10 Fantasy Shows That Aged TERRIBLY

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In the realm of storytelling, Fantasy can either endure for generations or become forgotten. Crafting a successful fantasy series or film is an intricate process that involves careful planning and execution. The narrative must strike a balance between being imaginative yet plausible; if it’s too far-fetched, viewers may struggle to suspend their disbelief in the moment, let alone as time passes. The visual effects used are often subject to criticism down the line, but creators must work with the tools and technology available at the time they are producing their content.

Since the fantasy genre allows for a lot of creative freedom, creators can attempt to make their unique, out-of-the-ordinary ideas popular with viewers. Shows such as “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones” have reached peak popularity in pop culture. However, it’s important to note that not all fantasy series manage to remain relevant over time.

Here’s a list of 10 that aren’t worth giving a second or first glance today.

10
‘Manimal’ (1983)

Instead of employing superpowers for selfish purposes, imagine a character capable of transforming into any animal at will. This isn’t your typical superhero scenario. But in the hypothetical show called “Manimal,” our protagonist would indeed utilize these powers to combat crime, having developed this ability during his childhood years spent in Africa with his missionary father. The series from 1983 stars Simon MacCorkindale as Dr. Jonathan Chase.

In each episode, Chase assumes both hawk and black panther forms to aid Detective Brooke Mackenzie. Notably, these transformations were designed by the renowned visual effects artist Stan Winston during that period. However, the show has a rather cheesy feel, and some inconsistencies in the series become quite noticeable upon rewatching. Unfortunately, it only managed to air eight episodes before NBC decided to discontinue it.

9
‘Mortal Kombat: Conquest’ (1998 – 1999)

In an effort to capitalize on the popularity of the initial video game and subsequent live-action movies, Mortal Kombat: Conquest endeavored to introduce the series to television in 1998. The show featured Paolo Montalban as Kung Lao, a character who defended the Earthrealm in a prequel to the video game saga. Today, shows like The Last of Us and Twisted Metal, which are based on video game franchises, are prevalent. However, back then, it was one of the pioneering adaptations of a video game into a TV series.

The series initially aired on TNT and received an opening boost from WCW Monday Nitro. However, its inconsistent acting, subpar set designs, and cringe-worthy dialogue prevented it from gaining stability throughout its duration. Known as a niche favorite, Conquest altered the franchise’s narrative significantly, to less favorable outcomes. Ultimately, the show was terminated after completing only one season.

8
‘The Adventures of Sinbad’ (1996-1998)

For hundreds of years, tales of swashbuckling exploits have captivated audiences. One such story, “The Adventures of Sinbad,” was adapted from “Arabian Nights” in the early 1800s. This Canadian series centers around Sinbad, the captain of the ship Nomad, and his crew following a two-year absence. Upon his return, Sinbad discovers that Baghdad has changed significantly, and he embarks on a mission to aid those in distress.

The show shares a resemblance with “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journey,” but it failed to garner the same level of popularity or create the devoted fanbase that those shows did. To be frank, the series was quite cheesy, and the action scenes, even in the late ’90s, were not as compelling as they could have been. Ultimately, the show was terminated after just two seasons.

7
‘Beastmaster’ (1999 – 2002)

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, a TV show known as “Beastmaster” ran for three seasons. The story revolved around Dar, a skilled warrior who could speak with animals. He sought to protect the vulnerable and establish tranquility in a world that had undergone apocalypse. The series was adapted from a 1959 novel and followed a movie made in 1982.

As a film enthusiast, I recently delved into a captivating tale where the protagonist, Dar, forms an unusual bond with animal companions, who appear to be kin cursed under some ancient spell. The series, however, failed to maintain a consistent mood, veering from playful antics to somber undertones in an inconsistent manner.

Despite its appeal to various age groups, the action sequences fall short of contemporary standards, leaving room for improvement. To add, the costumes are nothing short of bizarre and seem out of place in the modern setting. All in all, while the concept is intriguing, it’s the execution that leaves a lot to be desired.

6
‘Legend of the Seeker’ (2008 – 2010)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about my fascination with Sam Raimi’s extraordinary creation, “Legend of the Seeker,” which graced our screens for two captivating seasons on ABC. This series was an adaptation of Terry Goodkind’s enchanting book series, “The Sword of Truth.” The narrative unfolded around a band of heroes striving to thwart Darken Rahl’s relentless pursuit to conquer the various realms of our world. Little did we know that Richard Cypher, our protagonist, was destined for greatness as The Seeker, a revelation that came to him later in life.

Apart from Seekers, there are Confessors, sorcerers, Mord-Siths, and various other beings to monitor. The series became overwhelming at times, making it challenging to keep up. The characters lacked depth in their backstory development, leaving viewers unable to fully comprehend their intentions. The show was dull and failed to provide the enjoyable experience that shows like Hercules and Xena did.

