Entertainment
7 Near-Perfect Fantasy Shows That No One Remembers Today
Over the years, there have been several fantasy shows that fired up the imaginations of countless fans, becoming evergreen pop culture landmarks that are still talked about today. But while shows like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power may be perennial topics of discussion among viewers, for better or worse, there are some fantasy masterpieces that, though brilliant in their own way, have become sadly forgotten. However, though they may not be as popular, these shows are just as worthwhile a watch as any of the most famous fantasy shows in the world today.
From breathtakingly detailed worlds to grounded, character-driven narratives, these underrated shows cover a wide range of genres and styles, taking vastly different approaches to creating the perfect fantasy narrative. And though they may not be well-remembered by the general public, that doesn’t mean they’re any less memorable once you see them. Without further ado, here’s our handpicked selection of near-perfect fantasy shows that no one remembers today.
1
‘Carnivàle’ (2003–2005)
Created by Daniel Knauf, Carnivàle is a fantasy period drama set in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. The show explores the mysterious destiny that connects Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a young man with healing powers who works at a traveling carnival, to Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown), a California preacher with psychic abilities, as their separate lives slowly converge into an epic battle of good and evil. The series also features Michael J. Anderson, Tim DeKay, Patrick Bauchau, Debra Christofferson, Diane Salinger, Clea DuVall, Adrienne Barbeau, and more in supporting roles.
An epic saga with complex worldbuilding and an intriguing mythos, Carnivàle isn’t an easy show to get into, but it rewards its fans with fascinating lore and a unique narrative. The series was largely well-received by critics during its two-season run, but it never quite received the sort of sustained attention it required, and the show was ultimately canceled on a frustrating cliffhanger. Despite its premature end, Carnivàle remains an underrated masterpiece that’s worth revisiting for genre fans, particularly those who enjoy elevated, surrealist fantasies.
2
‘Carnival Row’ (2019–2023)
Set in a steampunk, Victorian-esque world, Carnival Row was created by René Echevarria and Travis Beacham, and inspired by Beacham’s unproduced film spec script, A Killing on Carnival Row. The series revolves around the conflict between the humans of The Burgue and fae refugees who seek refuge in the city, following half-fae inspector Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate (Orlando Bloom) as he investigates a series of murders and navigates a complex relationship with his lost love, the faerie Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne). The show also features Simon McBurney, Tamzin Merchant, David Gyasi, Andrew Gower, Karla Crome, Arty Froushan, Indira Varma, Jared Harris, and more in other significant roles.
A two-season fantasy drama, Carnival Row was never a big hit with critics, facing criticism for its sprawling plot, which attempts to explore class politics, sexism, elitism, race, immigration, and more. But while the writing may not be perfect, the production certainly is, and the show expertly transports viewers to a vibrant and meticulously crafted fantasy world. And for what it’s worth, the show’s political themes and perspectives are certainly as valid and necessary today as they’ve ever been.
3
‘Jentry Chau vs the Underworld’ (2024)
Created by Echo Wu and produced by Titmouse, Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld is an animated series starring Ali Wong as the titular Chinese-American teen. After rediscovering her suppressed magical powers on her 16th birthday, Jentry finds herself targeted by a demon king, forcing her to move from a boarding school in Seoul, South Korea, back to her hometown in suburban Texas. Besides Wong, the show’s voice cast also includes Lori Tan Chinn, Bowen Yang, Lucy Liu, Jimmy O. Yang, and more.
Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld was universally acclaimed when it premiered in 2024, and though it’s dropped off the radar since then, the show is easily one of the most entertaining fantasy action series released in recent years. Using Chinese mythology and folklore to explore a well-rounded coming-of-age story, the series has been praised for its vivid animation style, high-energy soundtrack, and cultural representation, which it does with far greater care and understanding than most. Overall, the series is a brilliant animated fantasy that the whole family can enjoy, and it’s perfect for fans of shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and American Dragon: Jake Long.
