Underrated Fantasy TV Shows That Are Worth Checking Out

Fantasy television offers a perfect escape. It takes us to worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. While some fantasy shows become massive hits that everyone talks about, many others don’t get the attention they deserve. These hidden gems might have been canceled too soon, overshadowed by bigger productions, or simply missed by the mainstream audience. They remain high-quality shows with compelling stories and unique worlds waiting to be discovered.

This list highlights ten underrated fantasy series that are worth your time. From musical comedies to dark, complex dramas, these shows offer something for every type of fantasy fan. They feature imaginative plots, dedicated performances, and the kind of world-building that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, you might find it among these overlooked treasures.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)

A prequel to the classic 1982 Jim Henson film, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance returns to the world of Thra. The story is set before the events of the movie and follows three Gelflings—Rian, Brea, and Deet. They uncover a terrible secret about their rulers, the Skeksis, who are draining the life from the planet. This discovery sparks a rebellion as the Gelflings unite to fight back and save their world from a spreading darkness.

Despite receiving critical acclaim for its stunning puppetry, intricate world-building, and compelling story, the show was canceled after just one season. The high production cost and a viewership that didn’t meet Netflix’s expectations led to its early end. However, it remains a visually breathtaking and masterfully crafted series that expands on the original film’s lore in a meaningful way.

Galavant (2015)

Galavant is a rare blend of fantasy, musical, and comedy. The series follows the adventures of a dashing knight, Galavant, who is on a quest to reclaim his reputation and his lost love, Madalena, from the clutches of the evil King Richard. The show is filled with witty humor, catchy songs, and a charming cast that pokes fun at common fantasy tropes. The music was created by the legendary composer Alan Menken, known for his work on many Disney classics.

The show’s unique format as a musical comedy might have made it a niche watch, and it struggled to find a large audience, leading to its cancellation after two seasons. It was a one-of-a-kind series that combined laugh-out-loud moments with genuinely heartfelt storytelling. For those who enjoy lighthearted fantasy with a clever twist, Galavant is a delightful and memorable show.

His Dark Materials (2019)

Based on Philip Pullman’s acclaimed novel trilogy, His Dark Materials is set in a multi-world reality. The story follows a young and courageous girl named Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers a dangerous secret involving a mysterious substance called Dust. In her world, every human has an animal companion called a dæmon, which is a manifestation of their soul. Lyra’s journey takes her to different worlds where she meets Will Parry, a boy from our world, and together they become entangled in a cosmic war.

While the show received positive reviews and successfully adapted the complex source material, it never quite reached the massive popularity of other big-budget fantasy series. It was sometimes overshadowed by giants like Game of Thrones, and its complex, philosophical themes may have been a barrier for some viewers. The series tells a complete and satisfying story over its three seasons and stands as a faithful and beautifully realized adaptation of the books.

The Magicians (2015)

Often described as “Harry Potter for adults,” The Magicians is based on the book series by Lev Grossman. The show follows Quentin Coldwater, a graduate student who discovers that Brakebills University, a secret institution for magicians, is real. He and his friends learn to practice magic, only to find that the fantasy world from their favorite childhood books is also real and poses a grave danger to humanity. The series deals with mature themes, complex characters, and dark humor.

The Magicians built a loyal fanbase over its five seasons but never achieved widespread mainstream success. It aired on the Syfy channel, which sometimes limited its audience reach compared to major streaming platforms. The show’s darker and more cynical take on magic, combined with its exploration of trauma and mental health, made it a unique and compelling entry in the fantasy genre that deserves more recognition.

Shadow and Bone (2021)

Set in a war-torn world inspired by Tsarist Russia, Shadow and Bone brings Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels to life. The story follows Alina Starkov, an orphan and mapmaker who discovers she possesses a rare and powerful magical ability to summon light. Her newfound power makes her a key figure in the fight against the Shadow Fold, a region of impenetrable darkness filled with monsters. She is trained as a member of the Grisha, her country’s magical elite, but soon learns that nothing is as it seems.

