Although the initial surge of fantasy shows following the popularity of Game of Thrones has slowed, the genre still looks promising, especially with adaptations based on novels. Books offer a solid base for TV series, and when these adaptations succeed, the results can be truly impressive, as seen with shows like Game of Thrones, His Dark Materials, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
With so many fantasy shows currently in development, the next few years look incredibly bright for the genre. From Apple TV’s fresh adaptation of a classic fantasy story to a highly anticipated reboot on Disney+, there’s a lot to be excited about.
10) The Stormlight Archive
Apple’s decision to adapt Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe means The Stormlight Archive is getting a TV show, and it’s a hugely anticipated fantasy project. The series, based on Sanderson’s epic books, is expected to deliver a distinctive magic system, impressive battles, and complex political storylines. There’s even the possibility it could connect with Apple’s planned Mistborn movie, potentially creating a larger, interconnected franchise. Importantly, Sanderson will have creative control over the adaptation, ensuring the source material is faithfully represented. While it may take time to develop, The Stormlight Archive has the potential to be the next Game of Thrones – and this time, it really could be.
9) The Dark Tower
Mike Flanagan has a perfect track record on TV, so his upcoming series based on Stephen King’s The Dark Tower has the potential to be truly exceptional. Given the strength of the original story, Flanagan’s skill as a storyteller, and his previous successful adaptations of King’s work, it’s likely to be a big hit. While Amazon’s Rings of Power and Wheel of Time faced some criticism, they demonstrated the studio’s commitment to high production values, which bodes well for The Dark Tower. If Flanagan stays true to the source material, this series will be essential viewing – and he’s already shown he’s capable of delivering great adaptations.
8) King Sorrow
I’m really excited to hear that Joe Hill, Stephen King’s son, is turning his novel King Sorrow into a TV show! He mentioned it in an interview with Mashable last November, and it sounds amazing. It’s a blend of fantasy and horror – kind of like what both he and his dad do best. Honestly, that’s a recipe for success right now. The story is set in academia and involves characters making a deal with a dragon, but then paying a terrible price every year. It’s so easy to picture all of that on screen, and I think it’ll really appeal to fans of both fantasy and horror – plus, it feels like something totally unique!
7) Fourth Wing
Currently, Fourth Wing is a massive hit, especially in the ‘romantasy’ genre, and the upcoming TV adaptation has huge potential. If the show captures the magic of the books, it could become a defining fantasy series for this century. With dragons, a compelling romance, and non-stop action, I’m incredibly excited to see it come to life. A TV adaptation could really fill a gap in the fantasy landscape, as only a few shows like Outlander and Interview With the Vampire currently deliver strong romantic elements. Plus, the books are full of surprises and encourage lots of fan theories, making a Fourth Wing show feel like a major cultural event.
6) Legendborn
Despite the fact that the Legendborn TV show seems stuck in development, I’m still really hoping it gets made. Tracy Deonn’s books have everything needed for a great series – a diverse cast, relevant themes, a cool magic system, and a captivating setting. The fresh take on the Arthurian legend would likely appeal to both dedicated fantasy fans and a broader audience. There haven’t been many updates since Deadline announced Black Bear Television acquired the rights, but I hope another studio steps in if needed. This series is simply too good to ignore.
5) Ninth House
Fans are still waiting to hear about Ninth House, a fantasy series I’m really hoping gets made. Amazon is planning to adapt Leigh Bardugo’s novel (according to Deadline), and it has the potential to be great, much like King Sorrow and Legendborn. While stories about magic and secret societies at universities are common in books, the combination of those elements with a darker, more academic tone hasn’t been fully explored on TV. Ninth House could really fill that gap, offering compelling characters, a rich world, and plenty of surprises. Let’s hope it moves forward soon and doesn’t get stuck in development forever.
4) Assistant to the Villain
I was so thrilled to hear that Assistant to the Villain is getting adapted for television by Legendary! Knowing it comes from the same publisher as Fourth Wing, I had high hopes, and the book absolutely delivered – it’s just a really fun read. The story has everything I love in a show: a fantastic found family, clever dialogue, plenty of magical action, and a sweet, slow-burn romance that completely drew me in. I truly believe the adaptation is going to be something special and unlike anything else we’ve seen – and as a fan, that’s incredibly exciting!
3) Powerless
Amazon is anticipating big things from both Fourth Wing and its upcoming series, Powerless. Adapted from Lauren Roberts’ popular novels, Powerless explores classic themes of overcoming injustice and fighting for change, combined with a compelling love story and exciting challenges. While the show features familiar fantasy elements, those are precisely what fans enjoy. With a strong base from the books, Powerless is poised to attract a large audience and promises to be an entertaining experience, even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre.
2) Katabasis
Although the TV series based on The Poppy War seems to be on hold, Amazon has recently approved a show based on R.F. Kuang’s novel Katabasis (according to Deadline). With its engaging and unusual story, Katabasis could actually translate to the screen even better than The Poppy War. The book follows two graduate students who journey into Hell to find their recently deceased professor—not because they liked him, but because they need letters of recommendation to further their careers. It’s a funny idea that also touches on deeper themes about striving for success in academia. Kuang’s version of Hell, inspired by Dante’s Inferno, could also be visually stunning on screen.
1) Eragon
Disney+ first announced a new Eragon series back in 2022, and author Christopher Paolini recently confirmed it’s still in development. I’m hopeful this reboot will be better than the previous movie attempt, especially since Disney successfully revived Percy Jackson and the Olympians as a TV show. With improved technology available now, this adaptation has a real chance to capture the magic of the books and become a standout in the fantasy genre.
Which fantasy TV show adaptation are you looking forward to the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-04 05:43