pullman’s work are difficult to bring to life. The visual style of Your dark materials falls in line with the look and feel of Pullman’s writing, and Dafne Keen is a credible Lyra as she travels the world and strives to be brave for her friends and loved ones. However, in trying to be as faithful to the books as possible, Your dark materials doesn’t take enough risks.

Additionally, although the story gets quite dramatic and mature as the episodes progress, the series sometimes takes itself too seriously. At its core, Pullman’s series is a work for children and young people and it should feel like a fantastical escape from the real world as much as it comments on the essential problems plaguing humanity. There are times when Your dark materials may be very aggressive with its criticism, but the overall emotional impact still hits home in the final season.

5

Lost (2004–2010)

Many plot twists made the story of Lost take a backseat

Lost the first season is without a doubt a perfect season of television, and the series’ two-part pilot is one of the most effective in history. It’s no surprise that audiences were hooked Lost since it debuted in 2004, even if the series went too far as the story progressed. Although each installment of Lost has something to offer, the show got bogged down trying to live up to its reputation for having the best twists on TV. This led to narrative twists that were neither clever nor satisfying and came out of nowhere.

The downward spiral of Lost was cemented by the divisive series finale and the overall structure of Season 6, which left audiences confused about the timeline. Before that, one of the most wrong choices Lost was the introduction of time travel, that never fit into the many unsolved mysteries that Lost presented. However, the overarching struggle of good versus evil waged between Jack and Locke is compelling enough to continue the series.

4

Lucifer (2016–2021)

Tom Ellis’ performance as Lucifer continually anchored this supernatural drama

Lucifer is a great example of a TV show that shouldn’t have been a crime procedural, as the series rose to prominence after its first cancellation when it was moved to Netflix. After this network change, Lucifer no longer adhered to episodic formulas this plagued him and hampered character development in the first three seasons, focusing on central stories and relationships with longer plot arcs. This made the final three seasons the show’s best.

However, even when Lucifer was structured like a procedural, there was still a lot to love about the show. From Tom Ellis’ enchanting performance as the devil himself to the series that sows the seeds of the mystical lore of heaven and hell, Lucifer He was always destined for greatness. If it had started with the resources and subversive conspiracy of the last few seasons, Lucifer could have gained even more explosive popularity. Despite that, the show is still remembered as one of the best supernatural dramas of its time.

3

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

While it’s not for everyone, The Leftovers doesn’t shy away from difficult topics

There are many aspects The leftovers that make it such an iconic series, with its stellar cast, incredible writing, and unique premise all capturing the audience’s attention. However, The show can be hard to get into, as much of the series is relentlessly depressing, with the positive side only appearing at the end of the story. The fantasy and magical elements of The leftovers they are mysterious and open to the viewer’s interpretation, which can be frustrating.

However, most of these criticisms revolve around the first season, as each installment of The leftovers it only grew in critical and public acclaim. General, attending The leftovers It’s a test of patience, as some of the questions the series poses are never answered. It’s a high-concept, philosophical series, so it’s no surprise that it remains polarizing, but connects deeply with viewers who enjoy this type of media. Ending strong with one of the best series finales of all time, The leftovers It’s an acquired taste, but it’s worth committing to.

2

Angel (1999–2004)

The Buffy spinoff show soon became a huge series in its own right

Angel is a darker spinoff than the TV show it is based on, Buffy the Vampire Slayerand while the series wasn’t always perfect, it was emotionally resonant. Although David Boreanaz doesn’t have the same star power as Sarah Michelle Gellar, who leads Buffy, the set of Angel They have incredible chemistry, and Boreanaz’s Angel grows on the audience with his comedic timing. Angel is at its best when the show focuses on the overarching plots rather than getting bogged down in the monster-of-the-week format.

Angel is a rare example of a series that seemed to be on the edge in the penultimate season, only to end with the show’s strongest installment with the conclusion. Angel season 5 is a brilliant piece of television and it makes the Season 4 struggle worth getting past, but that might be a tough sell. Fortunately, the reward of Angel Season 5 encourages viewers to overcome the show’s low points and be rewarded with some of the best supernatural television ever.

1

Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)

A twist on the fairy tale genre that had enormous potential

It is not surprising that Once upon a time was developed by two writers in Lostas both series fell victim to similar issues. As Lost, Once upon a time had a near-perfect first season that utilized the flashback trope perfectly, revealing just enough information about the character’s past to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. However, Once upon a time recovered quickly and pretty much got a soft reboot in season 2 to exciting results. From then on, the following seasons delved deeper into the themes of good versus evil and the issue of redemption.

Of course, after a while, it was impossible to sustain the fantasy premise of the show, as there were only so many Disney fairy tales and IPs to expand on before the formula became repetitive. However, the nail in the coffin for Once upon a time it was the time jump from last season and the fact that many of the original characters were absent from Season 7. Once upon a time was that it updated the classic fairy tales better than most modern remakes, but it started to lose originality towards the end.