The series was met with positive reviews and had a strong debut on Netflix, but it was surprisingly canceled after its second season. The cancellation was partly attributed to the Hollywood strikes of 2023 and a re-evaluation of production costs versus viewership. Fans were left disappointed, especially since the show had just begun to explore major storylines from the books, leaving its intricate world and beloved characters in limbo.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022)

Based on the Half Bad book series by Sally Green, this show tells the story of sixteen-year-old Nathan Byrne, the illegitimate son of the world’s most feared and dangerous witch. Watched constantly by a council of witches who fear he will follow in his father’s footsteps, Nathan finds himself caught between two warring clans. As he comes of age, he must discover his true identity and powers while navigating a world where the line between good and evil is blurred.

Despite rave reviews from critics who praised its dark tone, compelling characters, and engaging story, the series was canceled by Netflix just over a month after its release. The reason was likely low viewership numbers in its first few weeks, a common fate for many shows on the platform that don’t immediately become massive hits. Its quick cancellation left a promising story unfinished and a loyal fanbase wanting more.

Legend of the Seeker (2008)

Based on Terry Goodkind’s The Sword of Truth book series, Legend of the Seeker follows Richard Cypher, a young woodsman whose life is changed forever when he learns he is the Seeker, a hero destined to defeat the tyrannical ruler Darken Rahl. Guided by a mysterious woman named Kahlan Amnell, who is a Confessor with the power to make anyone tell the truth, and a wise old wizard named Zedd, Richard embarks on a dangerous quest to fulfill his destiny.

The show was produced for first-run syndication, which meant it aired on different channels at various times across the country. This lack of a consistent network home and time slot made it difficult for the series to build a large, stable audience, leading to its cancellation after two seasons due to low ratings. Even so, it gained a dedicated cult following for its classic adventure storytelling, engaging characters, and scenic New Zealand landscapes.

Carnivàle (2003)

Set during the Great Depression, Carnivàle tells two seemingly separate stories that slowly converge. One follows Ben Hawkins, a young man with mysterious healing powers who joins a traveling carnival making its way through the Dust Bowl. The other centers on Brother Justin Crowe, a Methodist preacher in California who discovers he has his own supernatural abilities. The series unfolds as an epic struggle between good and evil, wrapped in a dense and surreal mythology.

Carnivàle was praised for its unique atmosphere, stunning visuals, and ambitious storytelling, but its slow-paced and complex narrative proved challenging for many viewers. The show’s high production costs and declining ratings in its second season led HBO to cancel it, leaving many of its central mysteries unresolved. It remains a cult classic, admired for its originality and depth, and is often cited as a series that was ahead of its time.

The Shannara Chronicles (2016)

Based on the best-selling fantasy books by Terry Brooks, The Shannara Chronicles is set thousands of years in the future in a world where magic has replaced technology. The story follows a trio of heroes: Wil, a half-human, half-elf; Amberle, an Elven princess; and Eretria, a human Rover. Together, they embark on a quest to stop a demon army from destroying the Four Lands by protecting an ancient, magical tree called the Ellcrys.

The series initially found success on MTV, but a network shift to Spike for its second season caused a significant drop in viewership. The high cost of producing a fantasy series with extensive special effects, combined with the low ratings, led to its cancellation. The show was a fun, adventure-filled series with beautiful New Zealand scenery that brought a classic fantasy world to a new generation.

Into the Badlands (2015)

Into the Badlands is a genre-bending series that combines post-apocalyptic drama with high-octane martial arts. Set centuries in the future, the world is ruled by feudal barons who enforce their will with the help of loyal armies of fighters known as Clippers. The story follows Sunny, a deadly Clipper, who teams up with a young boy named M.K., who harbors a dark secret and a powerful gift. Together, they journey through a dangerous land in search of enlightenment.

Despite its incredible fight choreography and unique world-building, the show’s ratings declined over its three seasons. AMC’s marketing for the series dropped off after the first season, and long breaks between seasons made it difficult to retain a consistent audience. The show was canceled, but it remains a visually stunning and action-packed series that offered a fresh and exciting take on the fantasy genre.