10 Best Fantasy TV Shows of the 2020s, So Far

fantasy can take on many forms, and The innovative TV shows that have populated screens throughout the 2020s are proof that the speculative fiction genre is alive and well. Moreover, the diversity of the series demonstrates how expansive imagination is and that there are a variety of niches it can occupy. This means that it is likely to be a fantasy TV show that will satisfy any viewer and take their imagination to a magical place. One of the reasons why fantasy is so powerful today is because of the availability of better technology that brings the mystical elements to life.

Some of the best period romance TV shows of the 2020s overlapped with the fantasy genre, and Combining aspects of multiple story types is common practice for fantasy. While the extraordinary realms and intricate world-building are often what initially draw audiences to the series, it’s the characters that make viewers want to keep watching. The dynamics between people and their experiences in the world allow the audience to see themselves in a fantasy story, even if the plot is filled with otherworldly elements. As the 2020s progress, there will likely be even more fantastic shows to remember.

10

My Lady Jane (2024)

The short-lived but beloved series will live on in its one-off season

The cancellation of My Lady Jane Yet season 1 was a tragic turn of fate for the short-lived fantasy romance series that quickly captured the hearts of viewers and critics. Starring Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel as Lady Jane and her love interest Guildford, the series is based on the novel of the same name and successfully blends fantasy, romance and revisionist history with memorable results. Although it is set in the distant past, My Lady Jane Has a modern twist that helps it connect with contemporary viewers.

While there are My Lady Jane Storylines that will never be addressed because of the cancellation, the show is still satisfying enough to watch on its own. The one season tells a complete story and answers most of the necessary questions, including the fate of Jane and Guildford. If the critical and audience response to My Lady Jane is there any indication The future of romance on television should include more aspects of speculative fiction to draw viewers in.

9

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023 – present)

The beloved book series finally got the adaptation it deserved

After the disastrous performance of the Percy Jackson films, it seemed unlikely that Rick Riordan’s classic middle-grade book series would get an adaptation that did the story justice. However, everything changed when Disney + s Percy Jackson Series premiere and healthy hope for the franchise. Percy’s world of myths and legends is just as engaging as in the novels. however, The show also incorporates more diversity in the casting and positive themes in the storytelling, making Percy Jackson and the Olympians Even better.

The wait for the highly anticipated second season has audiences excited for the new characters and storylines of The sea of ​​monsters That Percy Jackson will include. Moreover, it is fun to consider it The show will continue for many seasons and each novel in the series will be brought to life. As long as Percy Jackson and the Olympians Continuing the trend of translating Greek myths into contemporary stories, there’s no reason why the show won’t keep getting better.

8

Blood of Zeus (2020 – present)

The well-received animated series is worth the wait between seasons

The blood of Zeus May also revolve around Greek mythology, but it couldn’t be more different than other family-friendly Greek myth fantasy series Percy Jackson. Although it is animated, The blood of Zeus is far from appropriate for all ages. With its gore, graphic violence, and mature themes, it is a decidedly mature animated series. However, these are The elements that make Blood of Zeus Relentlessly compelling and carving out such a unique niche In the popular genre of retelling of classic legends.

Part of the reason it works is that Blood of Zeus is only set in the canon of Greek mythology but invents new stories that could reasonably be worked into the known myths. Thanks to the detailed animation style, there was a significant gap between Blood of Zeus Seasons 1 and 2. However, the explosive follow-up to the attention-grabbing first installment only made the wait more satisfying. Every aspect of Blood of Zeus Work in harmony to create a cohesive universe which is recognizable to a wide range of audiences but is undeniably rooted in Greek culture.

7

The Legend of Vox Machina (2022 – Present)

The world of D&D comes to life in this brilliant take on the beloved game

The Dungeons and Dragons-based web series Critical role was adapted for television in 2022 and became the enduring fantasy series The Legend of Vox Machina. D&D is known for being an expansive interactive game that lends itself to the creation of layered fantasy worlds. This is like the universe of Vox Machina came to be, and while the setting is a big draw for audiences, the characters and relationships are just as important. Stellar voice acting from the ensemble cast drives home this point.

The answer to The Legend of Vox Machina Season 1 was overwhelming and immediateHow the show connected with audiences both inside and outside the D&D fandom. That’s because the series is just as focused on the development of its characters as it is on the overarching story of the campaign. Although there is a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor and references to the game, The Legend of Vox Machina has grown to take itself more seriously with each passing season, developing emotionally impactful storylines.

6

Sweet Home (2020–2024)

Song Kang’s most thrilling TV series brings gore and action into fantasy

Iconic K-drama star Song Kang plays Cha Hyun-soo, the protagonist of sweet homeA horror-fantasy series that strikes new territory on the concept of the apocalyptic genre. Set in a universe where people turn into horrible monsters, Hyun-su is one of the only people with the unique ability to correct both his human and monster sides, Give him a leg up in the fight to save humanity. While season 1 focuses on just one apartment building full of survivors, each installment expands the world of sweet home.

with Plenty of body horror and references to classic zombie films and TV shows, sweet home was an instant favorite on Netflix after its premiere in 2020. Although the show ended with season 3, it achieved a well-crafted story that builds character development and relationships with each new set of episodes. Hyun-su remains one of the most compelling characters in sweet home. This is thanks to Song’s performance and the series’ ability to have empathy for small human drama amidst the world-ending events.

