These days, it seems that greatfantasyTV shows are canceled every day. However, even when a series is canceled before its time, this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth watching. It’s disappointing when a show doesn’t reach its planned ending, often leaving the viewer with an unbelievable cliffhanger that’s never resolved. However,it’s not the conclusion of a show that makes it great, but the road to get there.The characters, writing, and otherworldly settings of these projects are so fun to dive into; it’s worth the sadness when the stories come to an end.
Many of thebest fantasy TV shows are still underrated, which might have contributed to their cancellation. However, this also means that fans can discover these series today and immerse themselves in intriguing and overlooked additions to the genre. It’s shocking that some of these projects were canceled, as these werefantasy TV shows with the best world-buildingand most interesting magic systems of their eras. However, this is further proof that the seasons that do exist arethe perfect stories to fall in love with.
7Carnivàle (2003–2005)
HBO’s Underrated Fantasy Project Was A Turning Point For The Genre
Before HBO helped effectively revive the fantasy genre in the 21st century, thanks toGame of Thrones, it invested in the supernatural period dramaCarnivàle.Set in the 1930s in the Dust Bowl region of the U.S.,Carnivàlefollowed a traveling carnival and the interesting, misunderstood characters who found a sense of belonging there. Packed with references to all types of religions, mythologies, and supernatural legends, fantasy lovers will instantly connect withCarnivàle.
It’s a shame that the series was cut short after just two seasons, as the creator, Daniel Knauf, had intricate plans for the trajectory of the story. While there’s enough excitement in the first two seasons for audiences to get lost in,it would be amazing forCarnivàleto be rebooted or revivedafter all these years. The strange, unsettling aspects ofCarnivàlethat might have been too out-there in the early 2000s are right at home in the 2020s.
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6Shadow And Bone (2021–2023)
The World Of Shadow And Bone Is Easy To Get Lost In
Based on the book series within theGrishaverse,Shadow and Bonewove together the stories of Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) and her fight against the Darkling (Ben Barnes) with the criminal underworld of the Crows. This was a stroke of genius for the Netflix series, as it took the best parts of the novel series as a whole and crafted an even more intriguing show. While there was a lot of ground to cover inShadow and Bonefor the audience to understand the narrative,the world-building is half the fun of a series like this.
The magic system ofShadow and Boneis a highlight of the series, as Alina’s powers as a Sun Summoner make her unique within the story. However, every Grisha in the story has interesting powers that are shaped by their personalities and sensibilities, keeping the audience and characters guessing.Shadow and Bonenever reached the end of Alina’s story,as it was canceled after season 2, but the parts of the narrative that were adapted for the screen feature plenty of action, romance, and betrayal.
Shadow and Bone (2021–2023)
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5Kaos (2024)
A Modern Take On Classic Greek Myths Anchored By An All-Star Cast
Jeff Goldblum puts his unique and contemporary spin on the famed Greek god Zeus in Netflix’sKaos, a recent series that could’ve easily gone on for many years. Showcasing the difference between the old ways of the gods and the small ways mortals can make a difference,Kaosis a brilliant reimagining of Greek mythology. Though retellings of Greek myths have never been more popular,Kaosstill distinguishes itself, leaning into the juxtaposition between the modern setting and the ancient powersat play.
Audiences will be able to see themselves in all the characters, gods and humans alike, while watchingKaos.
For fans of Greek myths, there’s little better than diving headfirst into a show likeKaos, which puts some unexpected twists on the familiar stories. Grappling with larger questions about life, death, and the value of mortality,Kaosfollows the parallel stories of Zeus and his paranoia and the humans who get caught in the web of a prophecy: Eurydice (Aurora Perrineau), Orpheus (Killian Scott), and Ariadne (Leila Farzad). Audiences will be able to see themselves in all the characters, gods and humans alike, while watchingKaos.
