7 Most Underrated Fantasy TV Shows of the 21st Century (So Far)

As a lifelong fantasy fan, I can tell you the genre’s always been popular on TV. But honestly, so much good stuff gets lost in the shuffle with all the dragons and wizards! We’ve all been hooked by shows like Game of Thrones and The Witcher recently, but there are tons of other series with really unique ideas and fantastic actors that just never found their audience. Sometimes it was a marketing problem, or they were stuck with a terrible timeslot, or just didn’t have enough money. But they all had something special, something different, and they’re totally worth checking out. You might think you’ve seen every fantasy world out there, but trust me, you haven’t. The real hidden gems are these shows that deserve way more love than they got.

Here are 7 fantastic fantasy TV shows from the 21st century that you might have missed – they’re all worth checking out!

7) Outlander

Many people know of Outlander, but it doesn’t often get mentioned alongside other popular fantasy shows, which is a real oversight. While it features romance and time travel, it’s also a deeply engaging historical fantasy filled with danger, emotional hardship, and difficult ethical questions. The show centers on Claire Randall, a nurse from World War II who finds herself in 18th-century Scotland, where she must navigate a harsh new reality and a passionate relationship with the Highland warrior Jamie Fraser.

Many viewers underestimate how skillfully Outlander integrates its fantasy aspects. Time travel isn’t just a plot device; the show uses it to delve into complex themes like who we are, what’s meant to be, and the lasting effects of trauma. It’s a mature, emotionally resonant series with a grand, cinematic feel – though it skips the typical dragons and elves. Ultimately, Outlander is a bit overlooked because it cleverly subverts expectations: it’s a fantasy story presented as a historical romance, and it does so exceptionally well. It may not appeal to everyone, but those who appreciate thoughtful fantasy will likely find it a rewarding watch.

6) His Dark Materials

Despite being a well-made and intelligent fantasy series, His Dark Materials didn’t receive the audience it deserved. Based on Philip Pullman’s novels, the show follows Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen) in a unique parallel universe. In this world, people’s souls manifest as animal companions called daemons, and a dangerous secret called Dust threatens everything Lyra knows.

The show’s biggest weakness might be that it doesn’t lend itself to casual binge-watching. His Dark Materials is complex and thoughtful, tackling big ideas about religion, power, and freedom. It demands your full attention, and it’s easy to lose interest if you don’t give it that. However, viewers who persevere will find it’s a rare fantasy series with genuine depth and meaning. It’s a show that rewards patience and may be even more highly regarded over time than it was initially.

5) Penny Dreadful

Many consider Penny Dreadful a modern classic. While it initially seemed like a typical, visually impressive horror series, it quickly proved to be much deeper. Set in Victorian London, the show brilliantly weaves together famous characters from gothic literature – Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and Dracula – into a single, captivating, and often intense world. Eva Green’s performance as Vanessa Ives is truly exceptional and arguably the best part of the show. It’s a hidden gem of dark fantasy that deserved a much wider audience, as it had all the elements for mainstream success.

Despite its strengths, Penny Dreadful struggled to find a large audience because it didn’t easily fit into any specific genre. It was darker than many fantasy shows, yet more focused on ideas than simple thrills. This ultimately limited its appeal to a smaller, niche audience. However, it was a remarkably daring and innovative show for its time, arguably ahead of its time.

4) Merlin

Before everyone was talking about Game of Thrones, I was already hooked on Merlin. It really delivered – consistently good seasons packed with adventure, laughs, and genuine heart. The show follows a young Merlin, brilliantly played by Colin Morgan, as he secretly protects Prince Arthur, Bradley James, in a kingdom where magic is outlawed. It’s a great mix of action, drama, and honestly, their friendship is just really fun to watch unfold. It’s a pretty accessible fantasy – good for families – but it’s got a surprising amount of depth. While fantasy fans probably know it, I always felt it didn’t quite get the recognition it deserved.

One reason people might not talk about Merlin much is simply that it didn’t have the big budget or grand scale of other fantasy series – and that can be a deterrent for some viewers who expect a lot of spectacle. However, the show compensated for this with its appealing characters and engaging storylines. The relationship between Merlin and Arthur, in particular, remains one of the most captivating in fantasy television. While it’s not overly dramatic, it’s remarkably good at delivering exactly what it promises.

3) Grimm

Many people have probably heard of Grimm, but it wasn’t a mainstream hit. Even the networks seemed to underestimate it. The show centers around Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a detective who learns he comes from a long line of monster hunters—individuals responsible for keeping peace between humans and mythical creatures called Wesen. While it initially feels like a typical crime show with a different monster each week, Grimm gradually develops into a show with a rich and imaginative story.

Perhaps the biggest reason Grimm didn’t get the attention it deserved was its timing. Airing on traditional network TV in the 2010s meant many people dismissed it, especially as streaming services were becoming more popular. However, Grimm was ahead of its time, successfully combining urban fantasy with police procedural dramas – a mix that’s now very common. With its unique world, memorable creatures, clever humor, and consistently good actors, it remains an unfairly overlooked show. Dedicated fans know the world of Wesen was far more captivating than it initially appeared.

2) A Discovery Of Witches

At first glance, A Discovery of Witches might seem like a typical story about witches, vampires, and a forbidden love. However, it stands out because of how the story is told. Adapted from Deborah Harkness’ novels, the series centers on Diana Bishop, a historian who’s also a witch, and her connection with the ancient vampire Matthew Clairmont, all set against a backdrop of conflict between supernatural creatures. While the premise might sound familiar, the show excels through its immersive atmosphere, well-managed pacing, and characters you’ll find yourself genuinely invested in.

While A Discovery of Witches never reached the widespread popularity of shows like The Vampire Diaries or True Blood, that’s actually one of its strengths. The series portrays romance in a thoughtful way and takes its supernatural elements seriously. It offers mature fantasy without feeling overly complicated, demonstrating that the genre can be both intelligent and focus on a central love story. Sadly, it gained viewers mainly through word-of-mouth, as it wasn’t available on a major streaming service and therefore didn’t receive the broad exposure it deserved.

1) Galavant

It’s truly surprising how overlooked Galavant has been – it almost feels like a shame. This medieval musical comedy, featuring songs by Alan Menken (known for The Little Mermaid and Aladdin), is incredibly clever and funny, constantly poking fun at fantasy tropes. It’s a bold and original show, but perhaps a bit too different for mainstream television. The series follows Sir Galavant (Joshua Sasse) as he tries to win back his true love, turning every familiar fantasy element into a joke. It’s a well-loved show, boasting a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The biggest issue with Galavant was that hardly anyone watched it, likely due to a lack of promotion or unclear direction. Despite this, the show was genuinely funny and cleverly grabbed your attention with its self-aware, creative approach. Though it was canceled, it’s still worth watching – the finale is particularly strong. Galavant gained a dedicated cult following, and many believe that if it had aired today, with more platforms embracing unique content, it could have become one of the decade’s most memorable and original series.

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2025-10-27 19:16