Overrated Fantasy Series Everyone Seems To Like

by

As a fantasy fan, I’ve noticed a huge boom in the genre lately, especially with streaming services pouring money into big, elaborate adaptations. We viewers love getting lost in these richly imagined worlds and getting to know complex characters. But honestly, sometimes I think a show’s popularity outpaces its actual quality. Looking at some of the biggest hits, it’s fascinating to see how they’ve captured everyone’s attention, even with noticeable flaws in the storytelling or how quickly the plot moves. It really makes you think about what makes a fantasy series truly captivating.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s popular fantasy novels, the series depicts powerful families battling for control of the Iron Throne. It quickly became a massive cultural hit thanks to its impressive visuals and unexpected deaths of key characters. The story takes place across multiple continents and delves into complex themes of power and politics. Over eight seasons, audiences followed the journeys of characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow. The final episodes of the show were particularly controversial, with fans passionately debating how the stories of several characters ended.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–2025)

The series centers around Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a world of magic and conflict. Based on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski and formerly starring Henry Cavill, the first season tells the stories of three key characters in a non-traditional, fragmented timeline. Viewers particularly appreciate the show’s detailed creature designs and the rich, complex history of the world it portrays. However, the production has experienced difficulties, including changes in actors and departures from the original books.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–)

Long before the stories of Frodo and the Fellowship, this series takes viewers back to the Second Age of Middle-earth. It shows how the Rings of Power were created and how the evil Sauron began to rise to power. The show is famous for being incredibly expensive to make, with stunning visual effects. The story follows several different characters and kingdoms, including the elven lands of Lindon and the dwarven city of Khazad-dûm. While visually impressive, some viewers and critics have had differing opinions about the show’s speed and how it portrays familiar stories.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–)

A young farm boy discovers he’s actually a legendary figure destined to either save the world or destroy it. The show, based on Robert Jordan’s epic book series, follows Moiraine as she searches for this prophesied hero. The world features a complicated magic system called the One Power, which is primarily used by women. With a large cast of characters and a journey through many different lands and cities, the adaptation has been praised for its diverse representation and thrilling magical conflicts.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–)

This show, a predecessor to ‘Game of Thrones,’ tells the story of a brutal civil war within the Targaryen family, known as the Dance of the Dragons. It’s a fight for the Iron Throne, with family members battling each other for power over the Seven Kingdoms. Expect lots of political scheming and, of course, dragons! The series takes place almost 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones,’ and viewers are praising its gripping family drama and tightly focused plot.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Alina Starkov learns she can control light, a power that might be able to defeat the dangerous Shadow Fold. The Netflix show blends the stories from Leigh Bardugo’s ‘Grisha’ trilogy and ‘Six of Crows’ books. It’s set in a fascinating fantasy world inspired by 19th-century Russia. The story centers on Alina as she tries to find her way through the royal court while staying safe from the enigmatic General Kirigan. Sadly, despite having many fans, the series ended after two seasons.

‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011–2018)

A magical curse brings classic fairy tale characters to the real world, stripping them of their memories. The story follows Emma Swan, the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, as she navigates life in the mysterious town of Storybrooke, Maine. Over seven seasons, characters from Disney stories and old legends appear, and the show delves into themes of forgiveness and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

This series, based on Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire Mysteries, tells the story of a telepathic waitress who falls for a charming vampire in a world where vampires can blend into human society thanks to synthetic blood. Set in the atmospheric and often harsh landscape of rural Louisiana, the show uses supernatural elements like werewolves and shapeshifters to examine real-world social and political issues. During its time on HBO, it gained a reputation for being both darkly funny and quite graphic.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

In the town of Mystic Falls, a teenage girl is caught in a complicated love triangle with two vampire brothers. The show combines the typical challenges of high school with a supernatural world filled with witches and vampire hunters. Throughout its eight seasons, the story delves into old curses and the history of vampires themselves. It became incredibly popular with young adults, thanks to its dramatic romances and constantly surprising plot. The show’s success also spawned several related series, expanding the story’s universe.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester drive across the country in their father’s 1967 Impala, hunting demons and other supernatural beings. What started as a series of standalone monster hunts grew into a sprawling story involving angels, the apocalypse, and a complex mythology. The show became one of the longest-running fantasy series ever made, thanks to the dedication of its large and devoted fanbase over fifteen seasons.

