Fantasy Isn’t For Everyone, But Everyone Should Watch These 6 TV Shows At Least Once In Their Life

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It needs mentioning that the realm of fantasy might not be every viewer’s preferred brew, but if you find yourself grimacing at knights or shrugging at sorcerers or flinching at mystical beings on screen, consider giving these six series a chance before completely dismissing the genre. The term ‘fantasy’ can sometimes seem elusive to pin down, although most people recognize it instinctively, it’s challenging to provide a precise definition. Fantasy encompasses an extensive spectrum, including folklore, high fantasy, historical fantasy, and much more.

Though fantasy, horror, and science fiction are frequently classified as separate subgenres within the speculative fiction category, elements of fear and futuristic themes can be found in many fantasy television programs. In fact, Rod Serling, from The Twilight Zone, described fantasy as “the impossible made probable,” while science fiction is “the improbable made possible.” Given the numerous shows that depict the impossible becoming plausible, it’s surprising how many people are resistant to fantasy TV. For those who claim they don’t enjoy fantasy on television, I recommend checking out these six shows before making a definitive decision against it entirely.

6. Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

A Fantasy Television Phenomenon

For eight thrilling seasons, the groundbreaking series “Game of Thrones” left both pop-culture enthusiasts and television aficionados spellbound. Although Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy demonstrated that a fantastical project could garner universal critical and audience approval, “Game of Thrones” astonished us by showing that there was a much larger segment of the population eager to embrace fantasy if it was skillfully crafted and included enough contemporary narrative elements for fantasy newcomers to grasp.

scarcely have any television series stirred up such widespread fascination as “Game of Thrones”. Regardless of its controversial ending, it’s undeniable that this series left an indelible mark on popular culture. It is certainly worth viewing to understand why the show sparked such intense discussions for numerous years. Today, terms like “Targaryens”, “Mad Kings”, and “White Walkers” are still frequently used in everyday conversation, and if you’re curious about where these concepts originated, watching “Game of Thrones” is essential. Even the seasons that received lower ratings are worth checking out to appreciate why so many were disappointed with the series’ conclusion.

5. What We Do In The Shadows (2019-2024)

A Laugh-A-Minute Fantasy Series

The 2014 movie-turned-TV series titled “What We Do in the Shadows” by Taika Waititi is a comedy horror fantasy that satirically portrays the lives of vampires in the contemporary world. These vampires, unlike the brooding and tragic figures like Dracula, Nosferatu, or Edward Cullen, are instead a motley crew of obnoxious, peculiar, bitter, and uproariously funny night-dwellers who share a home on Staten Island.

I adore this series as it chronicles the day-to-day lives of roommates, who happen to be centuries old vampires, navigating the contemporary world while sustaining themselves on human blood. It’s hilariously entertaining! Despite weaving in fantastical elements and unique characters, the show manages to steer clear of being too deeply entrenched in a specific fantasy lore, which makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate the quirky aspects of fantasy as well as those simply looking for a good laugh and an enjoyable television experience.

4. Samurai Jack (2001-2017)

A Colorful, Delightful Fantasy Series

Genndy Tartakovsky’s magnificent journey, titled Samurai Jack, seamlessly combines science fiction, historical elements, and fantastical elements to produce something extraordinary and captivating. Originally airing from 2001 to 2004, the series made a comeback for an additional season in 2017, ultimately spanning five seasons. The story revolves around its namesake, a Japanese samurai prince named Samurai Jack, who is thrust into a dark, alternate future by the shape-shifting demon lord Aku. Along the way, Jack encounters a Scottish cyborg man, cat people, a fire monster, and numerous other intriguing characters.

Samurai Jack is brimming with vibrant, imaginative characters, showcasing the vast and boundless creativity of its creator, Genndy Tartakovsky. The series delights in the absurdity of its fantastical backdrop, maintaining a lighthearted approach even when events turn grave, a trait that sets it apart from other fantasy TV shows. It blends humor, romance, and action seamlessly, all presented through Tartakovsky’s unique visual aesthetic and top-tier animation talents.

3. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

A Beautifully Animated Show With A Moving Story

Give ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ a look – it’s an engaging fantasy series that has stood the test of time, boasting both a timeless narrative and distinctive visual appeal. Fear not if you think fantasy TV might be too intricate or steeped in lore; this show is an excellent choice for beginners. The storyline provides all the necessary information, making it easy to follow along. Plus, since it was initially targeted towards kids, it serves as a welcoming introduction to the genre.

While it may seem juvenile at first glance, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” tackles mature themes such as colonialism, xenophobia, totalitarianism, corruption, and indoctrination, along with the traditional themes of empathy, friendship, and affection. Each viewer can find a character they can identify with, and for every intense battle scene, there’s a tender moment like an elderly man reflecting on his son.

2. Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

A Litmus Test For Those Who Claim They Dislike Fantasy

For someone who’s never dabbled in peanut butter, with no inclination, nor any prompting from others, given the abundance of other delicious options – imagine if a friend persistently encourages you to sample it. You, being a good sport, eventually consent. Options include spreading it on an apple, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or indulging in peanut butter ice cream. Alternatively, you could go straight for the essence by having a plain scoop of peanut butter. In the same vein, “Once Upon a Time” could be that first fantasy TV show experience for someone who’s never watched such genre before.

In this captivating tale, there’s something for every fantasy enthusiast – enchanting princesses, powerful wizards, cunning witches, timeless folklore, and magic galore. Characters from beloved Disney movies are also part of the mix, making it easier to find a familiar piece to resonate with. The series, titled Once Upon a Time, is set in the fictional town of Storybrooke, Maine, where fairy tale characters live in reality, having forgotten their past lives. Mysterious, entertaining, and grand in scale, it’s an enticing fantasy TV show that might just change your perspective on the genre if you’ve been hesitant.

1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

A Horror-Fantasy Hybrid With A Lot To Love

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As a lover of engaging storytelling, I can personally vouch for the unique blend that Buffy the Vampire Slayer offers. While it treads the boundary between horror and fantasy, it also enriches this genre by incorporating elements like witches, spells, prophecies, and a menagerie of folklore creatures that would keep even a six-season procedural series captivated. If you’re someone with a growing interest in the realm of fantasy, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Buffy the Vampire Slayer a watch. The essence of the show is encapsulated in its title. Sarah Michelle Gellar plays Buffy Summers, a vampire slayer, one of many in a long line of “Slayers” who are endowed with enhanced strength and agility to combat malevolent forces.

Exploring the world of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” each episode presents a unique monster tale, but the real charm lies in its characters. As seasons unfold, enemies transform into allies, friends turn into adversaries, and personalities evolve in a believable, organic manner. This show serves as a testament that fantasy television can encompass a myriad of stories, proving even skeptics wrong and offering numerous engaging series to indulge in.

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2025-06-03 06:09