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4Galavant (2015–2016)
This Musical-Fantasy Series Has A Biting Sense Of Humor
Though musicals aren’t for everyone, even the most hesitant audiences should give the musical-fantasyGalavanta chance, as the show is satirical and biting in its self-aware references to its genre. Led by Joshua Sasse as the knight Sir Gary Galavant, the series follows his misadventures trying to fulfill his role as a dashing hero, showcasing how often he misses the mark. ThoughGalavantwas canceled after season 2, the showwas never afraid to go off the rails andchannel influences likeMonty Pythonwhen crafting the story.
Galavantstrikes the perfect tone that simultaneously makes fun of itself and its genre while also showcasing a deep love for fantasy stories and musical numbers.Within the magical world ofGalavant, anything is possible,and plot twists abound, so viewers can never guess what’s coming in the next episode. Fortunately, the show never struggles to be pure fun, going out with a bang that will ensure the series is remembered as an overlooked but genius part of the genre.
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This Supernatural Teen Drama Incorporated Plenty Of Mystery & Intrigue
Dead Boy Detectivesis far from the onlyfantasy show Netflix has canceledbefore its time. However,Dead Boy Detectiveswas a great addition to the supernatural teen drama genre, with a premise that could’ve sustained itself for several more seasons.Starring George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri as Edwin and Charles,the titular ghosts who haunt the Earth in an attempt to help other supernatural beings solve crimes,Dead Boy Detectivesis surprisingly emotionally resonant, grappling directly with grief and how to move on after death.
It’s likely that the series will become a cult classic in the next few years.
Incorporating plenty of mystery elements into the fabric of the show,Dead Boy Detectivessees its characters grow a lot throughout the season and find a balance between their own unfinished business and other people’s. With great LGBTQ+ representation and endlessly likable characters,Dead Boy Detectivesis the kind of fantasy show that more people should revisit today. It’s likely that the series will become a cult classic in the next few years, cementing it as a unique but compelling addition to the genre.
2My Lady Jane (2024)
This Romantic Fantasy Period Drama Balances Its Drama With Comedy
From the first episode ofMy Lady Jane, the audience can’t ignore the chemistry between Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel as Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley. Quickly hailed as one of the best period romance TV shows of the 2020s,My Lady Janereceived warm critical and audience reception, but this wasn’t enough to save it from being axed by Prime Video. Fortunately,My Lady Janehad the foresight to provide an ending worthy of the epic love storyof Jane and Guildford.
Set in the 1500s after the death of King Henry VIII,My Lady Janethrows in plenty of fantastical and anachronistic elements to keep the audience on their toes. Only eight episodes long,My Lady Janeis easy to binge-watch, fully immersing the viewer into the politics and intrigue of the court, tracking Jane’s development as our striking hero.While romance is a key piece ofMy Lady Jane, it’s not all the series relies on,adding social commentary and incorporating exciting drama into the fabric of the story.
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1The Wheel Of Time (2021–2025)
The Wheel Of Time Was Hitting Its Stride Just As It Ended
The fact thatThe Wheel of Timewas canceled following its best seasonstill stings a lot, especially considering how many more books in the original series there were to adapt. While every season ofThe Wheel of Timeis worth watching, the slow build to the explosive events and intricate storytelling of season 3 make the most recent season even more satisfying. It would have been even better if the series were returning for a fourth season, but getting lost in the characters' journeys is no less enjoyable without this conclusion.
Fans can turn to Robert Jordan’s original series to continue down the path of the Aes Sedai and the Dragon Reborn.
There areupcoming fantasy shows that could replaceThe Wheel of Time, but this doesn’t lessen the blow of the show’s cancellation. Of course, fans can turn to Robert Jordan’s original series to continue down the path of the Aes Sedai and the Dragon Reborn. However, seeing thisfantasyworld brought to life onscreen is visually spellbinding and is a reminder of how much the landscape of the genre has changed and improved in the 21st century.
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