4
‘Hellbound’ (2021–2024)
A South Korean dark fantasy horror thriller series, Hellbound was directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who also co-wrote the show with Choi Gyu-seok. Based on their webtoon, the series explores the horrific events that ensue when supernatural beings begin to appear and condemn people to Hell, with nefarious organizations playing on people’s fears to amass power. The show’s ensemble cast stars Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-ah, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Shin-rok, Ryu Kyung-soo, Lee Re, Kim Sung-cheol, Im Seong-jae, Lee Dong-hee, Hong Eui-jun, and Cho Dong-in.
Hellbound is the first Korean drama ever to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. After its Netflix debut, the series became the streamer’s most-watched show in the world, surpassing the first season of Squid Game. Though the latter may be more widely known and loved, Hellbound is a fascinating exploration of human frailty in the face of unimaginable horror, dressed in the garb of a brutal horror story. The show also received several accolades, and it’s a must-watch for fans of terrifying fantasy horror.
5
‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ (2015)
Written by Peter Harness and directed by Toby Haynes, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a British historical fantasy miniseries based on the 2004 novel by Susanna Clarke. Set in an alternative 19th-century England, where magic is real but seldom practiced, the show follows the reclusive magician Gilbert Norrell (Eddie Marsan) and his rakish apprentice Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel) as they deal with the complications of politics, war, fairies, and an ominous prophecy. The series also features Marc Warren, Charlotte Riley, Alice Englert, Samuel West, Ariyon Bakare, Enzo Cilenti, Paul Kaye, Edward Hogg, and Lucinda Dryzek in other key roles.
Expertly adapting a fantasy masterpiece, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a stellar example of good historical fantasy, fully realizing every detail of its world in just seven episodes. The series was a major success at the time of its release in the UK, and it went on to receive four BAFTA nominations and be named one of the top 10 TV shows of the year by the British Film Institute. The show boasts a spectacular production, compelling performances, and a fascinating story, and though it isn’t very well-known outside of genre circles, it’s easily one of the best British fantasy shows of the 21st century so far.
6
‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)
A prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film The Dark Crystal, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance was developed by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, directed by Louis Leterrier, and produced by The Jim Henson Company. Exploring the magical world of Thra in greater detail than ever before, the show follows three young Gelflings as they attempt to unite the Gelfling clans so they can rise against the evil Skeksis. Brought to life entirely through puppetry and practical effects, the series boasts an ensemble voice cast that includes Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Andy Samberg, Helena Bonham Carter, and more, with Sigourney Weaver as the narrator.
Both The Dark Crystal and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance are landmarks of the fantasy genre that proved just how far puppetry can go. Its impeccable production, imaginative storytelling, and moving narrative earned Age of Resistance near-universal acclaim, and the show received several prestigious honors, including an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program. And yet, despite all that, the series was canceled after just one season, and it’s become sorely underrated in the years since.
7
‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)
Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Devilman Crybaby is an anime miniseries that reimagines Go Nagai’s best-selling manga, Devilman, as a modern story. The show follows high school student Akira Fudo, who is inadvertently bonded to a demon after an encounter with his estranged childhood friend Ryo Asuka, becoming the titular Devilman. Kōki Uchiyama leads the voice cast as Akira, with Ayumu Murase as Ryo, and the series was produced by Aniplex and Dynamic Planning with animation by Science Saru.
Transforming the anti-war narrative of the original manga into a sharp, modern critique of social media-fueled xenophobia, Devilman Crybaby is an intensely dark show that explores themes of bigotry, sexuality, and otherness through the metaphor of demonic forces. Though its extremely graphic content was polarizing among viewers, the series was highly acclaimed by critics at the time of its release, and it’s arguably one of the most brilliantly written, performed, and animated anime shows of all time, even if it’s not as well-known as it ought to be. Devilman Crybaby has also been awarded multiple accolades, including the Crunchyroll Anime Award for Anime of the Year.
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