5
‘The 10th Kingdom’ (2000)

In the realm of television criticism, I found myself captivated by “The 10th Kingdom,” a mesmerizing 10-hour miniseries that graced our screens on NBC back in 2000. I, as a viewer, was drawn into the vibrant world of Virginia, a lively 21-year-old resident of Central Park, played masterfully by Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Accompanied by her father Tony, portrayed superbly by John Larroquette, their lives took an extraordinary turn when they encountered the enchanted Prince Wendell.

This canine-transformed royal, hailing from the Fourth Kingdom, found himself in our world due to a twist of fate, and it was Virginia’s compassion that led her to aid him in his quest to vanquish the Evil Queen. The plot thickened when Tony, in a twist of fortune, earned a set of wishes and decided to use one to communicate with the golden retriever Wendell.

Together, they embarked on an unforgettable journey, encountering a myriad of intriguing characters as they navigated their way through the Nine Kingdoms, striving to restore harmony in this magical realm.

Initially, the show garnered a good response when it premiered, but its visual effects are no match for today’s fantasy series. The budget constraints make it feel outdated. Casting Larroquette was an unusual decision, as he was primarily recognized from his role in Night Court. His performance fluctuated between comedic and darker, more serious moments, which some viewers may find inconsistent. Additionally, the series was quite leisurely, consisting of five two-hour episodes, making it challenging to maintain viewer interest nowadays due to its slow pace.

4
‘Moonlight’ (2007)

In 2007, CBS broadcasted the series “Moonlight” over a span of 16 episodes. The show starred Alex O’Loughlin as Mick St. John, a private investigator who happened to be a vampire. His character was turned into a vampire on his wedding night by his former wife Coraline (portrayed by Shannyn Sossamon). At a crime scene, he encounters Beth Turner, a young reporter played by Sophia Myles. It is later disclosed that he rescued her from kidnapping years prior and has been keeping tabs on her since then. When Coraline reappears in both their lives, they unite to battle her together.

The series received harsh criticism from critics, and viewers soon began to lose enthusiasm, leading to its termination after a single season. Its narrative struggled in various aspects, particularly the unconventional method of transforming characters into vampires, which required audiences to follow an intricate backstory involving drinking blood. This elaborate lore was often found confusing.

3
‘Conan the Adventurer’ (1997)

In 1997, producers decided to adapt the popular animated series “Conan the Adventurer” into a live-action version, five years after its initial release. This new show was inspired by “Conan the Barbarian,” with Ralf Moeller, a former Mr. Universe, playing the title role as Conan. The central storyline revolved around Conan, who is destined to rule Cimmeria, battling the evil sorcerer Hissah Zuhl, responsible for killing his parents and currently ruling the land tyrannically.

By altering the character’s titles, it becomes apparent that this version exhibited less intensity and action compared to its original counterpart. This revised adaptation primarily targeted family audiences instead of a broader action-oriented demographic. Unlike the popular adventure shows of the time, it lacked the over-the-top campiness. Unfortunately, Moeller, with limited acting experience, found it challenging to sustain the series on his own.

2
‘Tarzan: The Epic Adventures’ (1996 – 1997)

Many of the older series that struggle nowadays share a common aesthetic. They remodel established characters from the past, placing them in the 1990s while amplifying fantastical elements. Some managed to captivate an audience, but others fell flat. Tarzan: The Epic Adventures, unfortunately, belonged to the latter group. It aired for a single season on syndication and failed to resonate with viewers. Starring Joe Lara as the lead character, it was set in the 1920s, depicting Tarzan’s return to Africa and his encounters with mythical beasts.

This show significantly emphasized its mystical elements and presented Tarzan alongside his companion Themba, engaging in combat against various sorcerers, wizards, and assorted characters. Following a typical formula, it often introduced a ‘villain of the week,’ allowing for most conflicts to be resolved within each episode. Unfortunately, it only lasted for one season before being discontinued.

1
‘Kindred: The Embraced’ (1996)

1996 saw me immersed in the world of Fox television with “Kindred: The Embraced,” a series that had quite a few challenges stacked against it due to its origins as a board game. As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I found myself drawn into the narrative of Frank, played by C. Thomas Howell, a San Francisco detective who uncovers an intriguing secret: the local mobster Julian Luna (portrayed by Mark Frankel) is no ordinary gangster, but the ruler, or Prince, of the five vampire cliques in the area known as The Kindred.

The fascinating aspect of their relationship is that they form an alliance, with Julian offering Frank valuable insights from the world of the undead to aid his investigations, and Frank using his skills to protect Julian without raising suspicion. It’s a captivating dance between the supernatural and the mundane that keeps me hooked!

The show was excessively dramatic with too many unnecessary subplots that seemed almost comical to viewers. Frank’s character didn’t sit well with fans either. If it were produced today, it might find success due to the increased popularity of RPG games and their narratives. However, the series suffered a fatal blow when Frankel passed away in a car accident in 1996, which significantly impacted its longevity.

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2025-06-01 23:06