First episodes are tough to get right, but some fantasy shows manage to create immersive worlds and immediately grab your attention, leading to excellent beginnings. Pilots are important for all kinds of shows, because they decide if viewers will continue watching or move on to something else. While a pilot doesn’t have to be perfect, it definitely helps attract an audience.
As a huge fantasy fan, I’ve noticed a show’s first episode is crucial. A strong start can really set things apart, especially in a genre where everything has to make sense. It’s not enough to just have a cool idea and a few surprises; a great fantasy series needs a world that feels real, a magic system that’s consistent, and characters I actually care about. When a pilot episode nails all that right from the beginning, it’s a really good sign – some of the best fantasy shows I’ve seen really deliver everything you need in that first hour.
7) Avatar: The Last Airbender
Despite dealing with serious themes like war and oppression, Avatar: The Last Airbender consistently offers moments of humor and hope. This balance is present from the very beginning of the Nickelodeon series. The first episode immediately establishes the threat of the Fire Nation and doesn’t avoid exploring the dangers of imperialism and colonialism.
From the very first episode, Avatar: The Last Airbender quickly establishes its unique sense of humor – lines like “Will you go penguin sledding with me?” became instantly popular. The show’s pilot uses this appealing charm to draw viewers into its world and introduce its characters, all while hinting at an exciting fantasy story with intriguing conflicts and magic. In just 20 minutes, “The Boy in the Iceberg” accomplishes more than some shows do over several episodes.
6) Percy Jackson & The Olympians
The Percy Jackson movies weren’t very well-received, but the new Disney+ series is a huge improvement, starting with its first episode. Percy Jackson & the Olympians stays much closer to the original story in Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, and the changes it makes actually update and enhance the plot. Just like the beginning of the book, the first episode, “I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher,” is funny, introduces Greek mythology in a compelling way, and ends with a surprising and emotional moment.
The first episode of Percy Jackson & the Olympians is a strong start, offering both exciting action and a sense of mystery. It quickly introduces characters you’ll care about and hints at the amazing Greek mythology hidden in the modern world, making you eager to watch what happens next. The pilot successfully draws viewers in with its intriguing story and emotional impact.
5) The Good Place
The Good Place successfully mixes fantasy and comedy, starting with a strong first episode. The show immediately establishes its unique world when Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself in what seems to be heaven. This setup feels natural because the witty dialogue and playful performances keep things light and funny, even while explaining the show’s core ideas and setting.
Watching it again reveals connections to the first season’s big twist in The Good Place. The show’s pilot had a clear direction, which is even more noticeable now, but its quality goes beyond just that initial vision. The moment Eleanor admits there’s “been a big mistake” is a fantastic turning point, instantly creating suspense. This secret she shares with Chidi keeps viewers hooked, and their interactions add a lot of energy to the show – something The Good Place consistently delivers on.
4) Arcane
Overall, Arcane is an excellent fantasy series, so it’s no surprise that the League of Legends adaptation starts strong. The first episode, “Welcome to the Playground,” effectively sets the stage in its 40 minutes. It introduces the key characters, highlights the hardship and inequality within Zaun, and hints at the future conflicts. While not the most exciting episode on its own, “Welcome to the Playground” builds strong relationships between the characters, which makes the show’s later emotional moments more impactful.
Great fantasy stories with tragic elements need to establish the characters’ lives before the tragedy strikes, and Arcane does this exceptionally well. The heartwarming connections between Vi, Powder, Vander, and their friends make what happens to them later all the more devastating. The episode “Welcome to the Playground” especially gives us a strong sense of their world and what drives each character.
3) Supernatural
Though Supernatural evolved over its 15 seasons, its strengths are immediately apparent in the very first episode. The pilot skillfully introduces the Winchester brothers and what drives them, using the mystery of their father’s disappearance. By starting with their history, the show seamlessly leads into their life as hunters, and effectively establishes both the standalone monster stories and the overarching plot that would define the series.
From the moment Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki share the screen in Supernatural, their natural chemistry is clear, providing a strong base for their characters. Their playful back-and-forth immediately establishes the show’s signature humor, which effectively complements the darker, more serious moments in the first episode. While the pilot doesn’t immediately reveal the answers to the mysteries surrounding the yellow-eyed demon, it successfully hooks viewers and makes them eager to learn more.
2) Stranger Things
It’s no surprise Stranger Things quickly became a huge hit – the very first episode was incredibly well done and hooked viewers immediately. Similar to Supernatural, the show immediately introduces a compelling story, a friendly atmosphere, and characters you root for. The first episode, “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers,” perfectly captures the 1980s vibe and hints at a mysterious and unsettling story unfolding in Hawkins.
The show immediately grabs your attention with the disappearance of Will Byers, making you want to know what happens next in this small Indiana town. The actors, including the young cast, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour, all deliver strong performances, helping you connect with their characters and their struggles. This compelling start, along with hints that the show will be a nostalgic tribute to 1980s horror, makes you eager to keep watching.
1) Game Of Thrones
The first episode of Game of Thrones is arguably flawless – and it’s more than just the shocking cliffhanger. The scene with Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) pushing a child from a window immediately establishes the harsh and violent nature of the world of Westeros. This sets the tone for the show and remains true to George R.R. Martin’s novels, particularly in the early seasons.
The very first episode of Game of Thrones is as captivating as the finale, hinting at the danger of the White Walkers well before they reach Winterfell. The premiere immediately establishes compelling supernatural and political storylines, and the show’s actors do a fantastic job of introducing characters you won’t forget, despite the complex world. Overall, the opening episode is excellent at bringing the world of high fantasy to life for both longtime fans and newcomers.
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2025-11-04 19:18