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)

Lyra Belacqua’s quest to find a missing friend leads her to discover a dark conspiracy involving kidnapped children and a strange element called Dust. Based on Philip Pullman’s novels, the story takes place in a world where people and their animal companions – representing their souls – are deeply connected. The adventure unfolds across various alternate universes, each with its own unique blend of technology and magic. It delves into big ideas about life, faith, and the tension between scientific understanding and religious power. The adaptation has been highly regarded for staying true to the intricate details of the original books.

‘Outlander’ (2014–)

A nurse from World War II suddenly finds herself in 1700s Scotland, where she falls for a Highland warrior and gets caught up in a rebellion. The show blends history, fantasy, and romance, and it’s adapted from the popular novels by Diana Gabaldon. It’s known for its beautiful costumes and the strong connection between the main actors.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

After being released from prison, Shadow Moon takes a job as a bodyguard for the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. He quickly learns about a coming conflict between the ancient Old Gods and the powerful New Gods who represent technology and media. The show is based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and is known for its unique visual style and thoughtful look at faith in today’s world. Creative differences and changes in production ultimately led to the show’s cancellation.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–)

After being imprisoned for decades, Dream escapes and sets out to recover his lost powers. This series is based on Neil Gaiman’s famous comic book, The Sandman, which follows the story of the Endless. The show takes viewers to fantastical places like the Dreaming and even Hell, and features a wide range of characters – from well-known historical figures to the embodiment of ideas. Critics praised the show for beautifully capturing the strange and dreamlike quality of the original comics.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–)

Wednesday Addams starts attending Nevermore Academy, where she tries to develop her psychic powers. While making new friends, she also investigates a series of mysterious and terrifying killings happening in the nearby town. The show is a fresh take on the well-known Addams Family character, geared towards today’s teenage viewers. It quickly became a huge hit on Netflix after it premiered, and its unique, dark style was partly influenced by director Tim Burton.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

When a young boy vanishes in a close-knit town, a girl with the ability to move things with her mind is discovered, along with a terrifying alternate reality. This 1980s-set series is filled with references to the movies and music of the time. A group of friends faces off against supernatural creatures from a dangerous place called the Upside Down, all while uncovering secret government plots. The show became a worldwide hit and played a major role in shaping how we watch TV today. The story culminates in a final season where the friends fight their ultimate enemy, the powerful Vecna.

‘Good Omens’ (2019–2023)

When the end of the world looks likely, an angel and a demon who’ve grown to love life on Earth are forced to work together to stop it. Starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant, this show—based on the book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman—follows their chaotic search for the missing Antichrist, all while trying to hide their efforts from their bosses in Heaven and Hell. Known for its clever writing and the fantastic chemistry between the two main actors, the series initially ran as a single season before being renewed for a second.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

I’m a huge fan of this show! It follows a young woman who’s basically destined to fight vampires and all sorts of dark creatures. What I love is that even with this huge responsibility, she’s also just trying to navigate high school and figure out her life, like any other teenager. She’s got a great group of friends who help her tackle all the supernatural craziness that happens in their town, Sunnydale. It’s really clever too – it takes all the typical horror stuff and flips it on its head. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s definitely shaped a lot of the urban fantasy stories we see today.

‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)

Three sisters unexpectedly learn they’re powerful witches, known as the Charmed Ones. Together, they use their unique combined power to protect innocent people from evil beings like demons and warlocks. The show centers on the close relationship between the Halliwell sisters as they navigate life and magic in a beautiful Victorian house in San Francisco. It blended thrilling supernatural adventures with the drama of family and relationships, and ran for eight seasons, continuing to be enjoyed by viewers today.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

This show offers a fresh take on the classic story of King Arthur and Merlin, portraying them as young people growing up together. In this version, King Uther has outlawed magic in Camelot, forcing Merlin to secretly use his powers while guiding and protecting young Arthur. The series focuses on their blossoming friendship and the journey to build the famous kingdom of Camelot. It was a popular family show, known for balancing fun adventures with serious challenges.

‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)

Brakebills University is a school where students learn magic is real – and far more dangerous than the fantasy stories they grew up with. Based on Lev Grossman’s novels, the series offers a grown-up take on classic magical themes. It centers on a group of friends who explore different magical worlds and battle threats that could destroy everything. The show is known for its clever, self-aware humor and its tendency to challenge typical storytelling conventions. It ran for five seasons on Syfy.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

I was completely hooked from the start! It’s amazing discovering alongside Clary that she’s part of this secret world of Shadowhunters – people who are half-angel and hunt demons. The story begins on her birthday, and she’s suddenly thrown into a quest to find her mom and piece together her lost memories. It’s based on Cassandra Clare’s incredible ‘Mortal Instruments’ books, and the show is packed with all sorts of supernatural beings like vampires and warlocks. The best part? The fans were so passionate about it, and we really rallied to try and save it after it was cancelled!

‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ (2021–2022)

This live-action series is a new take on the Winx Club cartoon, following five fairies at Alfea College. They’re learning to control their magical abilities while facing off against rivals and dangerous creatures called the Burned Ones. Compared to the original cartoon, this version is more dramatic and aimed at an older audience. The story centers on Bloom, who discovers hidden truths about her history. Unfortunately, Netflix decided to end the show after two seasons.

‘Cursed’ (2020)

The story of the Lady of the Lake is retold through the eyes of Nimue, a young woman with a special ability. She teams up with a soldier named Arthur on a quest to find the wizard Merlin and return a legendary sword. Set in a fantastical world, the series tackles issues like religious persecution and damage to the environment. It’s adapted from the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler. Although the show looked impressive, it wasn’t picked up for another season.

‘Willow’ (2022–2023)

This series picks up the story from the 1988 fantasy film, with Warwick Davis reprising his famous role. A fresh group of heroes sets out on a dangerous quest to protect their world from an age-old threat, venturing into magical and unfamiliar lands. The show aims to capture the charm of the original film while appealing to today’s audiences. Unfortunately, it was removed from Disney+ shortly after it first became available.

‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016–2017)

Inspired by Terry Brooks’ Sword of Shannara books, this series follows an elven princess and a half-elf on a quest to safeguard an ancient tree that keeps demons from invading Earth. The story takes place in a future, post-apocalyptic world and originally aired on MTV before moving to Spike for its second season. Known for its beautiful New Zealand filming locations, the show combines classic fantasy with science fiction themes.

‘Legend of the Seeker’ (2008–2010)

Richard Cypher, an ordinary woodsman, learns he’s destined to be the Seeker of Truth and must fight against a cruel, powerful wizard. He teams up with a strong woman called a Confessor and an old wizard to save the land of the Midlands. Based on Terry Goodkind’s ‘Sword of Truth’ novels and produced by Sam Raimi, the show unfolded as a series of episodes with a larger story arc. While it developed a dedicated fanbase, it was unfortunately canceled after just two seasons due to problems with how it was distributed.

‘Carnival Row’ (2019–2023)

A city is now home to creatures from myth who have escaped war in their own worlds, but friction exists between them and the human population. When a series of murders occur, a human detective and a faerie refugee – who have a complicated history – team up to solve the crimes. Set in a reimagined Victorian era, the show explores issues of prejudice and what it means to be an outsider. Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne play the leading roles in this story, which finished its run after two seasons on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)

A decade after a worldwide pandemic created a generation of hybrid children, a boy who is part deer embarks on a journey to find his mother. He’s guided by a tough, no-nonsense protector as they navigate a dangerous and transformed world. Inspired by the comic book series by Jeff Lemire, the show boasts a distinctive post-apocalyptic look and feel. It skillfully blends moments of wonder with more serious explorations of what it means to be human and how people cope with hardship. Critics have lauded the series for its heartfelt stories and striking visuals.

