Fantasy television often existed on the fringes of mainstream success, typically attracting a dedicated but smaller, ‘cult’ following. Before the hit show Game of Thrones, most fantasy series were either urban fantasies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural airing on major networks, or they were found on channels like Sci Fi, where they were considered niche favorites rather than widely popular shows. Even when fantasy shows appeared on bigger networks like Fox, ABC, or CBS, they frequently faced cancellation threats despite having loyal fans who eagerly awaited each new season.
Let’s revisit seven classic fantasy TV shows that never quite reached their full potential. They either ended too soon or have stories that deserve to be continued for a modern audience.
7) The Dresden Files
As a fantasy fan, I really think The Dresden Files could have been a massive hit. Sadly, it didn’t quite take off, and I think being on the Sci Fi Channel back then really hurt its chances. Plus, they made some pretty big changes from the books, which disappointed a lot of fans. It’s funny looking back now, because Paul Blackthorne, who we all know as Quentin Lance from Arrow, played Harry Dresden, a wizard P.I. in Chicago who actually had a listing in the Yellow Pages! It was a really unique concept, but it just didn’t find its audience.
The show felt a bit unfocused and, despite having a dedicated fanbase largely drawn from Jim Butcher’s book readers, it didn’t quite reach its full potential. Had it adapted the books one season at a time, like the ‘Reacher’ series on Prime Video, it could have been a major hit. This book series is ripe for a reboot if someone decides to take it on.
6) Galavant
Galavant was a unique fantasy TV show, standing out from everything else on air. Created by Dan Fogelman, this musical comedy was often compared to a blend of Monty Python and The Princess Bride – a winning combination for fantasy lovers. Despite its quirky appeal, the show only lasted two seasons, airing from 2015 to 2016.
Galavant is a charming knight on a mission to restore his good name and defeat King Richard, who caused him great pain by kidnapping the woman he loves, Madelana. The show is wonderfully quirky – it even featured Weird Al Yankovic as a Head Monk! With its clever writing, memorable characters, and ahead-of-its-time humor, Galavant is a truly special series that deserves another season.
5) Grimm
Grimm was a compelling fantasy series that ran for six seasons and 123 episodes, achieving considerable success despite not gaining the same lasting recognition as shows like Once Upon a Time. While Once Upon a Time benefited from heavy promotion on ABC, Grimm aired on NBC and was often scheduled on Friday nights, meaning it didn’t reach as wide an audience. Nevertheless, the show developed a dedicated and passionate fanbase.
What really set Grimm apart was its mature tone, a contrast to the more family-friendly approach of Once Upon a Time. The show, inspired by classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales, followed a Portland detective who investigated murders connected to the hidden world of mythical creatures. While it shared similarities with Supernatural, Grimm was grounded in a single city and featured wonderfully imaginative monsters. It’s a shame Grimm didn’t get the support it deserved from NBC.
4) Forever Knight
Forever Knight was a really good fantasy show from the 1990s that deserves a second look. The series starred Geraint Wyn Davies as Nick Knight, a police detective in Toronto who works the night shift. Unbeknownst to everyone, Nick is an 800-year-old vampire who regrets his past and is now trying to make amends by working as a police officer.
Before the show Angel became popular, Forever Knight explored similar themes, but it focused more on crime investigations. Given the current popularity of both police shows and urban fantasy, a reboot of Forever Knight – keeping the original story idea – could be even more successful now than when it originally aired in the 1990s.
3) Pushing Daisies
There’s a possibility that the beloved fantasy series Pushing Daisies could return to television. Creator Bryan Fuller has ideas for a third season and has discussed it with the network, though it hasn’t been officially approved yet. The show followed Ned (Lee Pace), a man with the unique ability to revive the dead with a single touch, and featured a clever and original storyline.
If the main character doesn’t touch the revived people again within a minute, they’ll remain alive, but someone else will die. However, any further contact with them will kill them, creating a difficult situation when he resurrects his true love. The show only lasted two seasons because the creator wanted a large budget, but he’s established himself as a talented TV writer, and Pushing Daisies is worth revisiting with a new season.
2) Xena: Warrior Princess
A new Buffy the Vampire Slayer series is in the works, and Sarah Michelle Gellar will be back as Buffy Summers – but this time, she’ll be training the next Slayer who takes her place. This got people thinking about other shows that could benefit from a similar reboot, and Xena: Warrior Princess from a few years earlier is a prime example.
Originally a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, a reboot of Xena: Warrior Princess might actually work really well. While Hercules doesn’t need revisiting, bringing back Lucy Lawless as an older Xena, mentoring a new warrior, could be fantastic. Xena has a dedicated fanbase, and Lucy Lawless is still a popular actress, so a return to the role could be a huge hit.
1) Sliders
Just how popular was the show Sliders? It had a dedicated fanbase that led to a comic book series being launched in 1996, while the show was still on the air. Interestingly, the show’s lead actor, Jerry O’Connell, even wrote an issue of the comic, titled Narcotica.
The series featured Jim O’Connell as Quinn Mallory, following a group of travelers who journey through different universes via a wormhole, all while trying to get back to their own world. It was a lively blend of fantasy and science fiction and enjoyed a five-season run. Although Fox canceled it after three seasons, the Sci Fi Channel revived it for two more. Now, after nearly three decades, a reboot could introduce the show to a new audience.
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2026-03-14 21:43