5 Fantasy Shows Begging For Reboots

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Fantasy shows are incredibly popular, nearly matching the appeal of science fiction, and offer immersive worlds filled with magic, mythical beings, and unexpected heroes. Though many think of franchises like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson when they hear ‘fantasy,’ there’s actually a diverse selection of shows available for fans to explore.

It’s disappointing when shows are cancelled too soon, especially when fans loved them. While new fantasy series are always being created, many older shows could find success if they were brought back today.

5) Carnivalé

CarnivalĂ© was a compelling HBO series that sadly didn’t get the recognition it deserved, lasting for two seasons starting in 2003. Unlike many fantasy shows, it had a dark, gothic feel and was uniquely set during the Great Depression. The story centered around a traveling carnival and followed two men – a gifted young healer named Ben and a captivating preacher named Justin – as they were drawn into an immense battle for the hearts and souls of the nation.

The conflict felt like a direct clash between good and evil. Justin was particularly frightening – he acted as the force of darkness, yet convinced himself he was serving God by bringing people’s deepest fears to life. This made them easier to manipulate and control.

Originally, the show was planned to last six seasons, but it was cut short after only two due to poor viewership. Still, interest in gothic and dark fantasy stories has grown since 2003, and those who are tired of the current trend of epic, high fantasy might enjoy a well-written show like a revamped version of Carnivalé.

4) Cursed

Cursed was a Netflix series that put a new spin on the classic King Arthur stories. Rather than focusing on Arthur and his knights, the show tells the tale from the perspective of Nimue, a powerful Fey leader, as she fights to protect her people’s land from a rising monarchy.

The show only ran for one season because not enough people watched it to cover its expensive production. However, Cursed could find an audience now, particularly if promoted as a historically informed look at the Druids combined with a symbolic story about the struggles of Indigenous communities. A new version would also stand out, as so many shows are currently set in modern times.

3) Carnival Row

Both Carnivalé and Carnival Row feature carnivals, but they are distinct enough that both could be reimagined without feeling repetitive. Carnival Row is set in the present day and uniquely explores the prejudice and discrimination experienced by carnival members due to their differences, including magical powers.

I’ve always loved fantasy for its ability to hold a mirror up to our own world, and Carnival Row does that brilliantly. So many fantasy shows touch on prejudice, but this one feels different – it uses the struggles of magical creatures to really explore real-world issues like racism. It’s exactly the kind of storytelling fantasy should be about! And honestly, I think people are really craving shows that aren’t afraid to tackle tough topics, which is why I’m so disappointed this amazing series isn’t getting the attention it deserves. It really needs to be brought back!

2) Sense8

Sense8 was a groundbreaking sci-fi show about eight people from different parts of the world who were mentally and emotionally linked. They could feel each other’s experiences and communicate instantly, even across vast distances.

The story started with a really interesting idea, and it was exciting to see how these people, connected in a mysterious way, were being hunted by dangerous enemies. What was truly captivating was watching the eight characters learn about their connection and ultimately come together to support and defend each other.

The show’s second season ended with an unresolved cliffhanger, but the story was ultimately concluded in a movie after the series was canceled. Although continuing the original storyline isn’t feasible, Sense8 would be a great candidate for a reboot. The idea of unrelated people forming a close, family-like bond is appealing, particularly since there aren’t many realistic family dramas on television right now. A reboot could attract both fans of fantasy and viewers simply looking for a show focused on meaningful human connections.

1) The Shannara Chronicles

Despite the popularity of fantasy shows with young heroes, The Shannara Chronicles didn’t find an audience. The series, based on Terry Brooks’ novels, was set on a future Earth after a catastrophic event.

A half-elf, a human, and an elven princess team up on a mission to save a holy tree from demons. These demons have invaded after a nuclear war destroyed much of the world. Reviving the series now would feel especially powerful, as many people are worried about the state of the world and what’s to come. Although the original show was short-lived, lasting only two seasons, a new take on the story could resonate with audiences due to these relevant themes.

Which fantasy series do you think deserves a fresh start? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-04 04:12