If You Liked Percy Jackson, You’ll Love This Five-Season Fantasy Masterpiece

by

Fantasy TV shows consistently find an audience, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians is currently a huge hit, with a third season already planned. While fans wait for more, there’s a lesser-known show that offers a similar experience. Though it doesn’t have a big budget, it excels in what really matters: well-developed characters, realistic relationships, and a focused story. It’s a series that starts small, becomes increasingly complex, and ultimately leaves a lasting impression.

What makes this story truly work is its focus on relationships. It understands that fantasy is most engaging when we connect with the characters and their bonds, rather than just magical elements or grand predictions. Right from the start, the story centers on friendship, loyalty, and the decisions characters make, even during lighter moments. While each episode presents a new challenge, these problems usually connect to a bigger, overarching plot. It’s a similar setup to Percy Jackson, but instead of Greek mythology, this story is set in the world of Camelot.

Merlin Is an Underrated Fantasy TV Masterpiece

Before streaming became popular, the TV show Merlin was already a hit. It aired on the BBC from 2008 to 2012 and told the story of Merlin (Colin Morgan), not as the wise old wizard, but as a young man arriving in Camelot with a secret – he has magic. However, King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) has banned magic and punishes anyone who practices it with death. Merlin must hide his abilities while serving Prince Arthur (Bradley James), who is immature and far from the noble king he will eventually become. Throughout the series, Arthur grows into a leader, and Merlin secretly uses his magic to protect him and shape his destiny.

At its core, the series revolves around the connection between these two characters. They begin as rivals, constantly arguing, but gradually forge a real friendship built on trust. Arthur develops into a leader thanks to his interactions with Merlin, unaware of Merlin’s magical abilities. Meanwhile, Merlin secretly knows what’s to come but can’t share it with anyone. This complex dynamic is what drives the show for five seasons. It’s less about saving the kingdom and more about two people learning to depend on each other while facing constant challenges.

The show doesn’t just focus on Arthur; many characters experience significant development. Morgana Le Fay, played by Katie McGrath, starts as a kind friend but transforms as she faces hardship and craves power. Gwen, portrayed by Angel Coulby, begins as a servant and rises to play a crucial role in Camelot’s fate. Even the Knights of the Round Table aren’t just nameless fighters – they each have their own unique personalities. The writers clearly invested in creating well-rounded characters, which makes the show rewarding for viewers who appreciate complex stories with realistic struggles, mistakes, and growth. This is a fantasy series with depth, offering more than just spectacle.

The show does a great job with its villains. While some appear only once, many return throughout the series, giving each section a distinct feel. This keeps the story engaging and prevents episodes from feeling pointless – there’s always a larger plot developing, even in lighter or self-contained stories.

The show’s overall tone is also key to its success. Merlin consistently avoids being too grim, and there’s a lot of humor, particularly in the playful back-and-forth between Merlin and Arthur – they often feel like a comedic pair, which is a real highlight. However, as the series goes on, the stakes get higher, with characters dying, friendships breaking, and the main characters feeling the pressure of their fates. This shift in tone feels organic and natural. Fans of Percy Jackson will likely recognize this same kind of development – starting as a lighthearted adventure and gradually becoming more complex and emotionally impactful.

It’s true that some aspects haven’t held up over time – the special effects can look a little basic now, and a few episodes follow familiar patterns. However, this rarely detracts from the enjoyment of the show, as Merlin is clever about working within its constraints. The series really shines thanks to its well-written stories and the fantastic connection between the actors. And when you care about the characters, a simple CGI dragon doesn’t really matter, does it?

The Ending May Be Divisive, but It Doesn’t Erase Everything the Series Built

It’s common for long-running shows to falter near the end, as we’ve seen with series like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. Merlin unfortunately faces a similar issue. While many viewers were disappointed with the finale – feeling it didn’t quite live up to five seasons of story – reactions are mixed. Focusing solely on the ending overlooks the show’s overall quality. Even though the finale is divisive, the journey Merlin takes you on is what truly makes it memorable and impactful.

What makes Merlin stand out from other fantasy shows is how well it balances being easy to jump into with a consistently engaging storyline. You can enjoy individual episodes without feeling lost, but viewers who watch the whole series will notice characters changing and growing. Arthur evolves from a spoiled prince, Merlin realizes honesty isn’t always the best policy, and Morgana’s story shows how good intentions can sour. While these character journeys aren’t overly complex, they’re very effective. This genuine character development is especially important now, when many TV shows feel too fast-paced or lack depth, and audiences are really paying attention.

If you’re searching for a captivating fantasy series with magic, strong friendships, and well-developed characters, Merlin is a great choice. While it’s not the most elaborate show in the genre, it’s consistently enjoyable, charming, and surprisingly keeps you hooked. Sometimes, all you want is a well-told story with heart and characters you genuinely care about – something that makes you immediately start the next episode. Merlin offers that kind of comforting, emotionally resonant experience throughout its five seasons.

Ever heard of Merlin? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/5-fantasy-shows-everyone-should-regret-ignoring/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-01 18:15