5

The Sandman (2022 – present)

Netflix’s adaptation of classic comics is a transporting experience

Based on the beloved fantasy comic book series of the same name, The Sandman is one of the most interesting fantasy series to come from Netflix since 2020. Tom Sturridge does an excellent job portraying Morpheus, AKA Dream, the Lord of Dreams, who must regain his faith and trust in the world after being imprisoned by a man for more than One. One hundred years. Each episode expands on Dream’s place in the universe and his path to regain control of his realm, the Dreaming.

Some of the best episodes of The Sandman See Dream interacting with the other members of the Endless, his siblings who control different aspects of the universe. The Sandman The Season 2 cast will see the return of many of the best characters from Season 1, including Kirby as Death, one of the other endings. The Sandman had a tough job, because adapting a comic series with such fantastic visuals and physics-defying imagery was a tall order, but The series successfully balances reality with the mercurial world of the Endless.

4

Arcane (2021–2024)

Although it will conclude after season 2, Arcane has made its mark on fantasy animation

It was shocking to learn that Netflix’s critically acclaimed animated fantasy series, Arcanewould conclude after season 2 since season 1 was met with such universal praise. however, The story of Wie and Jinx will have reached its natural end by the conclusion of the second installment. Ending a series before it grows old shows incredible self-restraint from the series creators and will likely enshrine Arcane As a tight and enduring piece of media.

Arcane Takes place in the same universe as League of LegendsThe popular video game series, and incorporates the most dynamic and visually intriguing parts of the games. But, the best part of Arcane is the parallel journey of Wi and Jinx, the sisters who are separated by time and circumstance and end up battling for the fate of their city. Although it will be hard to say goodbye, the good news is that There’s plenty of room for Arcane Spinoffs within the world of League of Legends.

3

House of the Dragon (2022 – present)

The Game of Thrones prequel series strikes out into new territory in the world of Westeros

House of Dragon has big shoes to fill as a prequel to the beloved TV series Game of ThronesWhich is known for being a great fantasy TV show for beginners. Based on George RR Martin’s writings on the history of the Seven Kingdoms, House of the Dragon Focuses on the Targaryens and takes place several hundred years earlier Game of Thrones. Although it is rooted in the same lore and logic as Game of ThronesThe series narrows its scope and does not touch the other great houses in as much detail, allowing for a deeper exploration of its characters.

Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke are the driving forces behind it House of the Dragon As Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, childhood best friends, turn bitter rivals for control of Westeros. While House of the Dragon drew criticism for the liberties it took with Martin’s original story, which allowed the story to stand apart from Game of Thrones And take risks. As season 3 approaches, the war between Rhaenyra and her brother, Aegon, will likely become even more brutal, promising a continuation of the incredible action sequences that the series is known for.

2

The Rings of Power (2022 – present)

The Swearing Saga forces itself out of the shadow of the Lord of the Rings films

An introduction to The Lord of the Rings, The rings of power Takes place during the Second Age of Middle-earth, but that doesn’t mean it follows exactly the story laid out by JRR Tolkien. The changes that The rings of power These franchises don’t follow the canon of the universe, but they lend themselves to creating a story that works for television. There is no question that The resources and budget behind The rings of power Make it an incredibly visually dynamic series. Moreover, the show weaves the most iconic parts of The Lord of the Rings In the plot.

This includes references to and appearances by characters such as Gandalf, Galadriel and Sauron. moreover, It hints at the development of settings and pieces of lore that are vital to the original trilogy, Like the formation of the titular rings of power. It is difficult to reconcile the history of The Lord of the Rings With the current trajectory of The rings of powerBut it is almost impossible to compare the different installments of Tolkien’s epic universe. When viewed as a more standalone series with roots in the larger franchise, it’s easy to appreciate the show’s merits.

1

The Wheel of Time (2021 – present)

The intricate fantasy novel series has been given an epic adaptation

Rosamund Pike stars as Moiraine Damodred, one of the most powerful characters in The Wheel of TimeA series with an illustrious legacy in the Fantasy Canon. Written by Robert Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson, The Wheel of Time is comprised of fifteen books, including the prequel, and the show only tackled the first two. The upcoming third season will potentially jump ahead to the fourth book, The Shadow RisingWhich will defend itself even deeper in the conflict of the story.

of course, The Wheel of Time Owes a lot to the source material but has successfully justified its existence as a show since the beginning. Featuring iconic performances from Pike and her many costars, including Zoë Robins and Madeleine Madden, The Wheel of Time Makes the audience care about the characters and their quest to find the Dragon Reborn. While The Wheel of Time Is considered high fantasy, it still manages to be accessible And is consistently impressive because of the gorgeous set design and the well-crafted visual effects that immerse the audience in the world.