‘Locke & Key’ (2020–2022)

When three siblings lose their father, they inherit their family’s old house and uncover a set of magical keys that give them special abilities. However, they’re not the only ones after the keys – a powerful demon is also searching for them, hoping to use their magic for its own dark purposes. This series, based on the comic book by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, combines a compelling family story with supernatural thrills and horror. It aired for three seasons on Netflix and successfully wrapped up the entire storyline.

‘A Discovery of Witches’ (2018–2022)

I’m absolutely hooked on this series! It all starts with a historian who’s a bit hesitant about magic stumbling upon a really powerful, enchanted book at Oxford. Suddenly, she’s pulled back into a world she thought she’d left behind, and ends up teaming up with a super intriguing vampire. It’s based on Deborah Harkness’s ‘All Souls Trilogy,’ and it’s fascinating to see how it reveals the secret history of witches, vampires, and other creatures living right alongside us today. Plus, it was filmed on location in places like the UK and Italy, which makes it even more visually stunning!

‘The Originals’ (2013–2018)

Originally a spin-off of ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ this show centers on the Mikaelson family – the very first vampires. They return to New Orleans to take back the city they originally helped create and safeguard their family’s future. The series explores conflicts within the family, as well as battles with other supernatural groups. Compared to ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ it offered a more grown-up and intense take on vampire stories. Over five seasons, the show expanded the mythology of the franchise.

‘Legacies’ (2018–2022)

Hope Mikaelson, a uniquely powerful teenager who’s part vampire, werewolf, and witch, attends the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted. The show focuses on her journey to master her abilities, alongside the everyday lives and challenges of the other students. Each episode often features a new supernatural threat, while the series as a whole explores the characters’ development. It’s the final chapter in the story that began with ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ and was ultimately canceled due to changes in The CW’s programming plans.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

After leaving Hell, the Devil opens a nightclub in Los Angeles and surprisingly starts working as a consultant for the police. He leverages his unique ability to understand people’s innermost desires to assist in solving crimes. The series is inspired by characters originally created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg for DC Comics. Initially focused on crime-solving, the show evolved to include more fantastical storylines and deeper character arcs. Despite being canceled by Fox, Netflix brought the show back for several more seasons.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

A troubled preacher with a drinking problem is taken over by a strange force that gives him control over people. He sets out on a wild quest to find God, accompanied by his former girlfriend and an Irish vampire. The show is based on a popular comic book series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, and is famous for its dark, violent, and often disrespectful humor. During its four seasons on AMC, it gained a loyal following.

‘Constantine’ (2014–2015)

John Constantine is a skilled demon hunter and expert in the occult who’s haunted by his past. He travels across America using his knowledge of dark magic to fight supernatural forces. The show, based on the DC Hellblazer comics, starred Matt Ryan in a compelling performance, but was unfortunately canceled after just one season. However, the character lived on, appearing in other shows within the Arrowverse.

‘Grimm’ (2011–2017)

A detective investigating murders learns he comes from a long line of hunters with the ability to see supernatural beings disguised as humans. These beings, called Wesen, are inspired by characters from classic Grimm fairy tales. The show combines traditional crime investigation with a rich, hidden world of secret groups and ran for six seasons, primarily set in Portland, Oregon. Viewers especially loved the imaginative creature designs and how the main characters developed over time.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

This series centers around a high school student who transforms into a werewolf and struggles to adjust to his new life while also safeguarding his town from dangerous supernatural creatures. While inspired by the 1985 film, the show is significantly darker and more intense. It focuses on a group of friends as they battle monsters – including both human hunters and terrifying beings like banshees and ancient spirits. The show was a huge hit for MTV, launching the careers of many young actors, and was later followed by a movie sequel.

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (2013–2017)

The series brings Ichabod Crane back to life in the present day, teaming him up with a modern police lieutenant named Abbie Mills. Together, they investigate supernatural occurrences and fight against the Headless Horseman and other evil forces connected to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. While the show initially gained popularity as a fresh take on the classic Washington Irving tale, it faced creative challenges and ultimately ended after four seasons on Fox.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

This series blends iconic characters from 19th-century gothic novels, like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray, into a dark and moody Victorian London. Known for its high quality visuals and acting, the show delves into the hidden pasts and emotional struggles of its characters. Though it ended after three seasons, a spin-off set in Los Angeles continued the story.

‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015)

A young girl’s shocking murder in a Pennsylvania steel town exposes the hidden darkness within the community. As two unexpected partners investigate, they must conceal their own supernatural abilities. This series, one of Netflix’s earliest original shows, uniquely combines horror and fantasy. It gained attention for its intense visual effects and unconventional storytelling, but ultimately ended after three seasons.

‘The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself’ (2022)

This young adult fantasy series, based on Sally Green’s novel Half Bad, follows the story of a young man born to a powerful and feared witch. Caught between two groups of warring witches, he struggles to define his own destiny and unlock his magical potential before his seventeenth birthday – or face terrible consequences. While the show received good reviews, Netflix unfortunately canceled it after just one season. It offers a darker, more intense take on the typical young adult fantasy story.

‘Motherland: Fort Salem’ (2020–2022)

Imagine a world where witches, instead of being hunted, became a powerful military force. This series centers on three young women learning to harness their magical abilities through combat training. They must contend with a dangerous terrorist group called the Spree, all while dealing with the complex power dynamics of a society ruled by women. What makes this world truly special is its magic system – it’s based on sound and how voices are used. The story reached its conclusion after three seasons.

‘The Nevers’ (2021–2023)

A strange event in Victorian London gives a select group of people incredible powers, branding them as ‘the Touched.’ They struggle to find acceptance in a society that distrusts them. The story follows a future-seeing widow and a gifted inventor, all set against a backdrop of steampunk visuals mixed with superhero and fantasy themes. Originally airing on HBO, the show later moved to a new platform after a delayed release schedule.

‘Emerald City’ (2017)

This series offers a darker, more realistic take on the story of Oz. Instead of a whimsical land, it presents a gritty world where magic is forbidden by the Wizard, and different groups of witches are fighting for control. Known for its impressive visuals and being filmed in locations around the world, the show aimed to be a more grown-up adaptation of the original L. Frank Baum books. Unfortunately, NBC canceled it after just one season.

‘The Letter for the King’ (2020)

A knight-in-training is sent on a perilous journey to deliver a vital secret message to a neighboring king. He’ll have to travel through dangerous lands and overcome many challenges to protect his homeland. This Netflix limited series is inspired by a beloved classic Dutch novel by Tonke Dragt, offering a traditional medieval fantasy story with themes of growing up, aimed at younger viewers.

‘Warrior Nun’ (2020–2022)

A young woman unexpectedly wakes up in a morgue and soon learns she’s connected to an age-old secret society, marked by a mysterious object embedded in her back. She’s thrust into a battle against demons on Earth, all while dealing with the complex world of the Catholic Church. The story is inspired by the comic book character Warrior Nun Areala and became popular for its exciting action and well-developed characters. Though the series was canceled, the story will continue through a series of planned movies.

‘Ragnarok’ (2020–2023)

This Netflix series is set in a Norwegian town where a teenager learns he’s the reborn god Thor. He has to use his powers to battle a family of giants who are secretly disguised as rich business owners and are causing environmental damage. The show updates classic Norse myths to address modern problems like climate change, and it’s told as a high school drama with a young cast. After three seasons, the story has come to an end.

‘Tidelands’ (2018)

After years away, a woman with a criminal past returns to her hometown, a quiet fishing village, and uncovers a secret: a community of sirens living among them. She quickly finds herself in the middle of a tense and dangerous conflict between these half-human creatures and the town’s residents. This series was Netflix’s first original show produced in Australia, blending supernatural mysteries with the suspense of a crime drama. Despite its high-quality production, it wasn’t renewed for another season.

‘Luna Nera’ (2020)

Set in 17th-century Italy, this series follows a young woman who learns she comes from a family of witches. She navigates the challenges of joining a secret witch community while evading dangerous witch hunters – including the father of the boy she likes. Based on a novel by Tiziana Triana, the show blends historical details with fantasy, and explores themes of female strength and the dangers of religious beliefs. Produced in Italy, it’s now available worldwide on Netflix.

Let us know what you think of these shows, and tell us in the comments which ones you believe don’t live up to the hype.

Read More

2026-01-05 04:21