7 Underrated Fantasy Shows Every 1970s Kid Remembers

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Growing up in the 1970s meant watching television that was very different from today’s shows. It was a fantastic time for both science fiction and fantasy programs. These shows combined supernatural stories, sci-fi ideas, and impressive animation to create a unique and exciting experience. They captivated viewers and sparked the imaginations of many future artists and storytellers.

Many TV shows fade from memory over time, and some fantastic fantasy series from the 1970s and 80s are now forgotten. But these seven shows still bring back memories for those who grew up watching them. While some were huge hits, others had smaller audiences, but they all represent a uniquely charming period of television that’s different from what we see today.

7) H.R. Pufnstuf

As a huge fan, I always think of H.R. Pufnstuf as the perfect example of a 1970s fantasy show! Even though it only originally aired from September to December 1969, the show – created by Sid and Marty Krofft with amazing live-action puppets – was a hit. NBC loved it so much they kept showing reruns until 1971, then ABC picked it up for more reruns in 1972 and 1973. After that, it was on almost constantly in syndication all the way up to 1985. It really left a lasting impression!

H.R. Pufnstuf followed the adventures of Jimmy, a boy who found himself stuck on the magical Living Island with his talking flute, Freddy. The show featured a cast of bizarre and fantastical creatures, and Jimmy was always up against Witchiepoo, an evil witch who desperately wanted Freddy. Known for its strange, dreamlike, and colorful visuals, H.R. Pufnstuf had a lasting impact on children’s television. Surprisingly, it even inspired the creation of McDonald’s iconic McDonaldland characters, leading to a legal battle that the show’s creators, the Kroffts, ultimately won.

6) Dark Shadows

Similar to H.R. Pufnstuf, Dark Shadows originally aired in the 1960s, but it really became popular in the early 1970s and again in the early 1980s thanks to repeated broadcasts. It was so well-loved that it was remade in 1991 and even became a movie directed by Tim Burton in 2012. It’s a show that many people who grew up in the 1970s remember fondly, and it’s likely familiar to viewers from other generations as well.

Dark Shadows was a daytime soap opera on ABC with a gothic twist. It centered on the Collins family and their dramatic lives in a town filled with strange, supernatural events. The show had everything – vampires, witches, werewolves, ghosts, time travel, and even some created monsters! Though it was often over-the-top and melodramatic, it’s remembered for its complex characters, especially the vampire Barnabas Collins, and its surprisingly thoughtful approach to supernatural themes, making it a unique and enjoyable series.

5) Amazing Stories

As a huge movie buff, I always get excited about anything Steven Spielberg touches, and Amazing Stories, which ran from 1985 to 1987, definitely didn’t disappoint. It was an anthology series, meaning each episode was a different story, and while it dabbled in a few genres like horror, it was mostly fantasy. Honestly, every episode was fantastic, and it was amazing seeing so many big names directing – Martin Scorsese, Burt Reynolds, Brad Bird, even Clint Eastwood! It’s a real gem.

It’s hard to describe just how good Amazing Stories was. Each episode featured a completely different story, and they were all exceptionally well-made. While the two seasons offered many memorable moments, episodes like “Santa ’85” and “Remote Control Man” are particularly noteworthy. The show was revived in 2020 on ABC, but most fans still prefer the original series.

4) Dungeons & Dragons

Despite the controversy surrounding Dungeons & Dragons in the 1980s—often called the “Satanic Panic”—the game remained popular, and one notable result was the animated Dungeons & Dragons TV series. The show followed six friends magically transported into a real-life version of the D&D world, guided by a Dungeon Master, as they tried to find their way back home. Though largely forgotten today, it was quite popular when it originally aired.

I remember when this show first came out, it stirred up some talk, but not because it was bad! It wasn’t about the whole ‘Satanic Panic’ thing, but more that it showed a surprising amount of violence for a kids’ show back then. I heard they almost didn’t air the episode ‘The Dragon’s Graveyard’ because the characters actually talked about killing the bad guy! Despite all that, it was hugely popular and, in my opinion, one of the best series ever made.

3) The Storyteller

Jim Henson’s The Storyteller, which first aired in 1987, is an anthology series that combines live actors with puppets. Each episode reimagines a classic tale – one season explored Eastern European folklore, while the other focused on Greek myths. A recurring element throughout the series is an old man sharing these stories with his talking dog.

Like all of Jim Henson’s work, The Storyteller is visually stunning and features incredible puppetry, but it also has a subtly unsettling atmosphere. This creates a unique contrast with the generally comforting and warm way the stories are told, giving the series a charmingly quirky feel. It’s a truly enjoyable show.

2) Down to Earth

Though you might not expect it from a fantasy show, Down to Earth was a sitcom. The series centers around Ethel MacDoogan, a lively woman who died in the 1920s and spent six decades in Heaven hoping to earn her wings. She finally gets her chance by being sent to help the Preston family in the 1980s, becoming their housekeeper – but she’s hilariously out of touch with the modern world.

The series is a bit goofy, but ultimately very endearing. Unlike most fantasy shows that focus on dragons and magic, Down to Earth is refreshingly wholesome. The idea of a kind, trainee angel is a lighthearted fantasy element that makes it perfect for mainstream audiences – and that’s exactly what Down to Earth delivered.

1) He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

It’s no surprise that He-Man and the Masters of the Universe tops this list. The cartoon, which originally aired from 1983 to 1985, was hugely influential and remains popular, as evidenced by the upcoming live-action movie.

He-Man is a fantastic series with everything you could want: a rich fantasy world, heroic characters, good animation, and compelling stories. While it’s been updated a few times, the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe remains the best, and it’s still a standout example of 1980s fantasy television, even if some parts feel a little old-fashioned now.

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2026-02-10 05:41