The 7 Best Romantasy TV Shows of the 21st Century

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Romantasy has quickly become a super binge-worthy genre. It combines romance with fantastical elements like magic, mythical creatures, alternate worlds, and complicated timelines, instantly drawing you into the story. It’s no wonder it’s become so popular! However, many shows try to recreate this formula without success. Some get lost in creating elaborate worlds, while others feature romances that just don’t feel genuine. Truly great romantasy makes you willingly accept even the most unbelievable plot twists, all for the sake of seeing a couple’s journey unfold – and achieving that requires a perfect balance of fantasy and romance.

Some TV shows truly excel at telling epic love stories – whether it’s about impossible romances, long-lost connections, or relationships that defy time. Here are seven of the best romantasy shows from the 21st century that any fan of the genre will love.

7) Interview with the Vampire

While Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles hinted at romance, the TV series takes a much more direct approach – and it works incredibly well, even though this isn’t a typical, easy love story. Interview with the Vampire centers on Louis (Jacob Anderson), a vampire haunted by his past, as he recounts his immortal life and complex relationship with the captivating but ruthless Lestat (Sam Reid). Their connection is passionate, damaging, and full of nuance, deliberately avoiding the perfect, fairytale romances often found in vampire fiction.

The show excels when it explores the complicated realities of long-term relationships – in this case, one spanning centuries. It presents a messy and complex connection, filled with shifting power dynamics and emotional reliance. Louis and Lestat aren’t designed to be a perfect couple; instead, they illustrate how love can become confining when combined with eternal life. Interview with the Vampire offers a mature and psychologically rich take on the romantasy genre, and it’s arguably one of the best examples of the genre ever adapted for television.

6) True Blood

While not every season of True Blood was a hit, the show’s central love story was the main reason it gained such a dedicated following. The series, set in Louisiana where vampires can live openly thanks to artificial blood, follows Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), a waitress who can read minds. She falls for vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and quickly gets caught up in a world of supernatural beings, complicated politics, and messy relationships.

While romance has always been central to the show, True Blood truly stands out because it uses these relationships to examine issues like prejudice, what people want, and the need to feel accepted. Some aspects haven’t held up over time, but the show was a pioneer in bringing the blend of romance and fantasy to television. It combined passionate love stories with important social themes and a lot of wild, unpredictable plotlines. It’s definitely over-the-top and chaotic, but that’s what makes it such a memorable show for viewers.

5) Pushing Daisies

It’s unfortunate that more people haven’t discovered Pushing Daisies – it’s a truly unique and imaginative show. The series centers around Ned (Lee Pace), a baker with the extraordinary ability to bring people back to life with just a touch. However, there’s a significant drawback: he can’t touch them again after reviving them. This creates a complicated and emotionally charged relationship when Ned brings back to life Charlotte “Chuck” Charles (Anna Friel), a childhood friend, forcing them to navigate a romance where even a simple touch could be deadly. This limitation is what drives the heart of the entire show.

Despite its cancellation, Pushing Daisies was a fantastic show with a clever idea and even better storytelling. Unlike many dramas that rely on big, over-the-top moments, this show focused on quiet intimacy – small actions, meaningful glances, and heartfelt conversations – to build its central romance. The couple felt both charming and realistically complex, with a surprising emotional depth. This kind of genuine connection is rare in fantasy, and it’s what made the show so effective, prioritizing emotional truth over fantastical concepts – something truly special in the romantasy genre.

4) Outlander

While Outlander is known more for its drama and science fiction elements, it definitely deserves a place among romantasy shows thanks to its strong romantic storyline. The series truly embraces epic romance, starting with Claire Randall, a nurse from the 1940s, who unexpectedly travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she falls in love with Jamie Fraser, and together they navigate wars, long periods apart, intense emotional challenges, and life-altering choices over many years.

What makes Outlander truly special is that the love story between Claire and Jamie isn’t just a side element – it’s the heart of the entire show. The plot, including the time travel and other storylines, primarily serves to challenge their relationship and demonstrate the lengths they’ll go to for each other. It’s a shame it doesn’t reach a wider audience, but for fans of romantic fantasy who want something a little different, Outlander is a top pick.

3) My Lady Jane

The cancellation of My Lady Jane upset a lot of viewers, and understandably so. It was a truly unique show, taking the story of a historical figure known for tragedy and reimagining it as a funny, romantic fantasy. The series centers on Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader), who’s unexpectedly wed to Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel) in an alternate England where people have the power to turn into animals – and that twist really shakes things up. It’s an odd premise, but that’s what makes it so captivating.

The relationship between Jane and Guildford begins as a duty, but gradually blossoms into a captivating, slow-developing romance that fans of the genre will enjoy. The show cleverly avoids predictable tropes, constantly surprising viewers with unexpected twists. With well-timed moments of breaking the fourth wall, the series presents a realistically developing couple, making you quickly invested in their journey. My Lady Jane is a uniquely imaginative story that feels both witty and lighthearted, proving that romantasy doesn’t always need epic adventures and intense drama—sometimes, it just needs to be enjoyable.

2) The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries essentially defined the current trend of romantic fantasy shows on TV. Even before the genre had a name, this show was a groundbreaking hit. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, it centers on Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and her complicated relationships with vampire brothers Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), a love triangle that captivated a huge audience. The story then grew to include witches, werewolves, age-old curses, and a very intricate and layered backstory.

Even now, people still enjoy and remember the series, largely because its stories always revolved around relationships. Every major event – deaths, betrayals, sacrifices – stemmed from characters’ strong feelings. Despite some writing flaws, The Vampire Diaries consistently focused on what truly captivated viewers: their emotional connection to the characters. While the show wasn’t always perfect, it excelled at making supernatural romance incredibly compelling.

1) A Discovery of Witches

If you’re looking for a fantastic show that doesn’t get enough attention, check out A Discovery of Witches. It perfectly blends a detailed and immersive fantasy world with a compelling, grown-up romance. The story centers on Diana Bishop, a witch and scholar, who uncovers a mysterious magical book. This leads her to connect with Matthew Clairmont, a vampire who also happens to be a scientist. While the idea of a witch and vampire falling in love might sound strange, it actually works incredibly well because their relationship is forbidden – supernatural creatures aren’t supposed to mix!

This show excels at developing romance gradually and realistically. Diana and Matthew’s relationship isn’t instant; they build trust while navigating a complex world of supernatural issues, family drama, and time travel. Similar to Outlander, A Discovery of Witches prioritizes strong world-building and recognizes that a love story is more compelling when it’s based on choice, not just destiny. It’s a fantastic example of how to bring the romantasy genre to life on television.

If you enjoy romantasy, we’d love to hear what shows you’re watching! Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-01 00:44